La Ramona Family Housing: Opening Doors to Hope During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

As the nation observes Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, La Ramona Family Housing in South Los Angeles stands as a powerful example of what is possible when communities act to address poverty, food insecurity and homelessness. In its first year, St. Joseph Center’s first fully owned and operated housing community has already transformed the lives of families in need, an achievement that comes as the center celebrates 50 years of opening doors and building pathways to stability. 

“This is a place of hope,” said Dr. Ryan Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph Center, reflecting on the impact of La Ramona. 

On October 30, 2025, St. Joseph Center celebrated the ribbon-cutting for La Ramona Family Housing, a once-neglected motel that has now become a safe, stable home for families. In just one year, it has provided families with security, support, and a path forward, showing that change is possible when compassion and action come together. 

Through Project Homekey, St. Joseph Center partnered with the State of California and Los Angeles County to create 18 supportive, family-focused units. These homes offer safety, stability, and opportunity to families who once faced overwhelming uncertainty. 

For five decades, St. Joseph Center has been opening doors and transforming lives for families in need. La Ramona exemplifies this long-standing mission, providing a supportive home and pathway forward for people like Nandie, Cassie and Cherya. 

Nandie, one of the first residents to move into La Ramona, left an abusive relationship and came to Los Angeles seeking a fresh start for herself and her son.

“Thanks to St. Joseph’s, I was able to stay here and get the support I needed. I’m back in school, my son is in childcare, and I’m just so grateful that they saw me as a person, not a problem. The staff were like angels to me.” 

Cassie rebuilt her life after living on Skid Row and reunited with her son thanks to La Ramona. Cherya, once living in her car, graduated from the Bread and Roses Training Kitchen and is now working toward launching her own pop-up food business.

Access to safe housing allowed these families to meet basic needs like food, childcare, and education, illustrating the deep connection between housing stability and overcoming hunger and poverty.

As someone who experienced housing uncertainty as a child, the moment carried deep personal meaning for Dr. Ryan Smith.

“When I see the families here, I see me and my mom finding a better future.”

At a time when food insecurity and homelessness continue to rise, La Ramona serves as a beacon of hope. Families who complete their stay at La Ramona have a 93 percent success rate in transitioning to permanent housing. Last year alone, St. Joseph Center supported 2,480 families, provided over 29,000 mental health services, and served nearly 41,500 meals.

“This is the best example of what Housing First means,” said LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. “St. Joseph’s La Ramona provides not just housing but a foundation for healing, employment, therapy, and financial independence.” 

Dr. Kelvin Driscoll of HOPICS added, “La Ramona is a place where survivors of domestic violence and their children can rebuild and begin again.” 

During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, La Ramona reminds us that ending family homelessness and food insecurity requires collaboration, commitment, and compassion. Every meal served, every family housed, and every skill learned brings the city closer to a place where all families can thrive.

This work is especially meaningful as St. Joseph Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of opening doors and creating pathways to stability for thousands of families. La Ramona is one of the many powerful examples of what is possible when community and care come together. 

This story is part of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Impact series, honoring the people, partners, and programs that have shaped St. Joseph Center’s mission and continue to transform lives across Los Angeles.