L.A. County Launches Accessibility Improvement Grant for Housing Providers

Opening the Doors to Accessibility in L.A.

In a significant move to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities experiencing homelessness, Los Angeles County has launched the Interim Housing Accessibility Improvement Fund. This initiative, powered by the collaborative efforts of Brilliant Corners, L.A. Care Health Plan, and Health Net, is set to transform interim housing sites by providing up to $100,000 in grants to support vital construction improvement projects.

Grant Launch Details

The official portal for the Accessibility Improvement Grant opened on August 27, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, adhering to a first-come, first-served policy, until August 31, 2028, or until all allocated funds have been exhausted. Interim housing providers are strongly encouraged to apply promptly to ensure they secure the necessary resources for accessibility upgrades.

William F. Pickel, CEO of Brilliant Corners, emphasized the organization's commitment to delivering housing solutions for people with disabilities. He remarked that increasing accessibility at interim housing sites benefits not just the individual recipients but strengthens the overall community by supporting a population that often struggles to find adequate housing.

Funding and Support

The fund is part of a larger initiative, backed by a $5 million investment from L.A. Care's Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP). Approximately 85 interim housing sites in Los Angeles County are expected to benefit from these grants, which specifically target construction projects that improve physical access and usability for individuals with disabilities.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by statistics indicating that over 25% of adults in the U.S. live with some form of physical disability. The California Department of Housing and Community Development notes that individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by homelessness, encountering significant barriers in securing both permanent and interim housing.

Emphasizing Equity and Inclusion

Brilliant Corners, alongside its partners, aims to create a framework that addresses the pressing needs at the crucial intersection of health, housing, and accessibility. Health Net’s Medi-Cal President, Dorothy Seleski, believes that everyone deserves an equal opportunity for stability and dignity. The launch of this grant portal marks an essential step in equipping interim housing providers to develop inclusive environments.

Martha Santana-Chin, CEO of L.A. Care, also highlighted the importance of interim housing as a resource for unhoused community members. The funding will enable providers to implement critical accessibility improvements that ensure safety and independence for individuals with disabilities. The program seeks to alleviate the invisible barriers that many homeless individuals face, facilitating a transition towards permanent housing solutions.

How to Apply

Eligible interim housing providers can access the grant application portal at Brilliant Corners. The website provides comprehensive resources for applicants, including the full Request for Applications (RFA) document, FAQs, and technical assistance resources.

Providers must meet specific criteria, such as delivering services to Medi-Cal or uninsured clients and utilizing the funds strictly for ADA-compliant accessibility-related construction projects. Additionally, an informational webinar scheduled for September 10, 2025, will cover the application process and timeline for award determinations.

Conclusion

As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the complexities of homelessness, the Interim Housing Accessibility Improvement Fund stands as a beacon of hope for individuals with disabilities. This initiative does not merely represent funding; it embodies a commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. In promoting accessibility, we challenge the systemic barriers that persist and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in Los Angeles.

For more information and to apply for the grant, visit Brilliant Corners Initiative.