Robert Smith's Story
Life had always been exciting for Robert Smith. Having served two tours of duty in the United States Army, the licensed contractor and part-time musician had his own business in California rehabilitating houses. Until he got sick. After suffering from a heart attack and undergoing the subsequent recuperation and hospital stay, Robert suddenly found everything gone: his money, his business, his tools, his home. With no one hiring contractors in poor health, and no tools, Robert entered into a cycle of sleeping on friends’ couches and going to shelters and missions.It was through the Salvation Army in Westwood that he heard about the Russ Hotel, a SRO Housing property aimed at providing transitional housing to veterans. And then just a few short months later, the Renato Apartments opened next door and Robert knew he had found a permanent place to stay. With 96 studio apartments, the Renato is one of the newest properties on San Julian Street on Skid Row and a place Robert Smith can call home.