LACDMH, DPH & Homeboy Industries Open New Café in South L.A.

A new Homeboy Café hosted its grand opening in the Behavioral Health Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Campus on June 17. The joint project between LACDMH, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) and Homeboy Industries began in 2023 and is a key reentry program for formerly incarcerated and gang-related individuals.  

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from LACDMH Director Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D., Second District Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Homeboy Industries Founder Father Greg Boyle and more.  

The partnership between the County and Homeboy Industries exemplifies the transformative power of compassion, second chances and empathy. The cafe employs members of Homeboy Industries’ 18-month reentry training program and has been providing nutrient-rich meals to behavioral health center patients since the 2023 partnership with Los Angeles County began. The cafe, which sits on the ground floor of the behavioral health center, features a full menu of signature coffee drinks, artisan-baked goods, grab-and-go meals and Homeboy’s famous chilaquiles.