LA Más, LA4LA, and Self-Help Ventures Fund Secure Affordable Housing in Northeast LA
Photo courtesy of LA Más: LA Más Executive Director Helen Leung with Lead Strategist at LA4LA Sarah Dusseault, Deputy Mayor of Housing Kevin Keller, resident Andres Cortes, Self-Help Ventures Fund Sr. Project Manager Tim Quinn, and LA Más Community Promotores Teresa Roman, Gualadupe Soto, Concepcion Galicia, Irma Reyes, Maria Dolores Moreno, and Manuel Galicia stand in front of the newly acquired property on Arvia.
October 10th: LA Más, in partnership with Self-Help Ventures Fund and other community-based organizations, proudly announces the acquisition of the 3130 Arvia Street property in Northeast Los Angeles. This milestone project preserves affordable housing for long-term residents and signals a powerful shift in housing solutions that prioritize community stability over displacement.
The purchase was financed through a blend of low-cost capital from Self-Help Ventures Fund and grants from the Local Initiative Support Corporation Los Angeles (LISC LA) and LA4LA. The overall project budget stands at $1.6 million, with $1.2 million dedicated to the acquisition itself. This initiative not only ensures long-term housing affordability but also integrates community governance into property management, empowering residents to have a direct role in shaping the future of their neighborhood.
With support from Mayor Bass’ initiative LA4LA, this project forms part of a broader vision to address the housing and homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. Emphasizing the need for innovation in housing solutions, Mayor Karen Bass stated, “We must continue to take innovative steps to make more housing available while doing it in a cheaper and more efficient way. The old way of people dying on the street because of red tape is over. We must continue this momentum to take action in new ways and to save lives.”
Sarah Dussealt, Lead Strategist of LA4LA, added, "LA4LA is proud to support this project because it keeps and preserves naturally occurring affordable housing in a way that could be scaled across the city. With our investment, we’re keeping units affordable in perpetuity."
"This is a huge milestone for LA Más and for our community," said Helen Leung, Executive Director of LA Más. "We embarked on this journey of taking housing off the market because our community wanted us to explore housing solutions that keep our neighbors rooted here. Arvia demonstrates that a grassroots campaign coupled with values-aligned partners means we can preserve affordable housing even under intense displacement pressures."
The project will also include the construction of a new 640-square-foot, two-bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in place of the existing garage. The investment in the ADU planned for next year will generate additional revenue to help keep rents low for current tenants while potentially providing housing for a Section 8 voucher holder from the local area.
Tim Quinn, Senior Project Manager at Self-Help Ventures Fund, highlighted the importance of partnerships in making this project possible: "We’re excited to partner with LA Más as co-owners of Arvia and demonstrate that creative financing and partnerships between community-based organizations and non-profit developers is a powerful example of systems change."
Current residents of 3130 Arvia Street will see immediate benefits, with LA Más committed to keeping rents affordable and involving residents in the decision-making process. Andres Cortes, a 15-year resident, shared his relief and excitement: "I’m so grateful and excited that I can continue calling this place home and share in community with my neighbors. I know mis abuelos would be happy to hear that their legacy is being honored, and cared for– residents here will continue to be able to have affordable housing and live in peace. I look forward to the future here at Arvia."
Financing and Future Plans
The project was financed through multiple sources, with Self-Help Ventures Fund providing the bulk of the low-interest capital. LA Más also secured nearly $300,000 in grants from partners like LISC LA and LA4LA to close the funding gap. LA Más will serve as the managing partner of a joint LLC with Self-Help Ventures Fund, with the goal of taking sole ownership of the property in the future.
To ensure the long-term affordability of the units, residents will voluntarily disclose their income annually to qualify for reduced property taxes under the Welfare Tax Exemption. Additionally, market-rate rent for the new ADU will further support the preservation of low rents for current tenants.
Moving forward, LA Más plans to expand its community-driven housing model. The organization is working to formally integrate Community Land Trust (CLT) principles into its governance structure, inviting working-class neighbors to take part in shaping future housing projects. The team also plans to acquire additional properties, focusing on cases where residents are organized, and sellers are patient.
Acknowledgments
This project would not have been possible without the support of dedicated partners:
LISC LA and LA4LA: Providing nearly $300K in equity investment to LA Más
Office of: Office: Assisting with ADU feasibility
Thompson Coburn LLP, Gundzik Gundzik Heeger LLP, and Public Counsel: Offering legal expertise
Sammy Lyon: Realtor for the project
The Cortes Family: Patient sellers who worked closely with LA Más through a longer escrow process
For media inquiries or to learn more about LA Más’ work in affordable housing, please contact Helen Leung at (323) 504-5391 or helen@mas.la. High-res images available here.
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About LA Más
LA Más is a community-based organization dedicated to shaping equitable housing and economic solutions for working-class neighbors in Northeast Los Angeles. Through partnerships with residents and local stakeholders, LA Más works to prevent displacement and foster community ownership. For more information, visit www.mas.la.
About Self-Help Ventures Fund
The Self-Help Ventures Fund is a part of the nonprofit Center for Community Self-Help, a family of nonprofit organizations whose collective mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. For 40+ years, Self-Help and its affiliates have provided over $10.5 billion in financing to help borrowers buy homes, start and grow businesses and strengthen community resources. For more information, visit www.self-help.org.