Caring for the Mentally Challenged at Alma Lodge (VIDEO)

Alma Lodge, an assisted-living facility for the mentally challenged, is located in the heart of Eagle Rock—a stone's throw west of the landmark Italian Bakery & Deli on Colorado Boulevard. Run by a staff of 19 people, including the Filipino American couple that has owned the place for the past 13 years, Alma Lodge offers a community environment to its residents and is licensed to house up to 80 individuals.

Alma Lodge's co-owner and administrator Aida Yanson welcomed Thursday’s news that a coalition of government officials, private donors and nonprofit organizations will allocate $105 million for “permanent supportive housing” of the chronically homeless in Los Angeles County.

Although she had some questions about how the money would be channelized for the so-called "Home for Good" initiative, Yanson, a chemist by training, is pleased that the funds will be used to provide long-needed succor to the homeless in LA, especially downtown.

In the accompanying video, Yanson talks about some of the challenges of running Alma Lodge.