It began with housing…
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation (“Esperanza”) was established in 1989 to support the residents of the Figueroa Corridor of South Central Los Angeles, whose homes were being threatened by encroaching construction. Today, Esperanza remains committed to investing in this vibrant community, offering support through five core program areas: Affordable Housing, Health, Arts, Environmental Justice and Economic Development; these areas are also underlined by a policy component. Esperanza broadens and strengthens its impact through strategic partnerships with community members, nonprofits, businesses and policy makers.
Esperanza currently serves 126,000 individuals a year. In all of its activities, Esperanza strives to build hope with community
Esperanza’s Core Program Areas
Affordable Housing
“It began with housing…” Esperanza improves the quality and affordability of housing in our neighborhood by developing new family apartments and rehabilitating existing properties, as well as enhancing community life through various programs.
Economic Development
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, Esperanza offers entrepreneurship opportunities through its place-based, inclusive equitable development project. To learn more, visit Mercado La Paloma.
Environmental Justice
“What creates a healthy environment?” Esperanza engages local residents in understanding how environmental factors can impact your health and how we can keep our neighborhood healthy!
People Not Pozos Film
University Park in south Los Angeles is home to working class and primarily Latinx families. It is also the site of a 21-well oil extraction facility that is just next door to where people live, play, and go to school. The community has come together to fight back.
Arts & Culture
Promoting involvement in the arts and increasing community engagement, Esperanza’s programming celebrates South L.A’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions through art exhibits, workshops, live music and dance performances, dance classes, film screenings, spoken word, panel discussions, and annual arts and cultural festivals.
View the South Central Archives Website to see our past projects and exhibitions.
Health
What makes a healthy neighborhood?” Esperanza’s comprehensive community health programs offer a range of services focused on ensuring essential health education and access to health care for neighborhood residents.
Systems Change and Policy Advocacy
To connect programs and community activities to ongoing systemic-change efforts, by basing systemic and policy advocacy efforts around our mission and in partnership with allied organizations. We focus on community power-building, equitable development, displacement and gentrification prevention, preservation & production of affordable housing, environmental justice, immigrant rights, and public health.