HACLA - Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles

27/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 27/06/2024 23:10

Build Hope Inc. partners with HACLA to award over $300,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and continuing students living in Section 8 and Public Housing

LOS ANGELES - On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) collaborated with its nonprofit partner, Build Hope Inc., to host the 12th Annual Build Hope Inc. (BHI) Scholarship Celebration. Hosted in person for the first time since the COVID19 pandemic, the event was well attended with a total of 159 scholars and their families. Students beginning or continuing their post-secondary education and who reside in public or Section 8 housing communities in the City of Los Angeles, were awarded a total of $311,500 in scholarships to support their academic endeavors. Some of the schools attended by the students include: Georgetown University, Loyola Marymount University, Mount Saint Mary's University, Stanford, UCLA, USC, and several California State Universities as well as other private and public academic institutions.

Welcome and congratulatory remarks were given by HACLA Board Chair and BHI Chairperson, Cielo Castro. An inspirational keynote address was given by Naomi Rodriguez, Founder and Managing Partner of 3GENS Consulting. Returning student speakers, Marveon Mabon (rising 4th year student at Morehouse College) and Kimberly Ortiz (rising 3rd year student at CSU Los Angeles), shared a few inspiring and encouraging words as well. The highlight for many of the students were several surprise congratulatory videos from community leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Clipper Terance Mann.

Graduating Seniors and Returning Scholars were presented awards by HACLA Senior Staff, Build Hope Inc. Board Members, LAPD's Community Safety Partnership division, and other nonprofit partners like SoCal CAN. Donors to the scholarship fund include LAPD Youth Foundation, California Community Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Nan McKay, Verizon, Yardi, Alta Med, JOA Group, EFI Global Inc., Reno & Cavanaugh, and Berman Hopkins.

Director Castro stated, "we are ecstatic to have aligned so many generous funding partners under the banner of Building Brighter Futures, Build Hope Inc.'s Scholarship Program. Thanks to their generosity, this year's total scholarship award was over $100,000 more than last years!"

"Build Hope Inc. has a unique role in our partnership with HACLA as we continue to reduce barriers to create a more equitable playing field," said BHI President Jenny Scanlin. "Today's ceremony is a testament to the tenacity and drive of these students and we are excited to provide the mentorship and financial support to help them move forward in their post-secondary education path."

If you are interested in donating to Build Hope Inc., please contact (213) 252-5458 or visit https://buildhopeinc.org/donations/.

About HACLA
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) was established in 1938 by City of Los Angeles Resolution No. 1241. HACLA is one of the nation's largest and leading public housing authorities, providing the largest supply of quality affordable housing to residents of the City of Los Angeles. HACLA provides affordable housing to over 83,000 households in its Public Housing and Section 8 departments, and offers a range of permanent supportive housing programs for homeless households, including: Project-Based, HUD - Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Homeless, Tenant Based Supportive Housing, Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), Continuum of Care and Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

About Build Hope Inc.
Build Hope Inc. was created in 2002 by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to ensure that low-income Los Angeles residents living in the city's public housing developments receive comprehensive social, health, educational, and employment opportunities. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life through long-term academic and economic success. BHI is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty by focusing on access to resources and implementation of innovative approaches for resident engagement and services. Our program areas cover economic opportunity, resource resiliency, and education and enrichment. These core components of our mission build strong communities and empower residents. For more information, visit www.buildhopeinc.org.

Contact:

John King, Interim Director of Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations

213-252-5464

[email protected]

Courtney Harris, Media & Marketing Specialist

213-252-1272

[email protected]