LA:RISE Program

LA:RISE Program is sponsored by Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Connects adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness to paid work, career services, and a pathway to permanent employment through partnerships with Employment Social Enterprises.

LA:RISE - Department of Economic Opportunity Supporting Economic Mobility with Paid Job Training and Work Experience for Individuals Experiencing or At Risk of Homelessness LA:RISE (Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprises) is a nationally recognized workforce model connecting adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness to paid work, career services, and a pathway to permanent employment.

Launched by the City of Los Angeles in 2015 and expanded countywide by DEO in 2018, LA:RISE brings together Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs) — mission-driven organizations that provide paid transitional employment — and America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) to deliver wraparound support that addresses both immediate needs and long-term career goals.

Participants receive paid work experience in high-growth industries, skills training, personalized case management, and supportive services — all coordinated through a single, seamless program designed to help people move out of instability into sustained economic self-sufficiency.

Participants receive individualized support to prepare for permanent employment, including resume writing, interview preparation, digital literacy coaching, work-readiness assessments, and career planning . Participants engage in paid transitional subsidized employment (TSE) with an ESE partner for up to 300 hours.

These real work placements allow individuals to build industry-driven skills, gain experience, and earn a paycheck in a structured, supportive environment. A core component of the LA:RISE model, participants are provided with foundational and industry-specific skills necessa ry to success in high-growth and opportunity industries . LA:RISE integrates wraparound supports to address barriers that could prevent job entry or retention.

Services may include assistance with transportation, work equipment and attire , financial literacy, emergency housing support, and mental health referrals. Hiring into Permanent Employment Once participants are ready, LA:RISE supports connection to long-term, unsubsidized high-growth jobs aligned with their goals and skills. Hiring services are coordinated by ESEs in collaboration with AJCC partners across Los Angeles County.

Retention and Advancement Support After hire , participants continue to receive support through the ESE or AJCC partner . Retention coaching and referrals to additional resources help individuals maintain employment and advance toward greater career stability.

LA:RISE is open to adults who meet all the following criteria: Legal right to work in the United States Los Angeles County resident Currently experiencing homelessness, formerly homeless, or at risk of homelessness “The LA:RISE program offered me not only an opportunity to find employment but they also did so with understanding and support.

After being incarcerated I worried about how difficult finding a new job would be, but they have helped me to regain my confidence and continue to help support me as I continue my education. I am really grateful that the LA:RISE program exists and is helping to change lives for the better. Thank you!

” — Jessica M. , LA:RISE Participant LA:RISE launched in 2015 with a Workforce Innovation Fund (WIF) grant developed through a partnership between the Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund (REDF).

The program was designed from the outset to enhance transitional employment services for individuals facing the highest barriers to work—including people experiencing homelessness, justice-involved individuals, and disconnected youth. Following the pilot phase, LA:RISE expanded with investments from both the City and County of Los Angeles.

The program integrated Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services and local support systems to improve transitions from subsidized work to competitive employment. Funding included general fund and homelessness-focused investments, including Measure H and now Measure A, the voter-approved sales tax dedicated to addressing homelessness across the County. In 2026, DEO is investing $1.

78 million in Measure A funding to serve 202 participants experiencing or at risk of homelessness — part of the $80 million invested in LA:RISE since 2015 across the City and County of Los Angeles. The program will be provided through partnerships with seven ESE providers serving communities across Los Angeles County, including the historically under-served communities of Skid Row and the Antelope Valley.

people placed into TSE and received supportive services participants placed into permanent, unsubsidized jobs in total program investment since 2015 Interested individuals can connect with LA:RISE by contacting one of our ESE partners, who serve as the main access point for program participation. Information is also available at local AJCCs.

DEO’s Employment Social Enterprise Partners DEO is currently supporting seven ESE partners with information below. To learn more about all LA:RISE partners and ESE opportunities, including those supported by the City, visit: https://redf. org/larise/ For general questions about LA:RISE and other workforce opportunities, email DEO at: HOME@opportunity.

lacounty. gov Transitional Employment Opportunities Downtown Women’s Center Café operations, retail sales, product manufacturing, inventory & logistics, customer service 442 S. San Pedro St.

, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Construction, green construction, trades, transportation & logistics, warehouse operations, CDL pathway 3333 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 405, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Antelope Valley Partners for Health Facilities maintenance, building operations, logistics & warehouse support, community service operations 858 W. Jackman St.

, Lancaster, CA 93534 Facilities maintenance, landscaping, environmental services, janitorial, construction support, general labor 522 S. Main St. , Los Angeles, CA 90013 Center for Employment Opportunities Public works, litter abatement, landscaping, infrastructure maintenance, construction labor, environmental services 759 N.

Spring St. , Ste 1, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Construction support, graffiti abatement, facilities maintenance, custodial, public works & beautification 2415 S. Central Ave.

, Los Angeles, CA 90011 Goodwill of Southern California Retail operations, logistics & warehousing, distribution, hospitality, construction pre-apprenticeship 342 N. San Fernando Rd. , Los Angeles, CA 90031