LaKanda Horn

Senior Manager of Interim Housing | HOPICS

“Effective homelessness solutions demand tackling racial disparities at their core, striving for a more equitable society. Incorporating a racial equity and justice lens into homeless response strategies facilitates crafting culturally responsive interventions tailored to the distinct needs of individuals and communities of color”

I am a passionate social justice advocate and emerging leader in the homeless response sector in Los Angeles County. As Senior Manager at HOPICS — a respected nonprofit with deep roots in homeless services — I oversee a portfolio of over 300 interim housing and roadmap beds, managing a $14.2 million budget and providing leadership to a team of staff across multiple interim housing sites. Under my direction, permanent housing placements have surpassed annual goals by 60%, reflecting my commitment to outcomes-driven, equity-centered service delivery.

My leadership is grounded in collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and centering the voices of those most impacted by systemic inequities. I apply a racial equity and justice lens to all aspects of my work — from building diverse, community-reflective teams to advancing data-informed policy and programming that addresses housing disparities for communities of color.

A former childcare business owner of over 10 years and foster parent, my commitment to caring for others has always been at the heart of everything I do. I am a former business owner pivoting to new ventures, a homeowner, and someone who finds creative ways to show up for my community — including my 86-mile daily commute to Los Angeles, where I drive for Uber in the mornings, helping neighbors get where they need to go while making the most of the carpool lane. That is just who I am — finding the win-win in every situation.

Shaped by my own lived experience navigating personal adversity and systemic barriers, I bring both professional expertise and deep personal resilience to my advocacy. I am dedicated to building a more equitable society — one where second chances are met with the support, dignity, and resources every person deserves.