Producer Eric Newman and wife Dana Newman are doubling down on their commitment to Venice Community Housing. The couple, longtime supporters of the organization, made a $500,000 donation to the nonprofit as a way to support affordable housing initiatives.
Founded in 1988, VCH works to invest in permanently affordable housing, advance health and housing-based solutions for unhoused people, promote youth development and education, and build strategic partnerships based on equity and inclusion.
The organization has more than 300 homes in operation and another 400-plus in development. The nonprofit serves more than 1,300 people, the majority of whom are people of color. VCH is currently inching toward a grand opening of Journey Apartments, 40 units for transition-aged youth experiencing homelessness and people experiencing chronic homelessness.
“On behalf of VCH, we graciously thank the Newmans for their long-term and very generous support,” VCH’s co-executive director Erika Lee said in response to the sizable gift. “Donations like this help us provide move-in ready apartments for those exiting homelessness, provide free education programs and a wide array of supportive services for all residents.”
Eric Newman has a résumé that dates back to the late ’90s. His list of credits includes Dawn of the Dead, Children of Men, The Last Exorcism, The Thing, RoboCop, Bright, Spiderhead and the Rebel Moon franchise. He’s also shepherded high-profile TV series as executive producer, including such projects as Narcos, Griselda and Cowboy Cartel. Upcoming releases include American Primeval, starring Taylor Kitsch, and Zero Day, starring Robert De Niro.
Dana Newman first learned about VCH in 2009, when she lived not far from the org’s Westminster TLC family shelter. She began volunteering shortly thereafter with children at the shelter. She joined the VCH’s board of directors and served as a treasurer for many years.