On Thursday, February 12, Home Again LA and the City of Burbank proudly hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Home Again LA Access Center. The ceremony marked not just the start of construction, but the beginning of a bold new chapter in how our community supports families facing housing instability.
For more than 15 years, Home Again LA has faithfully served Burbank families, operating out of a modest apartment unit while helping thousands of residents avoid or overcome homelessness. From providing security deposit assistance and eviction prevention funds to offering utility assistance, financial literacy workshops, and pathways to homeownership, HALA has been a lifeline for families navigating difficult times. In 2021, the organization raised over $1 million to help Burbank residents and landlords stay afloat during uncertain times.
Now, with the development of the Access Center, that impact will expand dramatically.
The new facility will house all of HALA’s services under one roof, creating a centralized hub of support for Burbank residents. Most notably, the Access Center will feature four on-site studio homes where unhoused families can live for up to 90 days. During their stay, families will work side by side with HALA’s professional staff to secure permanent housing and regain stability. This short-term transitional housing model will provide not just shelter, but comprehensive case management and personalized support designed to help families successfully return to permanent homes.
In addition to short-term housing, the Access Center will continue to provide critical community services, including:
- Security deposit assistance
- Eviction prevention funding
- Utility assistance
- Financial literacy and homeownership workshops
- Connections to additional community resources
By moving from an apartment-based operation into a purpose-built facility, HALA will be able to serve more families, offer enhanced programming, and create a welcoming, dignified space for residents seeking help.
Construction is slated to begin this February, with completion anticipated in early 2027. Once finished, the Home Again LA Access Center will stand as a symbol of partnership, compassion, and proactive leadership in addressing housing instability in Burbank.
The groundbreaking ceremony was more than a photo opportunity; it was a promise. A promise that families experiencing hardship will not face it alone. A promise that Burbank continues to invest in solutions that uplift its residents. And a promise that Home Again LA’s mission, to help families transition from homelessness to permanent housing, will grow stronger than ever in the years ahead.
