HACLA Honors the Life and Legacy of Community Engagement Manager Eric Washington

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) mourns the tragic loss of Community Engagement Manager Eric Washington, whose life was cut short this past weekend.

Eric's passing is a profound loss felt deeply across the HACLA family, the communities he served, and the many partners who worked alongside him. A dedicated public servant with extraordinary compassion and integrity, Eric embodied HACLA's core values through every interaction and every project he touched.

Eric began his journey with HACLA as an intern in 2019 and returned to the agency in 2022 as a Community Relations Specialist. Through his talent for bringing people together, thoughtful leadership, and genuine care for others, he quickly advanced to Community Engagement Manager. In every role, Eric approached his work with purpose and a sincere belief that meaningful relationships are the foundation of stronger communities.

"Eric exemplified the values that define HACLA," said HACLA President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramírez. "He led with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. His ability to build trust and bring people together made a profound difference in our organization and in the lives of so many residents. We are heartbroken by this tragic loss, and our thoughts remain with Eric's family, friends, and everyone who loved him."

In recent months, Eric played a key leadership role in several critical initiatives, including:

• Coordinating the distribution of protective masks and air purifiers in Boyle Heights

• Leading HACLA's inaugural World Cup Youth Tournament, which brought together more than 150 young people from public housing communities

• Working closely with Watts Rising partners on transformative place-based efforts-advancing projects focused on people, place, and pathways to opportunity.

"This is a tremendous loss for the HACLA family," said John King, Chief Community Affairs Officer at HACLA. "For nearly a decade, I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Eric. He was a bright, shining presence whose gift was making everyone feel valued, seen and important. His presence transformed every space he entered. His loss leaves a profound void, and his legacy of kindness and leadership will stay with us always."

Colleagues and partners alike remember Eric for his warmth, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. He listened with empathy, treated people with dignity, and inspired those around him through both his words and his actions. His passion for public service was evident in every meeting, community event, and conversation, leaving a lasting impression on residents, partners, and coworkers alike.

As the HACLA family continues to grieve this devastating loss, counseling and support services have been deployed to assist staff as they process Eric's passing and support one another through this difficult time.

Though Eric's life was taken far too soon, his legacy of service will continue to guide and inspire future generations. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, Build Hope Inc., HACLA's nonprofit affiliate, will establish the Eric Washington Community Impact Award beginning this year. Presented annually during Build Hope's scholarship celebration for HACLA youth, the award will honor a young person whose leadership, service, and commitment to community reflect the values Eric embodied every day.

HACLA extends its deepest condolences to Eric's family, friends, colleagues, and the many communities he served. Together--- as residents, partners, staff --- we will continue the work Eric championed and strive to carry forward the values he lived each day: service, compassion, reliability and the belief that stronger communities are built by working together.

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 12 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 13,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

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