CONNECTWe are family-owned and operated, and our desire is to bring a bit of our home to your table.
This grant will support House of Masa, a culturally rich culinary initiative that celebrates community, diversity, and love through authentic Latin food. Rooted in the belief that friends are the family you choose, we create a welcoming space where everyone feels at home—united by flavor, tradition, and shared connection.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Immigrant and refugee support
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA East LA South LA San Gabriel Valley Long Beach County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide 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?
Our understanding of the issue we are seeking to address is the lack of cultural, emotional, and economic support systems for immigrants and refugees as they work to build new lives in unfamiliar environments. House of Masa was born out of a deeply personal desire to support our own immigrant family members—recognizing the challenges they faced in finding belonging, stability, and dignity. Through food, community, and cultural celebration, we aim to create spaces that empower, uplift, and honor the immigrant experience.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This grant will support the production and distribution of our handmade tamales—a core offering of House of Masa—which not only preserves cultural tradition but also serves as a sustainable source of income to support immigrant families like our own. By financing ingredients, kitchen access, and packaging, this initiative will allow us to expand our reach, share meaningful food with our community, and directly reinvest profits into the well-being and stability of immigrant households. Through each tamale, we are feeding both body and soul while honoring the resilience of those who came before us.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will be a more connected, inclusive, and culturally vibrant community—one where immigrant families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Through House of Masa, we will foster economic empowerment by creating opportunities for immigrant families to earn income, preserve cultural traditions, and build community through food. Our vision is a county where diverse voices and flavors are not only welcomed but woven into the social and economic fabric—proving that belonging starts at the table.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 50
Indirect Impact: 1,000