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Homeboy industries Launches $100 Million Campaign too Expand Rehabilitation Services in Downtown Los Angeles
A groundbreaking fundraising effort is underway to dramatically expand the reach of Homeboy Industries, the renowned gang intervention and re-entry program, with a goal of raising $100 million for a major campus upgrade in downtown Los Angeles. The expansion promises to provide critical resources and support to formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth, offering a pathway to lasting change.
addressing a Critical Need for Re-Entry Support
Founded 37 years ago, Homeboy Industries has become a national leader in rehabilitating individuals impacted by gang life and incarceration. Currently serving 500 trainees at a time with a dedicated staff of 300 – the majority of whom are program alumni – the organization is already considered “the largest gang intervention rehab reentry program on the planet.” The planned expansion aims to considerably increase this capacity and deepen the services offered.
The ambitious project, announced friday by Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle and real estate developer Frank McCourt, will center around a new complex offering temporary housing, healthcare, addiction treatment, job training, and career development services. This holistic approach is designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals transitioning back into society.
McCourt’s Pledge and the Vision for Radical Kinship
McCourt, founder of McCourt Partners and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has committed the initial $10 million to launch the campaign. He expressed a deep connection to the program’s mission, stating the need to treat individuals with “dignity, respect and provide opportunities.” His firm will also lend its real estate expertise to navigate the complex development process.
The expanded campus, to be known as the Fr. Gregory Boyle Center for Radical Kinship, will be built in phases. The first phase will focus on constructing 200 apartments on a parcel of land previously used for storing damaged police vehicles. This housing is crucial, as approximately 70% of individuals entering the program currently lack stable housing, often experiencing homelessness or relying on temporary arrangements. Following the housing development, a 35,000-square-foot facility will be built to house essential services, including mental health care and substance use disorder treatment.
A Model for National Re-Entry Reform
the expansion, designed by Culver City-based architecture firm KFA, is envisioned as a national model for successful re-entry programs. “We’re a supplier of hope for people to whom hope is foreign,” said Father Boyle, emphasizing the transformative potential of the project. A successful expansion could demonstrate how to break the cycle of recidivism by providing former offenders with the tools and support they need to become productive citizens.
Homeboy Industries already operates 14 social enterprises, including the well-known Homeboy Bakery and homegirl Cafe in Chinatown, providing trainees with valuable work experience. During an 18-month training program, participants rotate through all 14 enterprises, acquiring diverse skills before being placed in external employment. The expansion will also include a larger 5,000-square-foot space for the Homeboy Art Academy, allowing hundreds more to explore creative expression.
A Collaborative Approach to Community Support
The Homeboy development is strategically located within a growing cluster of philanthropic services in the neighborhood, complementing existing resources such as the Weingart Center’s homeless housing and the California Endowment’s planned affordable housing and medical complex. This collaborative approach aims to create a extensive support network for vulnerable populations.
The organization hopes to raise the remaining $90 million over the next five years through private donations,
