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2025 Grants Challenge

Bees and Pollen

“Bees and Pollen,” an innovative early learning and housing initiative that mirrors the quiet power of bees—small but vital—creating lasting impact for low-income families in Los Angeles. The program combines a state-funded preschool and afterschool education center with a 10-unit affordable housing complex for single member families, offering children a strong start and parents a stable, dignified home. Having lived experience and built for systemic change, this project spreads opportunity like pollen—nurturing growth, resilience, and equity.

What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?

Community safety

In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

South LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit) County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?

We would like to address the housing crisis that many families face, particularly single parents with children, who often cannot find stable housing. Unlike temporary shelters, which may not accommodate families or have limited space, our 'bees and pollen' project provides a permanent, supportive living environment. This initiative will allow families to live with dignity and stability. To move forward, we need to cover the high plan check and permit fees required by the City of Los Angeles. Once these plans are approved, we can secure funding and construct a 10-unit affordable housing complex above our state-funded preschool and afterschool program, fostering growth and stability for both parents and children.

Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.

Our project, the 'Bees and Pollen' initiative, is an innovative solution designed to address the housing crisis faced by single parents with children. We plan to construct a mixed-use building that combines a 10-unit affordable housing complex with a state-funded preschool and afterschool program. This integrated approach not only provides safe and stable housing for families but also offers educational opportunities for their children, all under one roof. This holistic environment promotes stability, growth, and a sense of community. The grant will help us cover the initial costs of plan checks and permit fees, paving the way for construction and making a lasting impact on families in need, as well as resources for the families.

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

If our program is successful, Los Angeles County will see a tangible reduction in family homelessness and an increase in stable, supportive environments for single parents and their children. Families will no longer have to choose between living in unsafe conditions or being separated in shelters. Instead, they’ll thrive in a nurturing community that supports both their housing and educational needs. This will lead to stronger family bonds, improved educational outcomes for children, and greater economic stability for parents. Ultimately, our project will foster a more resilient and inclusive community, setting a model for holistic family support throughout the county. Ultimately, our project will foster a more resilient and inclusive community, setting a model for holistic family support throughout the county. Our 'bees' will continue to pollinate beyond housing, enriching the community ecosystem with stability and growth.

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 75

Indirect Impact: 160