Habitat Health Holds Ribbon Cutting for South Los Angeles PACE Center
Habitat Health, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, officially celebrated the opening of its South Los Angeles Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Center today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders and healthcare partners.
The event marked a significant milestone in expanding access to coordinated, whole-person care for older adults age 55 and over in one of Los Angeles County’s most medically underserved regions.
“Today is more than the opening of a building. It marks a new chapter in how we care for older adults in South Los Angeles,” said Sophia Guel-Valenzuela, Executive Director of Habitat Health South Los Angeles. “For too long, many older adults and their caregivers in this community have faced barriers to coordinated outpatient care. This center was built with those realities in mind. We are honored to be another PACE access point providing comprehensive, culturally responsive care directly for the neighborhoods that need it most."
South Los Angeles experiences disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and hypertension. Adults in the region face significantly higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits compared to other parts of the county. In fact, diabetes-related hospitalizations in South Los Angeles are 2.5 times higher than in West Los Angeles, highlighting serious gaps in preventive and coordinated care.
“Opening the doors to this Habitat Health PACE center means opening doors to longevity, connection, and health for the community of South Los Angeles. Habitat Health's patients will have access to Kaiser Permanente's model, which is grounded in providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time—whether that’s inside of our clinic walls or beyond. We're proud to play a key role in keeping this community healthy, independent, and active,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, chief health officer, executive vice president, Kaiser Permanente, and a Habitat Health board member.
Habitat Health is both a PACE health plan and a direct care provider, offering integrated medical and social services under one roof. Services include primary and specialty care coordination, social services, day center activities, transportation, physical therapy, prescription management, nutrition counseling, home care coordination, dental services, and access to diagnostic and specialty services.
Through its collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, participants also receive coordinated specialty and hospital-based care through Kaiser Permanente’s regional network.
“What makes this moment especially powerful is the strength of our collaboration,” said Matthew Bennett, CEO of Habitat Health. “By combining Habitat Health’s community-based PACE expertise with Kaiser Permanente’s clinical network, we are delivering a seamless, coordinated program of care that supports older adults at every stage of their health journey.”
“This center represents a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of Compton residents,” said Mayor of Compton, Emma Sharif. “It brings critical services into our community and strengthens our commitment to health equity for older adults and their families.”
During the ceremony, attendees heard from Mr. Smith who shared how he and his wife are enrolled in Habitat Health and how coordinated care and social connection have supported their ability to remain safely in their home. The event concluded with an official ribbon cutting, followed by guided tours of the new center.
For individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, PACE services are typically available at no cost. The Compton center is now accepting referrals and applications.