Dear Supporters and Partners, As we close out 2024, we are proud to reflect on the transformative work accomplished this year in South Los Angeles. With your partnership, T.R.U.S.T. South LA continues to make strides in stabilizing neighborhoods, advancing environmental justice, and empowering residents to shape the future of their communities. This report highlights our collective achievements and sets the stage for the opportunities ahead.
Impact
Publication
Increasing Community Power and Health Through Movement-Driven Community Land Trusts for strategies to build scale and impact of grassroots CLTs during post-COVID recovery.
Transformative Climate Communities Report: prepared for the South Los Angeles Climate Commons
media
April 4, 2018
Organizing and the Community Land Trust Model
As housing costs soar in urban markets, activists are increasingly turning to Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as a tool for promoting housing equity and preventing displacement.
November 7, 2019
Celebrating Rolland Curtis Gardens: A Grand Opening
TRUST South LA, as a community land trust (CLT), played a crucial role in preserving affordable housing at Rolland Curtis Gardens, preventing the displacement of low-income residents facing gentrification near USC
October 14, 2020
LISC LA Launches the South LA Economic Inclusion Implementation Plan!
The Watts Rebellion in 1965 and the Los Angeles Uprising in 1992 originated in South LA, but the 2020 uprisings sparked by George Floyd’s murder highlighted the long-ignored frustrations
October 28, 2020
Homelessness and Food Deserts in Los Angeles
Homelessness and food accessibility remain critical issues in Los Angeles, where over 41,000 people are currently homeless—a 14% increase from the previous year.
April 19, 2021
The New Rolland Curtis Gardens Preserves and Expands Transit-Adjacent Affordable Housing in Los Angeles
Rolland Curtis Gardens opened in Spring 2019 in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, featuring 140 residential units and 8,000 square
October 28, 2022
California Awards $96 Million for Climate Projects in 10 Frontline Communities
The State of California has allocated $661 million to the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program since 2016 to support community-led climate initiatives.
November 12, 2022
Fed up with failed leadership, L.A. voters backed mansion tax to help the homeless. Will it work?
TRUST South LA played a key role in advancing the passage of United to House LA (Measure ULA), which promises to provide $600 million to $1
November 23, 2022
LADOT Celebrates Launch of $60 Million South LA EcoLab Program
A coalition of community organizations, including T.R.U.S.T. South LA, SLATE-Z, CicLAvia, and others, partnered with the City of Los Angeles and LA Metro to secure a $35 million Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant.
December 12, 2022
Local orgs fight environmental injustices with new funding
South Los Angeles has faced environmental injustices for generations, but new state funding aims to address these inequities, with TRUST South LA playing a key role. The organization
January 17, 2023
City Council Says Proposed South LA Hotel Should Be Used for Affordable Housing
The Los Angeles City Council has vetoed the denial of a permit for a 168-room Marriott Hotel in South LA, sending the proposal back for further.
June 15, 2023
SLATE-Z’s Zahirah Mann: At the Intersection of Economic Revitalization & Climate Mitigation in South LA
SLATE-Z, founded in 2014, focuses on economic revitalization and environmental sustainability in South
July 12, 2023
It’s Time for Philanthropy to Put Communities in Charge of Their Own Housing and Futures
Housing insecurity is a pressing national crisis, significantly impacting communities across the U.S., including South Los Angeles.
August 29, 2023
As challenges loom, L.A. City Council approves $150 millionin ‘mansion tax’ spending
TRUST South LA was instrumental in advocating for the $150 million spending plan under Measure ULA, ensuring critical funds go toward
October 11, 2023
The LA City Council Approved $150 Million of Spending for “Mansion Taxes”
Los Angeles recently made headlines with its “Mansion Tax,” officially known as Measure ULA, which took effect on April 1, 2023. This measure imposes additional taxes on real estate sales above
April 4, 2024
'Mansion Tax': 1 Year In, Revenue Is Way Lower Than Projected But Aid Has Helped Thousands
One year into the implementation of Measure ULA, Los Angeles has generated approximately $215 million from a voter-approved tax on high
Interviews
October 19, 2021
Univision Noticias Interview with Siris Barrios: ¿Aplicaste a la ayuda para la renta 'Housing Is Key'? Te contamos cómo saber en qué va tu solicitud
In an interview with Univision News, Siris Barrios, Director of Social Impact and Community Organizing at TRUST South LA, explained the process for checking the status of financial assistance applications for rent payments. There are five stages in the application process:
- Application in Progress: The application has been submitted.
- Application Under Review: Eligibility is being verified.
- Missing Information: Additional documents are needed.
- Pending Owner Approval: Waiting for the landlord’s participation decision.
- Quality Control: Final checks before approval.
Barrios noted that the time from application submission to approval can vary from 15 days to two months, depending on the completeness of the application. Once approved, individuals can apply for assistance for additional months. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their emails and call the support center or local office for updates.
November 9, 2021
Univision Noticias Interview with Karely De La Cruz: ¿Cómo funciona la ayuda en California para el pago por adelantado de la renta? Te contamos
In this interview with Univision News, Karely De La Cruz, Civic Engagement Manager at TRUST South LA, discussed California’s emergency rental assistance program that allows tenants facing financial difficulties to receive up to three months of rent paid in advance. Key points include:
– The program is open to California residents, both tenants and landlords.
– Tenants do not need to be behind on rent to qualify; they only need to demonstrate that they have been financially impacted by health-related issues.
– There is no set deadline for applications; they will be accepted until funding is exhausted.
– Individuals who previously received assistance may apply for additional funds if eligible.
Newsletter
Exciting News! The South-Central Power Up E-Bike Lending Library is Back!
On September 19, 2024, T.R.U.S.T. South LA held an engaging membership meeting focused on Social Housing.
November 12, 2022
Fed up with failed leadership, L.A. voters backed mansion tax to help the homeless. Will it work?
TRUST South LA played a key role in advancing the passage of United to House LA (Measure ULA), which promises to provide $600 million to $1 billion annually for affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Jessica Melendez, policy director at TRUST South LA,