County Spotlights the Value of Affordable Housing During Housing America Month

Celebrating the Importance of Housing Stability for Families Across Los Angeles County

October 30, 2026 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is proud to recognize October as Housing America Month, a nationwide celebration led by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Housing America Month, established by NAHRO in 2007, brings awareness to the need for safe, suitable, and affordable housing, and highlights the commendable work of housing agencies and community development organizations across the nation. As a member of NAHRO, we support the vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for all.

As the County’s Public Housing Agency, the LACDA administers rental subsidy programs that create housing opportunities and stability for over 30,000 vulnerable families, as well as the first-time homebuyer programs, affordable housing development financing and preservation, and the largest urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in the nation. In Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the LACDA’s contributions towards eliminating the housing crisis in Los Angeles County included 1,643 Section 8 Housing Vouchers leases completed, 2,501 veterans housed through the Veterans Supportive Housing Program, 2,653 Project-Based units leased,134 public housing units leased to new tenants, and breaking ground on seven affordable housing developments that will offer a cumulative 731 affordable units.

The LACDA acknowledges that access to affordable housing, paired with resources for self-sufficiency, is essential to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations, and provide the foundation for long-term success. For example, Mr. Samaniego, a 101 year-old senior resident at the LACDA’s Nueva Maravilla public housing development, previously had experienced housing challenges due to rent increases, limited income, and insufficient access to resources, and was referred to the LACDA for help. Now a public housing resident of over 25 years, Mr. Samaniego does not have to be concerned about housing instability and enjoys his senior years surrounded by his community and supported with services that allow him to feel independent and cared for. “Having spent years working in various roles, from factories and painting houses, to working at a special needs school, once I retired, I was especially grateful to have found somewhere to live that is both comfortable and affordable,” said Mr. Samaniego.

There is also Sharonda, a resident from the LACDA’s South Scattered Sites public housing development, who is a prime example of how having stable housing provided the foundation she needed to conquer her goals. As a single mother to a son with special needs, the family had fallen into homelessness after struggling to secure adequate employment to maintain stable housing. Through her own determination and the resources and support received from the LACDA, Sharonda pushed through every challenge and is now a college graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and is currently enrolled in the Master's Program. “It took me a couple of months to get my unit, but I stayed patient and prayerful. It [housing assistance] afforded me to go back to school and try to do better for myself. It’s made it really easy for me to try and build a different life for myself,” said Sharonda.

“Mr. Samaniego and Sharonda are just two examples of the thousands of residents we work with on a daily basis. Their stories are all different, but their basic need is the same; a safe and affordable place to call home. Residents are living proof that supportive housing can have a positive, life changing impact on so many individuals and families across Los Angeles County,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “As October comes to an end, we stand alongside other NAHRO members to celebrate the significance of Housing America and the benefits of expanding affordable housing opportunities nationwide.” 

To learn more about NAHRO’s Housing America Month, click here for additional information.