The Hermandad Los Angeles Economic and Community Development Corporation (HLAECDC) is a private, non-profit community-based organization born in 1986 out of Hermandad Mexicana Nacional (HMN). HMN was established in the 1950s in San Diego California and began as a civil rights advocacy organization serving the immigrant community throughout the United States. HLAECDC aims to improve the living standards for the Spanish-speaking community and other minorities. HLAECDC's mission is to empower economically disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, providing them with the tools to overcome poverty and engage in educational, economic, and civic activities. Over the years, HLACCD has expanded its initiatives to include the Youth Technology project, an after-school program to empower low-income children of color through technology and STEM-focused studies. Additionally, we have integrated La Canchita, a soccer league situated in Panorama City, which focuses on fostering leadership skills and personal development through soccer.
Who we are
Hermandad Mexicana Nacional promotes the empowerment of the immigrant community, their integration into the new society, and their civic and economic participation to improve newcomers' integration into the new society.
In the 1980s HMN Hermandad expanded its activities and programs to include a wide range of social services and became one of the most recognized and visible organizations dedicated to providing services to the Spanish-speaking immigrant community. Hermandad has a unique rapport with the Spanish-speaking immigrant community. Hermandad's goal is to improve the living standards of disadvantaged people and other minorities by providing first-class, affordable housing integrated with a whole range of social services that allow residents to break the cycle of poverty.
The Hermandad Los Angeles Economic and Community Development Corporation (HLAECDC) is a private, non-profit community-based organization with the specific purpose of building and rehabilitating affordable single-family and multifamily housing and providing social services to low-income residents in affordable housing projects.
The organization was incorporated and established as an economic and "Community Housing Development Corporation" (CHDO). This is a specific denomination granted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to organizations without the specific purpose of building and rehabilitating affordable housing, especially to work with financial institutions that can benefit them.
HLAECDC acknowledges that some immigrant issues in the United States cannot be solved by themselves, but through the organizations where they seek help, support, and take definitive actions. Immigrants need institutions that contribute to their social, economic, and political well-being. The role of HLAECDC is to work at the neighborhood level and to revitalize neighborhoods in deteriorated areas of Los Angeles. Our philosophy calls for the full participation of the residents in the economic, social, and decision-making process. Advocating for the variety of needs in the immigrant community. In addition, we provide services that empower residents to become self-sufficient and take full advantage of the institutions and services available to them.
Hermandad Los Angeles Housing and Economic Development Corporation shares with Hermandad Mexicana Nacional the belief that residents are the most important element in building strong communities. It is our mission not only to build affordable housing but also to build united families and communities. We stand for organizing, improving the quality of life in deteriorated neighborhoods, and empowering residents to participate in the political and social system. Our unique perspective of providing mutual services will help develop a strong relationship with the tenants. This will serve to empower the community and help with the development of active members of society.
Along with rehabilitating the buildings, Hermandad organizes and unifies them into an education program that aims to instruct tenants on how to maintain apartment buildings, keep costs low, and eventually become homeowners themselves. The mission of HLAECDC is to improve the quality of life of new Latino immigrant families and their children, by increasing the availability of affordable housing and providing assistance in economic development activities.
The organization shares with the state and local public institutions the vision to rehabilitate affordable housing units by providing housing to tenants and residents that adapt to the specific needs of the individuals including large families, Spanish-speaking, and low-income populations, elderly residents, and the disabled. This population has become increasingly important in numbers, especially in states such as California. This population is vital to Southern California's economy and an essential part of the labor force. Hermandad in California has become an important institution that organizes and unites immigrants.
In California, immigration is a very significant factor in population growth. HLAECDC's target population is recent immigrant families, mainly from Mexico and Central America. Though the majority are working class, many live in high-density and poverty areas of Los Angeles. Besides being part of the working poor, they are confronted with racial discrimination in the workforce, educational institutions, government agencies, housing, and medical facilities. Due to the combined factors of the economy and racial discrimination, they are often forced to live in overcrowded conditions and inadequate housing units.
Our Housing projects include adequate-sized units, and playground areas to help eliminate crime and deteriorating housing conditions, and to increase the availability of social services in highly blighted areas. Hermandad targets selected neighborhoods, these areas include Huntington Park, South Central Los Angeles, Wilmington, Florence, North Hollywood, and Panorama City.
HLAECDC encourages homeownership by conducting educational workshops and facilitating counseling to tenants who are not eligible to live and restricted-income multifamily housing facilities. The prospective homebuyers are provided with down-payment assistance to purchase their home. There exists an increasing need to increase the level of homeownership and to increase the awareness of these families of the endless financial possibilities.
Our Values
Social Equity
We prioritize equity, inclusion, and dignity for everyone. We view diversity as a key strength and aim to help shape the decisions impacting families' and communities' lives. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, and honesty, recognizing the significance of both words and actions. We promote the respectful and civil exchange of ideas and opinions. We want to help improve the living conditions for those economically disadvantaged and marginalized individuals. We strive to provide a change in the communities that need help and don't have the same opportunities as the most advantaged.
Economic Growth
We want to empower economically disadvantaged communities that don't have access to the same opportunities as others. We offer classes on financial literacy so that people can learn how to manage their money and invest in securing a better future for themselves, their families, and the community.
Environmental Sustainability
We aim to achieve sustainable economic growth in Los Angeles County for a better future for our community while safeguarding and improving our quality of life and natural environment for present and future generations.
We currently fully own and operate a 211-units of affordable housing projects in SoCal such as in North Hollywood, Panorama City, and Los Angeles. We are in plans of building another 100 unit affordable housing complex in Van Nuys, CA. We look forward to continuing this much-needed development in a state where the housing crisis worsens every day.
For any questions or inquiries please email ernesto@hlaccd.org