2026 Gala: Sail Away to a Brighter Future

Home Again LA Announces 2026 Gala: Sail Away to a Brighter Future at LA Equestrian Center

Home Again LA (HALA) is proud to announce its highly anticipated annual gala, set to take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the beautiful ballroom at the LA Equestrian Center. This year’s event promises to be especially meaningful as Home Again LA celebrates a new chapter with the recent merger of Home Again LA and the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, uniting two organizations with a shared mission of supporting households experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Each year, Home Again LA’s gala brings together more than 400 supporters from Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando, and neighboring communities who are committed to helping unhoused and at-risk families achieve stability and hope. For the first time, the merged organizations will combine their annual galas, creating one powerful evening that reflects the strength of collaboration and community impact.

“Each year, our Gala is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with heart and purpose," said CEO Albert Hernandez. "I’m so excited to gather the HALA and BTAC supporters, reflect on the impact we’ve made together, and continue uplifting families facing some of life’s greatest challenges.”

2026 Annual Award Honorees

As part of the evening, Home Again LA will proudly present its annual awards to outstanding community partners:

IMPACT Award Honoree: USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital has been a steadfast and instrumental partner to Home Again LA for many years. As HALA has expanded and enhanced its services, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital has stood alongside the organization, supporting unhoused families in Glendale and surrounding communities through generous financial contributions, leadership, and advocacy. Their commitment is further reflected through a dedicated staff member serving on the Home Again LA Board of Directors, providing invaluable thought partnership and hands-on support. USC Verdugo Hills Hospital exemplifies what it means to invest in community well-being.

Hands On Hearts Award Honoree: The Engel Family
The Engel Family has provided compassionate, hands-on support to Home Again LA families for more than 15 years. Through their congregation at Burbank First Christian Church, nearly every member of the Engel family has volunteered, cooking meals, serving as overnight chaperones, and offering warmth and dignity to families in shelter. Their unwavering commitment continues today and represents the heart of volunteerism that defines Home Again LA.

A special recognition will be presented to former Burbank Temporary Aid Center CEO Barbara Howell for her 20+ of service. 

The Commodore’s Circle
Warner Bros. Discovery

Captain Sponsors
Logix Federal Credit Union

Admiral Sponsors
Cusumano Real Estate Group
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

Navigator Sponsors
The Walt Disney Company
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
Verizon

Upper Deck Sponsors
Gain Federal Credit Union
Worthe
NBC Universal

Voyager Sponsors
Albert Hernandez

Event Partners
Metropolitan Culinary Services
Modern Illumination