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Los Angeles, the second most populous city in the United States, is facing one of the most severe housing crises in the country. It has one of the highest rents in the nation and the lack of affordable places to live is leading more and more Angelenos to experience homelessness. Data from the LA County 2023 Affordable Housing Income Report showed that the county needs at least 521,596 more affordable homes to meet the demand among lower income families.
In 2016, voters approved Proposition HHH, which would create a dedicated source of funding to develop permanent supportive housing. The $1.6 billion of bonds went toward both permanent homes and temporary shelters. Progress was slow, but the city eventually surpassed its goal of completing 10,000 units by 2026, instead reaching 13,932 affordable and supportive homes (6,187 are completed and 7,115 are in design and development phases), as of May 2024.
LA Family Housing and SoLa Impact, two organizations dedicated to addressing housing insecurity in the Los Angeles area, have made strides with projects designed to build affordable homes and create support programs.
LA Family Housing’s portfolio contains more than 30 properties, and last year, it opened Summit View Apartments in Sylmar, a neighborhood in the north side of Los Angeles. The complex has 48 permanent homes for unhoused veterans, as well as an open-air courtyard, computer lab, fitness center, laundry room, and community spaces. You can learn more about LA Family Housing’s mission and impact in a 2021 conversation ABQ had with CEO Stephanie Klasky-Gamer here.
SoLa Impact seeks to serve low-income communities in southern California by building affordable housing, integrating its developments with local amenities and services, and offering job training, educational programs, and healthcare resources. Construction on Project 117th, a 4-story, 100-unit building, is expected for completion this summer. The property is close to a light rail, hospital, and retail storefronts. You can learn more about SoLa’s approach to building in a 2022 conversation ABQ had with Vice President of Construction Francisco Zepeda here.
The Benefits of Affordable Housing
For the People
- Mental and Physical Health:Lack of access to affordable housing has a significant impact on stress levels and susceptibility to poor health.
- Stability and Savings: Substandard living conditions often result in constant relocations and/or maintenance fees.
- Nearby Employment:Housing options allow residents to live closer to job opportunities, saving time and money on commutes plus job satisfaction.
For the Public
- Economic Boost: Affordable housing brings in more residents to an area, increasing the demand for local goods and services.
- Cultural Diversity: Lower cost options for housing diversifies the community, enriching its social fabric and making neighborhoods more equitable.
- Desirable Destination: Affordable housing can be integrated into mixed-use developments to create walkable communities with residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
For the Planet
- Sustainable Solutions: Builders can use prefabricated and modular construction techniques to minimize time, money, and waste.
- Operational Cost Savings: Solar panels, high-performance insulation, and smart home technologies can lower utility bills and be more energy efficient.
- Going Carless: Affordable housing is often placed near public transportation, reducing reliance on vehicles and lowering carbon emissions.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
