Twelve current and former residents of Blue Butterfly Village in San Pedro have filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the nonprofit operator Volunteers of America. The plaintiffs say the landlord allowed the 74-unit complex to fall into disrepair and retaliated against those who reported problems.
The property opened in 2015 as subsidized housing for women veterans who had experienced homelessness. Tenants pay up to 30 percent of their income, with the balance covered by vouchers including HUD-VASH and Section 8 programs. The complex received roughly $12 million in public funds and donated land during redevelopment.
Jade Easley, an Army veteran who lived at the site until earlier this year, said city inspectors found faulty smoke detectors, defective stairs and plumbing issues in her unit. She reported that a broken door lock went unfixed for months after a break-in and that mice were audible in the walls at night.
Other complaints listed in the complaint include overflowing septic systems, nonfunctioning street lights, accumulating trash and wildlife intrusions such as coyotes under fences and black widow spiders on patios. One unit allegedly operated as a drug den for years because of lax security.
Attorney Alisa Randell of Public Counsel, who represents the tenants, said the conditions have affected residents’ mental health and that the suit seeks repairs, an end to alleged retaliation and compensation for overpaid rent and emotional distress.
Volunteers of America declined an interview request. In a written statement the organization said it inspects properties regularly and responds promptly to maintenance requests, adding that it remains committed to the site.
Rob Reynolds, a veteran advocate, told LAist that similar habitability complaints have surfaced at other veteran housing projects in Los Angeles. He said successful litigation could improve oversight of property managers receiving public funds.
According to LAist reporting, the city Housing Authority has placed at least three units under abatement in recent years after failed inspections. The Housing Department currently lists no open violations at the complex.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/women-veteran-homelessness-los-angeles-blue-butterfly-village-san-pedro-lawsuit