Homeboy Industries Teams Up with Frank McCourt for $100 Million Fundraising Initiative

A New Era of Support and Rehabilitation

In a groundbreaking collaborative effort, Homeboy Industries has announced a significant partnership with Frank McCourt, Civic Entrepreneur and Executive Chairman of McCourt Partners, to launch a monumental $100 million fundraising campaign. The fundraising drive aims to support the development of the Fr. Gregory Boyle Center for Radical Kinship, which will serve as a keystone in the transformative Hope Village initiative in Los Angeles.

The Fr. Gregory Boyle Center is not merely an extension of Homeboy Industries, but rather the centerpiece of a broader vision aimed at redefining the reentry process for individuals transitioning out of the criminal justice system. With this initiative, Homeboy Industries, which is renowned for its gang intervention and rehabilitation programs, seeks to significantly enhance its capacity to offer vital services to a larger number of individuals each year, emphasizing healing, community support, and proactive engagement.

The Vision Behind Hope Village

Hope Village is set to reimagine the neighborhood surrounding Men's Central Jail and the current campus of Homeboy Industries. This revitalization effort is spearheaded by Homeboy’s founder, Fr. Greg Boyle, and Dr. Robert Ross, the recently retired CEO of The California Endowment. Their vision seeks to replace outdated infrastructures and empty lots with vibrant community spaces that prioritize healing and social welfare.

"Hope Village and Homeboy embody the values of kinship, resilience, and community," remarked Frank McCourt. He emphasized the urgent need for community-backed initiatives that empower individuals, unlock opportunities, and extend support to underprivileged populations.

McCourt’s commitment is significant, as he acknowledges the necessity of fostering environments that emphasize healing rather than punitive measures. By supporting organizations like Homeboy Industries, he believes they are investing in the human potential of marginalized communities, thus creating safer spaces for everyone.

Expanding Services and Support Systems

The Fr. Gregory Boyle Center for Radical Kinship will consist of over 200 units of supportive and transitional housing, alongside 35,000 square feet dedicated to essential services, including mental health care, substance use treatment, job training, and career development. This comprehensive approach will vastly improve the support services Homeboy can provide, enabling thousands of Angelenos to receive the help and resources required for a successful reintegration into society.

This ambitious initiative also welcomes the expansion of the Homeboy Art Academy, which will move into a new 5,000-square-foot contemporary space. This facility aims to provide engaging programming that promotes healing and creative expression through various art forms, further underscoring the holistic approach of Homeboy Industries in tackling the complexities of social reintegration.

Collaboration with Georgetown University

In addition to financial support, McCourt has promised strategic cooperation through his McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. The school will assist Homeboy Industries in escalating their mission and research efforts on a national level, ensuring that their innovative practices serve as a model for other communities across the country.

Carole Roan Gresenz, dean of the McCourt School, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that they would host annual convenings to exchange best practices and engage students in these meaningful initiatives. Together, they aim to nurture a new model of care that prioritizes compassion and comprehensive support for those facing challenges from their pasts.

The Commitment to Change

In summary, this $100 million fundraising campaign signifies much more than financial support; it represents a long-term commitment to community healing, social justice, and systematic reform. The partnership between Homeboy Industries, Frank McCourt, and other stakeholders highlights the power of collaboration in addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding criminal justice and social reintegration. By establishing the Fr. Gregory Boyle Center for Radical Kinship, they aim to create a replicable model that equips communities nationwide with the tools to foster resilience, support, and hope for those emerging from the shadows of hardship.

For more information about this initiative and how you can get involved, visit Homeboy Industries