Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: How the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA

Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter | Released on March 2, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter delves deep into one of Los Angeles' most pressing issues: homelessness. He is joined by Peter Lahorn, the head of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss the foundation's multifaceted approach to tackling homelessness in LA. The conversation not only sheds light on the strategies employed by the Hilton Foundation but also offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders aiming to make a tangible impact in their communities.

Background of the Hilton Foundation

[03:24] Peter Lahorn:

"We were founded by Conrad Hilton, who was the founder of the Hilton hotel chain. He was born in the New Mexico territory before it was a State in 1887... He was educated by Catholic sisters... and that became an important part of his approach to life."

Peter Lahorn provides a comprehensive overview of the Hilton Foundation's origins, tracing its roots back to Conrad Hilton. The foundation was established in 1944 with a broad mission to alleviate human suffering. Over the decades, it has grown significantly, especially after receiving a substantial bequest in 2019 from Conrad Hilton's son, Baron, which doubled its assets from approximately $3 billion to $7 billion.

Key Highlights:

• Global Focus: From inception, the foundation adopted a global perspective, allocating about half of its grants internationally and half domestically within the U.S.
• Diverse Initiatives: The foundation's efforts span various sectors, including ending homelessness in Los Angeles County, supporting foster youth, youth employment, early childhood education internationally, refugee assistance, and providing safe drinking water in Africa and Latin America.
• Unique Programs: Notably, Conrad Hilton mandated that Catholic Sisters remain the largest program beneficiaries, making the Hilton Foundation the world's largest funder of sisters involved in charitable work.

Peter Lahorn’s Personal Journey in Philanthropy

[08:13] Peter Lahorn:

"I grew up here in LA... I was training to be a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco, where I lived for two and a half years... then worked with Save the Children in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa."

Peter Lahorn shares his inspiring journey, starting from his early aspirations with the Peace Corps to his extensive work in international development with organizations like Save the Children. His experiences in Mali, where he played a pivotal role in establishing schools in rural villages, underscored the power of community-driven solutions. This foundation of hands-on, impactful work led him to helm the Hilton Foundation, where he has been for nine years.

Notable Insights:

• Community Empowerment: Lahorn emphasizes the importance of empowering local communities, as demonstrated in Mali, where the foundation helped 800 villages establish schools by leveraging local resources like cotton farming to fund education.
• Integration of Experience: His transition from international work to focusing on homelessness in LA highlights the versatility and adaptability required in philanthropic leadership.

Hilton Foundation’s Approach to Addressing Homelessness in LA

[16:38] Peter Lahorn:

"When you invest in a nonprofit or these grantees, you want to see some tangible results... We have to help government do its work well."

The Hilton Foundation employs a strategic, high-leverage approach to combat homelessness in Los Angeles County. Recognizing that homelessness is a complex, multifaceted issue exacerbated by high housing costs, labor, and land prices, the foundation focuses on collaborating with governmental bodies to optimize the use of available resources.

Strategic Focus Areas:

1. Prevention: Investing in predictive analytics and community observations to identify and support individuals at risk of becoming homeless.
2. Movement from Encampments: Facilitating transitions from encampments to shelters and supportive housing, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive services, including addiction treatment and job training.
3. Affordable Housing Supply: Increasing the availability and preservation of affordable housing to address the root cause of homelessness.

[22:42] Dr. Rob Harter:

"This year, in 2024, our point in time count showed the first year in six years where it did not go up."

Highlighting the effectiveness of their strategies, Lahorn notes a significant milestone in reducing the homeless population for the first time in six years, attributing this success to the foundation's focused efforts and strategic partnerships.

Innovative Solutions and Grantee Highlights

[25:11] Peter Lahorn:

"We were working on three large families of work: Prevention, moving people from encampments to shelters, and increasing affordable housing."

Lahorn elaborates on the foundation's commitment to innovative, user-centered solutions. By involving individuals with firsthand experience of homelessness in the planning and implementation phases, the foundation ensures that policies and services are both dignified and effective.

Case Study: The St. Joseph Center in Venice

• Human-Centric Approach: Engaging with every individual in a homeless encampment to understand their unique pathways and needs.
• Coordinated Efforts: Developing comprehensive plans to transition individuals to shelter and supportive housing while maintaining community standards.
• Leadership Integration: Collaborating with government officials like Dr. Valicia Adams Kellam to bridge nonprofit efforts with governmental programs, fostering a synergistic approach.

[31:34] Dr. Rob Harter:

"If someone has done something well, we want to know about it."

This commitment to learning and adopting best practices is evident in the foundation’s willingness to observe and collaborate with successful models like Salt Lake City's approach to veteran homelessness.

Measure A and Its Impact on Homelessness Services

[28:55] Peter Lahorn:

"Measure A was a real boon to those who are experiencing homelessness... it has a lot of accountability measures built into it."

Measure A serves as a critical funding mechanism aimed at sustaining and expanding homelessness services beyond the initial bond and sales tax measures (Measure H and Triple H) that were nearing their sunset. Recognizing the potential setback in funding, the foundation played a pivotal role in advocating for Measure A to ensure continued support for homeless services.

Key Outcomes:

• Sustained Funding: Prevented a projected 25% increase in homelessness by securing ongoing financial resources.
• Accountability and Transparency: Integrated measures to track the effectiveness of funded programs, fostering trust and public support.
• Replication of Success: Lessons from Measure A’s implementation offer a scalable model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

Lessons for Other Cities and Future Directions

[33:34] Peter Lahorn:

"LA is the megalopolis of homelessness right now... we should be providing a model that is affordable and replicable for others."

Drawing from LA’s extensive experience, Lahorn outlines several key takeaways for other metropolitan areas:

1. Government Coordination: Essential for synchronizing efforts across various jurisdictions and sectors.
2. Data Integration: Streamlining information systems to facilitate efficient service delivery and policy-making.
3. Cash Flow Management: Overcoming funding barriers by enabling smooth financial transactions between government bodies and nonprofits.
4. Foundational Support: Foundations can play a crucial role in underwriting the systemic changes needed for long-term solutions.

[36:33] Peter Lahorn:

"We are a funder of the wiring and the plumbing. We're a funder that helps solve problems so that systems can deliver."

Emphasizing the foundation’s role beyond mere funding, Lahorn highlights their commitment to strengthening the underlying systems that support homelessness services, ensuring sustainability and efficacy.

Conclusion

This episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of the Hilton Foundation’s strategic and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness in Los Angeles. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to measurable outcomes, the foundation exemplifies effective nonprofit leadership. Peter Lahorn’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for other organizations and cities striving to make meaningful changes in their communities.

For more information about the Hilton Foundation and their initiatives, visit thehiltonfoundation.org.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Lahorn [03:24]:

  "Assume your full share of responsibility for the world in which you live."

• Peter Lahorn [25:11]:

  "More than just funding services, we are helping to design systems that respect the dignity of every individual."

• Peter Lahorn [33:34]:

  "Foundations can help bridge the gap between what governments want to do and what they can actually accomplish."

Final Thoughts

Peter Lahorn’s leadership at the Hilton Foundation showcases the profound impact strategic philanthropy can have on societal challenges. By prioritizing collaboration, accountability, and innovation, the foundation not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for sustainable, long-term solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles.

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