Hollywood Community Housing: Building Stability, Inspiring Hope

When Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) opened its doors in 1989, the historic Los Angeles neighborhood looked very different from the vibrant, bustling district people know today. Crime was high and Hollywood Boulevard was so unsafe the city often closed it on weekends. It was during this time that local leaders and advocates saw an opportunity to stabilize the community by creating safe, dignified housing for Los Angeles residents who needed it most.

From that coalition, HCHC was born. What started as a small, community‑based nonprofit is now a cornerstone of affordable housing development across Los Angeles County. “We’re like the little engine that could,” says Executive Director Sarah Letts. “We keep pushing forward every day to get people into safe, stable housing.” 

Today, HCHC’s properties serve a wide range of residents, including individuals exiting homelessness, families living in substandard housing, seniors and people with disabilities. All residents sign a lease and have full tenant rights just like any renter. More importantly, they have a place to call home: a door they can lock, a private bathroom, neighbors they can get to know. 

“When someone has their own apartment where they have a right to live, it forms the foundation for everything else,” says Letts. “And the interesting thing is, when you show people that respect by giving them a beautiful, safe place to live, they reciprocate. Residents look after these buildings.”

Built into that foundation is a broad array of supportive services. Funded in part by corporate, foundation and individual donors, HCHC is able to provide, or coordinate with a fellow nonprofit to provide wraparound services to residents. This includes early‑learning books, backpacks and school supplies for the youngest residents, as well as access to weekly food pantries, ESL and GED classes, college scholarships and gardening programs. 

Since its inception, HCHC has developed 1,400 units across 34 properties—with two additional residential buildings under construction and two more slated to break ground in 2026.

The organization credits their relationship with Banner Bank as a key part of their long-term success. The relationship began years ago and strengthened when Banner approved them for financing on several projects. “Banner has been innovative, hardworking and a great partner,” says Letts. “Their capital makes projects like Luna Vista and Walnut Park possible—beautifully built environments that we’re so proud of.”

As the Hollywood area has evolved socioeconomically, property and land have become less affordable, leading the organization to expand its work across Los Angeles County to respond to a homelessness crisis affecting more than 72,000 people. “We’re producing new units at the fastest rate in our history,” Letts says. 

Even with this momentum, challenges exist. Funding is limited and demand for government dollars is fierce. Community feedback and planning processes can sometimes extend timelines and add complexity to new housing developments. And large new buildings bring operational complexities, from ADA requirements to rising construction expenses. 

Still, Letts says HCHC continues to “stick to its knitting,” focusing on high‑quality, thoughtfully designed housing that helps residents begin new chapters and strengthens neighborhoods.

Several HCHC buildings include ground‑floor commercial spaces leased to nonprofits that bring community‑building programs into the mix. At Florence Mills Apartments, named for the celebrated Harlem Renaissance singer, dancer and actress, a music nonprofit offers classes and drum circles. And at Gramercy Place, the Rediscover Center runs recycled‑materials art programs. These partnerships create what Letts calls “ripple effects”—each development becomes a more desirable destination for the community at large.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Hollywood Community Housing,” says Sonia Rahm, Senior Vice President and CRE Affordable Housing Director at Banner. “Their housing developments bring dignity, stability and opportunity to so many Angelenos, and it’s an honor to support them with this important mission.”