LOS ANGELES:- The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced the reopening of enrollment for the County’s LA:RISE (Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise) program. Backed by $1.78 million in funding from the Measure A sales tax, approved by LA County voters in 2024 to address homelessness, the program will provide career services to 202 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness through seven Employment Social Enterprises (ESEs).  

LA:RISE is a nationally recognized workforce model that integrates the public workforce development system with ESEs to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and facing significant barriers to employment. Launched by the City of Los Angeles and REDF in 2015 and joined by the County in 2018, the program combines paid transitional subsidized employment (TSE), job readiness preparation, industry-based training, personalized case management, and supportive services delivered by ESEs in collaboration with America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs).

As the region recovers from wildfires and prepares for major sports and entertainment events, demand for skilled labor continues to grow across green construction and infrastructure, transportation and logistics, the care economy, and the digital and creative sectors. In response, the County is evolving LA:RISE into a sector-driven, worker-centered model aligned with its commitments to job quality, economic mobility, and community equity, one that supports participants in advancing into career pathway employment in high-growth industries with high-road employers.

DEO has awarded contracts with seven ESEs, including Downtown Women’s Center, Managed Career Solutions (MCS), Antelope Valley Partners for Health, Chrysalis, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), and Goodwill of Southern California. The program and these ESEs will provide 202 participants with industry-based training delivered by ESEs and training providers; up to 300 hours of TSE; unsubsidized job placement with high-road employers; and job retention and advancement support. During and after the program, participants receive supportive services, including transportation, work equipment and attire, financial and digital literacy, and post-program hiring support.

“LA:RISE is about creating real pathways to stability and opportunity for Angelenos who have been historically excluded from the workforce while at the same time meeting the skills needs of high-road employers across the County,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “Through this latest investment, we are continuing a proven model that delivers immediate, paid work experience while building long-term pathways to employment—and we remain committed to sustaining this critical program model for the future.”

To be eligible for LA:RISE, individuals must: 

Be experiencing homelessness, formerly homeless, or at risk of homelessness 

Be a Los Angeles County resident 

Be 18 years of age or older 

Be unemployed or underemployed 

Express interest in long-term employment and be willing to work at least 300 hours with an ESE 

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to learn about and connect with one of the seven County-funded LA:RISE program providers by visiting opportunity.lacounty.gov/ larise.