Project Stay Enrolled: Helping Angelenos Keep the Critical Benefits They Need

As new CalFresh work requirements take effect—and Medi-Cal changes approach in 2027—Community Partners is supporting organizations across Los Angeles County to help eligible residents stay enrolled in the essential benefits they rely on.

For thousands of Los Angeles County residents, public benefits provide a critical foundation for stability. Yet new federal work requirements mean many individuals who rely on CalFresh—and, beginning in 2027, Medi-Cal—may need additional support to maintain their eligibility.

Beginning June 1, new work requirements for CalFresh took effect for certain able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–64. Similar changes affecting Medi-Cal are expected to begin on January 1, 2027.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), an estimated 270,000 Los Angeles County residents could be affected by these policy changes, with that number rising to 750,000 or more next year, underscoring the need for proactive outreach, education, and enrollment support.

Why This Moment Matters

Project Stay Enrolled was created in partnership with DPSS and Center for Strategic Partnerships to help ensure eligible residents remain connected to the benefits they depend on while expanding access to workforce development opportunities and supportive community resources.

While the policy targets able-bodied adults without dependents, many individuals who likely will be affected are among Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable residents—including older adults nearing retirement age, veterans, young adults transitioning from foster care or homelessness, and people experiencing or at risk of housing insecurity. Although some individuals qualify for exemptions, many will need help understanding the new requirements and navigating the process to retain their benefits.

Without timely support, eligible residents could lose access to food assistance or healthcare simply because they miss a deadline, misunderstand the new rules, or are unaware of available exemptions and community service opportunities.

Community Partners’ Leadership Role

Managed as a Community Partners’ Intermediary Program Office, the Workfare/Community Service Resource Hub for Project Stay Enrolled connects government agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, workforce partners, and community organizations with opportunities to become approved volunteer sites through DPSS.

“Project Stay Enrolled is about more than helping residents maintain benefits—it is about creating pathways to long-term stability and opportunity,” said Phyllis Owens, Vice President of Intermediary and Strategic Partnerships at Community Partners. “By bringing together trusted community organizations, public agencies, and workforce partners, we’re helping ensure that individuals have access to the information, resources, and support they need to navigate these changes and remain connected to critical services.”

Community Partners’ leadership reflects its longstanding commitment to advancing food, health, and workforce equity through collaboration, partnership-building, and systems-level solutions that strengthen communities across Los Angeles County.

Building a Network of Trusted Community Partners

At the center of the initiative is the newly launched LA Workfare Hub, an online resource that helps residents and organizations understand work requirements, access supportive services, and connect with community resources.

Project Stay Enrolled also relies on a growing network of trusted nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations that can serve as volunteer Workfare sites. These organizations play a critical role in helping residents understand the policy changes, connect with qualifying community service opportunities, and remain enrolled in the benefits they rely on.

Through informational sessions, technical assistance, and ongoing support, Community Partners is equipping organizations to serve as trusted local resources before the Medi-Cal requirements take effect in 2027.

A Shared Commitment

The success of Project Stay Enrolled depends on collaboration among public agencies, nonprofit organizations, workforce partners, faith-based institutions, and community leaders working together to prevent eligible residents from falling through the cracks.

“Helping eligible residents maintain access to essential benefits requires strong partnerships across Los Angeles County,” said LaShonda Diggs, DPSS. “Community organizations play a vital role in connecting people with accurate information, trusted support, and meaningful community service opportunities that help them meet program requirements. Through Project Stay Enrolled, we’re working alongside Community Partners to expand our network of volunteer worksites so more Angelenos can stay connected to the benefits they rely on while building pathways toward long-term stability.”

— LaShonda Diggs, Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services

 

Together, these partners are helping to reduce confusion, improve access to information, and ensure that vulnerable Angelenos receive assistance before benefits are disrupted.

A Call to Action

Community Partners is inviting nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, workforce providers, and other community partners to become volunteer Workfare sites and help residents maintain access to critical benefits.

By joining the Project Stay Enrolled network, organizations can play a meaningful role in helping vulnerable Angelenos remain connected to food assistance, healthcare, and other essential supports while creating pathways to long-term economic stability.

Interested in becoming a volunteer Workfare site? Register for an upcoming informational session through the LA Workfare Hub and learn how your organization can help keep Los Angeles residents connected to the benefits they need.