Building hope with community.

We support initiatives for healthy, sustainable community development.

"Woman in traditional Mexican dress with colorful floral headpiece standing in front of Mercado La Paloma in Los Angeles, showcasing local cultural fashion and community spirit. A sign with the words 'Mercado La Paloma' is behind her.

Rooted in South L.A.

Esperanza Community Housing Corporation is a social justice non-profit in South Central Los Angeles that achieves long-term, comprehensive community development.

We work towards developing a strong, prosperous, healthy community with a holistic approach that includes program in housing, health, economic development, arts and culture, and environmental justice.

We support initiatives for healthier communities and sustainable development through health equity, affordable housing, economic opportunity, and art and culture experiences.

Upcoming Events

In the News

Chef Cetina cooks at the counter at Holbox, a restaurant inside a market hall. Several people cook behind the counter and many people sit in front eating.

Holbox is the L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year

Holbox is part of Mercado la Paloma, Esperanza's long-term economic development project. Visit the Mercado and see all that the creative and vibrant community of South LA have to offer.

Program Areas

  • Several construction workers on a building construction project. In the foreground is one man wearing a bright blue helmet, while there are other people in helmets in the background.

    Affordable Housing

    Esperanza owns and operates 9 affordable housing properties in South Central Los Angeles. Browse the available units and apply today.

    More information
  • 7 women wearing traditional Latin American clothing, including brightly colored beads, bracelets, and feathers, holding pineapples on their shoulders while performing a dance.

    Arts & Culture

    Celebrate South L.A.’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions through art exhibits, workshops, music and dance performances, and cultural festivals.

    Upcoming Events
  • 10 people wearing green shirts that say "TRUST South LA", smiling for the camera, two people are wearing flourescent vests.

    Health Equity

    Our Promotores de Salud (Community Health Workers) provide essential primary preventive care, health education, and facilitate healthcare access in frontline communities.

    Healthy Breathing Program
  • Large mural on the side of a building with a red car parked in front. The mural says "Mercado la Paloma" and features 10-20 people eating, buying and selling food and goods, and two people painting an image of the Virgin Maria on the ground.

    Economic Development

    Visit Mercado La Paloma, Esperanza’s market hall, where award-winning restaurants, local artisans, and cultural events come together in South Central LA.

    Explore the Mercado

  • Environmental Justice

    We lead environmental justice campaigns by conducting community-led research, organizing, and education for local communities affected by toxic neighborhood drilling.

    Watch People Not Pozos
  • Several people holding a sign that says "Esperanza Community Housing," part of a larger march of people holding signs that say "Save Obamacare" and "St. Johns", as they march down a wide street in Los Angeles.

    Policy Advocacy

    In partnership with allied coalitions, we champion policies that promote housing, health, racial, and environmental justice at the local and state level.

    More information

Instagram Updates

View fullsize 7 years ago, Sister Diane Donaghue, the founder of Esperanza Community Housing, passed away and left a resounding message of hope to the communities in South LA, and to all those who had the pleasure of meeting her. A visionary, a mentor to so many w
View fullsize Esperanza Community Housing’s work is grounded in the belief that the community is a reservoir of hope, love, and inclusion based on trusting relationships and empowered by the collective wisdom of its diverse people – in dialogue and dis
View fullsize 🚨 Attention, L.A. residents! 🚨 Join us for a press conference & for the L.A. City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 29th, at 1:30 PM! Let’s stand together to express our concerns about McDonnell’
View fullsize Esperanza Community Housing extends its warmest invitation to all members of the community to join us tomorrow, on Sunday October 27th, for this unforgettable celebration of culture, art, and tradition. Let us come together to honor our ancestors and