LOS ANGELES – A place for pets was on the mind of housing director Victor James when he helped design the St. Andrews Bridge Housing facility.

James, who has worked in homeless outreach for over 20 years, says that family is first no matter what form they take.

“Try to bring back a sense of normalcy having a place to stay and also include everybody so whatever your family structure is it’s what we have to do,” says James.

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That sense of normalcy includes free washer and dryers at the facility that James makes sure stays in top shape. If there is trash to be taken out, he is on top of that too. James says that it is the passion for people that drives him to make this a great place to live.

“Sometimes we take things for granted and to have a nice clean place to be at, this is their home so they deserve a nice clean environment,” says James.

Unlike other facilities, the newly minted Bridge House offers residents 180 days before having to move out. The window to move out is nearly double the amount of other similar facilities

While the move out window is great for residents, this change can potentially create issues. So James makes sure he is hands on with the staff and residents like Jonathan Rivas, who says that he appreciates a safe place to sleep.

“When you in the streets you can’t get no sleep sometimes it’s unpredictable and right here I feel safe. I feel like have another chance in life,” says Rivas. “I’m grateful I can’t believe it God is great man that there’s people that care about people that out there suffering.”

The positive feedback is something the housing director loves to hear.

“I let them know that today their story is not over, their story is just starting today you have another opportunity tomorrow to write another chapter in your story. So just to give that encouragement is a blessing,” says James.

With passion like that it gives people a fighting chance to return back to normalcy.