As part of its mission to enhance housing sustainability and improve public health in the Boyle Heights community of Los Angeles, the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC) is transitioning to an all-electric energy system across its housing portfolio. This shift not only aims to reduce its carbon footprint but also addresses critical public health issues in Boyle Heights.
“At ELACC, we believe that affordable housing must also be sustainable housing,” said Monica Mejia, president and CEO of ELACC. “By integrating sustainability into the core of our development strategy, we are not just preserving homes for low-income families—we are creating healthier, more equitable communities.”
ELACC is implementing a comprehensive decarbonization strategy across its portfolio of 24 properties encompassing 482 housing units and 2,500 tenants. The first two projects undergoing this transformation are Lorena Terrace Apartments, built in 2003, and Vallejo Apartments, built in 1920. The properties will receive roughly $2.5 million initially for project improvements, and the entire portfolio will receive $500,000 for solar improvements.
ELACC expects tenants to save approximately $12,000 annually in utility costs and help improve health outcomes by eliminating indoor air pollution in the Boyle Heights community. The efficiency improvements will reduce energy and water consumption, which will not only enhance drought resilience but also support Los Angeles’ goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
According to recent studies, 80 percent of tenants in ELACC’s portfolio suffer from chronic illnesses, with air pollution in Boyle Heights being particularly severe. The studies have demonstrated the harmful impact of gas stoves on indoor air quality, contributing to higher asthma rates.
ELACC has assembled a $3 million parent-level revolving credit facility to start executing improvements. The approach will help gain access to the $27 billion available from the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and expand funding by attracting private capital. The projects are also supported by The Ahmanson Foundation and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
ELACC is collaborating with UC Berkeley to survey tenants and assess the health and financial impacts of withdrawing from carbon-emitting technologies. The survey will provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers.
