Los Angeles County and its nonprofit partner, Hope the Mission, celebrated the grand opening of The Sierra’s, a new interim housing to serve families experiencing homelessness in Lancaster
With Homekey funds awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the County and Hope the Mission converted the Sands and Tropic motels into a 14,733-sq. ft. facility with 38 rooms, each outfitted with four beds (152 beds total) for families.
“It takes strong partnerships between county, city and local developers to come up with feasible and timely housing solutions,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said when the Homekey funds were announced. “That’s how we’ll win the battle against homelessness.”
Elizabeth Ben-Ishai, Housing Manager with the LA County Homeless Initiative, addressed the crowd at the grand opening ceremony.
The Sierra’s will also offer residents a range of services, including access to housing navigation, case management, referrals to outside service providers for medical and mental health care, parenting classes, and support in seeking out child care and employment.
The facility has a state-of-the-art kitchen that will provide residents with three nutritious meals daily. Other amenities include a playground, community room, amphitheater, and plans for a state-licensed preschool.
“Our vision has always been to provide a beacon of hope for those navigating through their hardest times,” said Hope the Mission founder and CEO Ken Craft said. “We’re not merely offering beds; we’re offering a lifeline—a chance for families to reclaim their dignity, stability, and future.”
“We’re immensely grateful for the County’s support in making this project a reality,” he added. “Our streets have tragically become a waiting room for those who are waiting for housing and that’s simply not acceptable. Homelessness is a massive, real issue; but one facility at a time, we are committed to make a difference in people’s lives.”
“The opening of The Sierra’s shelter is a beacon of progress for Lancaster. It’s more than a building; it’s a promise of home and hope,” Lancaster mayor R. Rex Parris said. “We stand with Hope the Mission in celebrating this milestone and reaffirm our dedication to enhancing the well-being of every family in our city and keeping families off the streets.”
With roots in the San Fernando Valley, Hope the Mission has spread its services across Los Angeles County and beyond, operating more than 30 facilities including thrift stores, family shelters, emergency shelters, bridge shelters, tiny home villages, and Safe Parking spots.
