The California Endowment Breaks Ground on Robert K. Ross Center

October 13, 2026

The California Endowment and Linc Housing have initiated construction on the Robert K. Ross Center for Hope and Healing in downtown Los Angeles, a two-acre campus that will combine 66,000 square feet of community services with affordable housing units. The facility, located near Men's Central Jail, will specifically serve formerly incarcerated individuals, homeless populations, and low-income residents from surrounding neighborhoods including Chinatown and El Pueblo.

Who is affected

People affected by incarceration and those leaving the criminal justice system
People experiencing or formerly experiencing homelessness
Low-income residents of Chinatown, El Pueblo, and surrounding downtown Los Angeles neighborhoods
Households earning between 30% and 60% of area median income
Formerly gang-involved individuals
The California Endowment (as project operator and funder)
Linc Housing (as developer and apartment operator)
Homeboy Industries (as service provider)
St. John's Community Health (as healthcare provider)

What action is being taken

The California Endowment and Linc Housing broke ground on October 6 on the campus
Linc Housing is developing both the Community Care Campus and affordable apartments
A community advisory board is advising on design and operations
The Endowment is working with Linc to secure additional funding and partnerships
The foundation is exploring ongoing funding sources, including support from other funders
The Endowment board has approved doubling the foundation's spending for a three-year period

Why it matters

This project addresses the interconnection between health, housing, and incarceration by providing integrated services rather than treating people "as a criminal first and a patient last." It offers a long-term solution to community challenges near an area plagued by jail overcrowding, violence, and unsanitary conditions, delivering comprehensive support including healthcare, employment services, housing, and reentry assistance. The center represents a significant shift in philanthropic strategy, with The California Endowment committing resources beyond traditional grant-making (the standard 5% annual payout) to create infrastructure intended to serve the community for decades rather than just one or two years. The project embodies democratic principles by centering the voices of those most impacted by the justice system in its design and implementation.

What's next

Planning for service providers' spaces is expected in late 2026 or early 2027
Housing construction will begin in 2027
Services are scheduled to open in early 2029
Residents will move into the apartments in early 2030
An evaluation plan will be developed to examine effects on residents, service users, and the neighborhood

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint