Building Pathways and Transforming Lives

Affordable housing and homelessness

South LA East LA Central LA West LA

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Los Angeles faces a persistent homelessness crisis, with over 75,000 people unhoused as of 2024. Contributing factors include a lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health challenges, limited literacy, and systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Many fall through the cracks due to limited access to interim housing with supportive services that address root causes of instability. Low literacy can hinder access to jobs, health care, and resources deepening the cycle of poverty. We recognize that homelessness is not just about housing, but a complex social issue requiring a coordinated, compassionate, and holistic response. Our transitional housing program fills a critical gap by offering safe shelter and wraparound support, helping individuals stabilize, rebuild, and transition to permanent housing.

The Stepping Stone Project will launch a transitional housing program in parts of the City of Los Angeles that provides unhoused individuals, especially those with mild to moderate mental health challenges and disabilities with a safe, dignified place to live while they rebuild their lives. This initiative directly addresses the ongoing homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County by filling a critical gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing. The program will offer 4–10 fully furnished residential units with access to wraparound services including case management, life skills development, mental health support, job readiness training, and assistance obtaining identification, benefits, and healthcare. Participants will work with trained staff to develop individualized plans that support long-term stability and housing placement. Stays will typically range from six months to two years. Grant funds will support the acquisition and renovation of the housing facility, staffing, and program development. Our holistic, trauma-informed approach is designed to promote self-sufficiency, reduce recidivism into homelessness, and build a foundation for lasting change.

The Stepping Stone Project envisions a Los Angeles County where homelessness among vulnerable adults with mental health challenges and disabilities is significantly reduced through stable transitional housing and trauma-informed care. Our program supports individuals in achieving stability, employment, and long-term community integration ultimately decreasing dependence on emergency services. Rooted in dignity, recovery, and equity, our model delivers wraparound support tailored to individual needs. We aim to scale by partnering with local agencies and nonprofits, expanding access across the county and, eventually, statewide. Through data-driven evaluation, capacity building, and targeted advocacy, we will replicate and sustain a proven approach that redefines how homelessness is addressed resulting in lasting, systemic change and reduced strain on public services throughout Los Angeles County.