
One step closer to a solving the homelessness crisis is the grand opening of Vida DTLA, a new development providing permanent housing to 147 individuals experiencing homelessness. A joint venture between the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and the Housing Diversity Corporation, Vida DTLA is the largest master leased building in LAHSA’s portfolio, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood.
LAHSA’s Master Leasing program is a cornerstone of its strategy to swiftly move individuals off the streets and into stable housing. By assuming the role of landlord for entire buildings, LAHSA is streamlining the process and overcoming hurdles that often prevent people experiencing homelessness from securing a permanent home. This innovative approach is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles.

Photos courtesy of LAHSA
Before the addition of Vida DTLA, 1317 S. Grand Avenue, Master Leasing strategy had opened 246 homes for people experiencing homelessness. With Vida DTLA, LAHSA’s Master Leasing portfolio expands by two-thirds to 393 units.
“The opportunity to cut through red tape and biases is what makes master leasing appealing,” said LAHSA CEO Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum. “This building represents a significant expansion of LAHSA’s master leasing efforts and permanent housing opportunities. We’re deeply committed to the rehousing system and exploring all resources to bring our unhoused neighbors indoors.”
Vida DTLA, a newly developed building in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, marks a significant expansion of LAHSA’s Master Leasing program. Developed by the Housing Diversity Corporation, the site offers a fresh start and an array of communal spaces, a stunning rooftop deck boasting panoramic city views, private work areas, and bike storage.
Vida DTLA makes its debut just 24 months. Leveraging Los Angeles’ Transit Oriented Communities Incentive Program, the project maximized density and eliminated the need for parking, aligning with HDC’s commitment to affordable and environmentally friendly housing solutions.
Supporting the massive project is Century Housing CDFI, which provided acquisition financing, Costco Co-Founder Jim Sinegal, and Pinnacle Partners. Vida also received bridge debt from the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Affordable Housing Initiative Fund II.

Photos courtesy of LAHSA
“It’s extremely exciting to have partnered with LAHSA in addressing homelessness in Downtown Los Angeles,” said Brad Padden, Founder and CEO of HDC. “By combining our resources and expertise, we’ve been able to make significant strides in providing safe, high quality, affordable housing to those who need it most.”
LAHSA is collaborating with People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) to provide on-site supportive services. “Transitioning individuals from homelessness to permanent housing requires a comprehensive approach,” said Sasha Morozov, Los Angeles Regional Director at PATH.”While programs like Inside Safe are crucial first steps, providing stable housing with essential support services is the key to long-term success. Master Leasing, combined with PATH’s expertise, offers a powerful solution to this crisis.”
LAHSA is dramatically speeding up the process of housing people experiencing homelessness through its master leasing program. Funded by a partnership with Los Angeles County, L.A. Care Health Plan, and Health Net, the initiative involves leasing entire apartment buildings and directly assigning units to individuals in need. By streamlining the process and prioritizing efficiency, LAHSA has reduced the time it takes to fill these buildings from a staggering 120 days to just 3-5 days. This innovative approach is transforming the landscape of homelessness in Los Angeles.
“At L.A. Care, we recognize that health care is more than just a plastic card in your wallet,” said John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan. “We know that housing, food, and other social needs significantly impact the overall health and wellbeing of our members and their communities, and we are committed to supporting permanent housing initiatives like this one.”
“Working together with our partners to find new, innovative ways to provide housing for many vulnerable Angelenos has been a true honor,” said Martha Santana-Chin, Plan Chief Product President at Health Net. “No one should be without a safe place to call home. By combining master leasing with Activities of Daily Living assistance in one program, we can offer meaningful support to help individuals start their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.”
Potential residents were selected from individuals engaged in outreach programs, interim housing facilities, or encampment resolution initiatives like Inside Safe and Pathway Home. A first-come, first-served approach was implemented to allocate units. Importantly, those who didn’t secure a home at Vida DTLA were immediately prioritized for placement in the next available master leased building.
“Although the Greater Los Angeles area continues to build more affordable and supportive housing, we understand the challenges of Los Angeles’ housing shortage,” continued Dr. Adams Kellum. “However, master leasing is a great example of how we can move people into housing today and get them rehoused quicker than ever.”