City of San Fernando, CA
Business & Community Resource Center
Population 10,000-49,999
The City of San Fernando had to adjust to growing community challenges that were heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a city-wide rise in homelessness and food insecurity also came a struggle for residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs to access funding, technical assistance, and other social services. This became a defining moment for local government leaders to act in an inventive and pioneering way. In December 2023 came the launch of San Fernando’s Business and Community Resource Center (BCRC).
Led by Deputy City Manager and supported by the Housing Coordinator and Social Services Coordinator, the BCRC is a community-driven approach to centralizing access to resources so that the local economy is strengthened, and the impact of local nonprofits and organizations is maximized. At a minimal cost to the city, the BCRC provides a direct avenue for connection through intentional partnership. The Center provides homelessness prevention, housing stability services, and business development support through a system that represents an innovative and sustainable model for building social and financial resilience.
In collaboration with Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) and LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (LA DEO), the BCRC remains focused on supporting local businesses and promoting economic opportunity while operating. Other business support initiatives spearheaded by the BCRC include one-on-one consultation for guidance on marketing, workforce development, and strategic planning. A partnership with the Center by Lendistry and International Economic Development Council (IEDC) led to the creation of a climate financing toolbox that guides local businesses towards adopting zero-emission technologies. Several grant-funded partnerships have allowed the BCRC to target food insecurity and homelessness. Food, hygiene kits, and transportation assistance are distributed daily to those in need in collaboration with the North Valley Caring Services (NVCS). Home Again Los Angeles (HALA) administers a Homelessness Prevention program that supports residents by providing motel vouchers, rental assistance, and case management services for struggling families. The Home Rehabilitation Grant Program by Habitat for Humanity LA offers free home modifications to support the needs of aging low-income homeowners in the area. These are all examples of organizations that, in partnership with the BCRC, have concretely impacted the lives of individuals and families for the better.
The BCRC has successfully assisted in facilitating the administration of business loans, helping local business owners achieve more stability. Entrepreneurs have been provided with business support services to set them up for success. Such is the case with graduates from BCRC's Entrepreneurship Academy who leave with professional training, transferable skills, and business incentives to drive them forward. Several families have been matched to emergency eviction prevention resources.
BCRC’s engagement extends to educational initiatives and resource fairs. The “Key to Housing Rights” event was held in partnership with the office of the County Supervisor, Lindsay Horvath, and the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. This event delivered crucial information on tenant rights, eviction prevention, and foreclosure mitigation. The BCRC hosted its first Family Resource Fair with over 20 local organizations in attendance to connect with local households and residents and provide visibility of essential services. In addition, the Center is growing its offering of workshops focused on financial literacy and mental health.
The BCRC has transformed service delivery while highlighting the power of cross-collaborative partnerships and showcasing the impact of proactive, direct, and creative local government leadership. By leveraging the work of local non-profits, businesses, as well as county, state, and federal resources, it has increased accessibility to life-changing resources for the residents of San Fernando, and created a model for long-term community empowerment, sustainability, and resilience.
