New Affordable Housing Projects Bring Hope to South Los Angeles Communities

South Los Angeles is seeing a wave of affordable housing developments as city and county officials work to address the region’s ongoing housing crisis.

Los Angeles County recently approved additional funding for an affordable housing project at 2201 E. 1st Street, near the Metro E Line’s Soto Station. The development from A Community of Friends will provide homes for individuals and families who have struggled to find affordable options in the competitive housing market.

In another development, Hollywood Handy Construction has broken ground on the Testimonial Community Love Center’s new 40-bed modular interim housing project in South Los Angeles. The facility will provide trauma-informed supportive housing for residents experiencing homelessness, with completion expected in 2026.

A new 90-unit affordable housing building was recently unveiled at 800 W. 85th Street in South LA. The four-story structure represents the kind of development housing advocates say is needed throughout the region.

For Inglewood and neighboring communities, these developments offer models for addressing local housing needs. The city is subject to state requirements to plan for over 456,000 new housing units between 2021 and 2029—more than five times the previous allocation.

Veterans and individuals exiting homelessness also have new options. My Angel, located in the North Hills neighborhood, recently opened as permanent supportive housing. The development in the San Fernando Valley provides a template that could be replicated elsewhere.

City officials have approved new ordinances to encourage housing development, including the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP), the Housing Element Sites and Minimum Density Ordinance, and the Resident Protections Ordinance.

Housing advocates emphasize that while new construction is essential, protecting existing affordable units and preventing displacement of current residents must remain priorities.

Community members interested in affordable housing opportunities can contact the Los Angeles Housing Department for information about available units and application processes.