Belen Monroy

Program Manager| Homeless Prevention Unit-Housing for Health

“The majority of programs put the onus on the participant and place some level of blame on them. We encourage them to take workshops, manage their budget, and even take trainings to find better jobs. But these steps don’t address the inequities that they face day to day and the inequities that they have inherited. If we don't address racial inequity and structural racism we will never truly solve the issue of homelessness.” 

Belen currently works for Housing for Health’s, Housing Stabilization Unit, as a Program Manager. In her current role, her primary focus is program development, using evidence-based practices to build a program that combats displacement across LA County. She has spent her career primarily focused on workforce development supporting folks who are unstably housed, experiencing homelessness, or have been justice-impacted in their search for employment. Belen has had the opportunity to be part of various first-of-its-kind projects including the launch of the DOORS Reentry Center, oversight of the Breaking Barriers Rapid Rehousing program, and most recently the piloted Housing Stabilization Unit.  Her vast experience has allowed her to understand the difficulties community members face in navigating these various systems to obtain the resources necessary to survive in our city.  

Her strength lies in people development and building inclusive, dynamic teams. Belen is passionate about professional development for BIPOC folks within the social services sector and recognizes the importance of creating safe spaces for folks in this line of work to show up as their authentic selves.  As a first-generation Mexican–American child of immigrants, she understands the importance of mentorship within BIPOC communities so they can thrive professionally.