Los Angeles, CA - For hundreds of Los Angeles families, the dream of career advancement and economic mobility just received a multi-million-dollar boost.

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is proud to announce it has been awarded $1.6 million in renewal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to sustain its transformative Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program through 2026. This federal investment will continue the successful program that helps 384 Section 8 families move from housing assistance to financial independence through dedicated career coaching and a unique savings plan.

"This funding from HUD is an investment in the resilience and ambition of our residents," said HACLA President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramírez. "We aren't just providing a roof; we are building a bridge to long-term stability. By securing these funds, we ensure that nearly 400 families have the steady guidance and capital they need to turn their professional goals into generational wealth."

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

The FSS program provides dedicated case managers to establish a personalized roadmap to economic stability through job training, education, and a unique "escrow" savings incentive that rewards increased earnings. The $1.6 million grant will fund 11 full-time service coordinator positions, the frontline mentors who help participants navigate the complexities of career growth. The FSS model is built on a five-year commitment: families work toward full-time employment and financial independence and, in return, HACLA helps them build a dedicated savings account.

"The FSS Program provided me with guidance, valuable resources, and consistent support when I needed it most," said FSS program participant Patricia Arellano. "I truly wanted to find a better job and improve my situation, and the program helped me grow, stay motivated, and work toward long-term stability and independence. That decision ended up being one of the best choices I made."

Program Outcomes

As a participant's income grows, a portion of their increased rent is deposited into an escrow account. Upon successful completion of the program, the family receives these funds-often totaling thousands of dollars-to use for:

• Down payments on a first home;

• Higher education tuition;

• Starting or expanding a small business;

• Eliminating debt

Impact by the Numbers

• $1.6 Million: Total renewal funds secured by HACLA for 2026.

• 384: Number of Los Angeles families currently enrolled and building their futures.

• 5 Years: The duration of the life-changing "Contract of Participation."

"Through the FSS program, HACLA provides the resources families need to succeed," added Castro Ramirez. "With the right support and their own hard work, Angelenos are proving every day that moving from housing assistance to financial independence is possible."

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 13 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

Contact

[email protected]