If you are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, the fastest way to obtain assistance is by contacting the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) through its Coordinated Entry System, or by dialing 211 to receive immediate referrals for shelters and housing. Programs such as Mayor Bass’s “Inside Safe” initiative, Los Angeles County’s “Pathway Home,” and “Safe Parking LA” offer emergency and transitional housing options while connecting you with long-term support services.
Where Can I Go for Help and Housing in Los Angeles?
You can obtain immediate housing assistance in Los Angeles by dialing 2-1-1 or by calling the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) at (800) 548-6047. These helplines, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connect you with local emergency shelters, motel vouchers, and vital support programs tailored to your immediate needs.
Connect with the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
The Los Angeles County Coordinated Entry System (CES) is a centralized network that connects individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis with emergency shelters, case management services, and permanent supportive housing. Operated by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), the system is designed to eliminate fragmented waiting lists by assessing applicants using a standardized triage tool and assigning them housing based on their vulnerability and specific needs.
How to Enter the CES Network
You cannot apply for housing through the CES directly online; you must be registered in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) through an approved access point.
Complete the CES Triage Survey: A case manager or community outreach worker must administer this brief initial assessment survey to you. It evaluates your medical history, the duration of your homelessness, and your safety needs to determine your housing placement priority.
Locate a Physical Access Center: Visit a specialized regional drop-in center to speak with an intake worker. You can download the complete regional directory via the LAHSA Access Center Guide.
Request Street Outreach Assistance: If you are unable to travel to a physical location, submit a request for outreach assistance through LA-HOP.org. A mobile outreach team will be dispatched to your location to administer the CES survey on-site.
Entry Requirements by Population Type
The system divides its resources into three distinct and specialized housing pathways:
Single Adults (ages 18+): Access is obtained through Adult Access Centers, which can be visited without an appointment. Key regional operators include PATH (Mid-City/South Los Angeles), St. Joseph Center (Westside), and Union Station Homeless Services (San Gabriel Valley).
Families with Minor Children: Access is obtained exclusively by calling 2-1-1. The 211 LA program conducts a preliminary assessment and refers families to a local Family Solutions Center (FSC) to secure Rapid Rehousing funds and immediate vouchers for emergency motel accommodation.
Youth (ages 16–24): Access is managed through specialized direct-service centers for youth—such as The Homeless Youth Alliance—or via digital intake by downloading the WIN (What I Need) app.
Emergency Walk-In Shelters in Downtown LA
If you need a bed tonight, several of the major missions downtown offer immediate emergency shelter, hot meals, showers, and medical services:
The Midnight Mission
Location: 601 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 624-9258
Admission Details: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for walk-ins. You may enter directly into the courtyard to speak with an admissions coordinator. They offer crisis shelter for men and women, as well as a limited number of emergency spaces for families. They provide three free meals a day, hot showers, hygiene supplies, and clothing.
Union Rescue Mission
Location: 545 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 |
Phone: (213) 347-6300 |
Admission Details: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for walk-in services. They offer emergency shelter beds, public lunch distribution, showers, and comprehensive medical and dental clinics. They have a strict policy of keeping families together and strive never to turn away women or children.
Zahn Emergency Housing
Location: 832 James M Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Details: This is the only emergency shelter specifically dedicated to families with minor children in the immediate downtown area. It provides up to 90 days of emergency housing during crisis situations, as well as case management for stabilization.
Anne Douglas Center for Women (Part of the Los Angeles Mission)
Location: 310 Winston St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Details: A specialized direct-care (walk-in) environment, strictly dedicated to the safety, emergency housing, and recovery needs of single women in the Skid Row area.
Weingart Center
Location: 501 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Walk-in Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Details: If you are unable to find an available bed immediately, please visit this referral center. They do not have on-site overnight beds available for walk-ins; however, they offer daytime shelter, restrooms, case management, and direct registration in the Coordinated Entry System (CES) database to locate available emergency beds throughout the county.
Vehicle and Cash Aid Resources
Safe Parking Programs
Safe Parking Programs in Los Angeles offer legal and secure overnight parking lots intended for individuals and families currently sheltering in their vehicles. To secure a spot in one of these monitored lots, you may apply online via the Safe Parking LA Interest Form or call their automated assistance line (Warmline) at (323) 210-3375 (extension).
Requirements
To be admitted to a designated safe parking lot, you must meet the following basic screening criteria:
Vehicle Condition: Your vehicle must be fully operational and street-legal.
Driver’s License: You must possess a valid and current driver’s license.
Proof of Ownership: You need the vehicle title or registration in your name. If the vehicle belongs to another person, you must provide a signed letter of authorization along with a copy of the owner’s ID.
Flexible Conditions: Your vehicle registration does not need to be current to enroll, and auto insurance is not required on day one (case managers will assist you in obtaining the minimum liability coverage required by the state). There are no income restrictions, and undocumented individuals are fully eligible to participate.
DPSS Financial Assistance
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) provides immediate financial aid, food assistance, and medical benefits to low-income residents and individuals experiencing homelessness. You can apply for all financial assistance programs online through the BenefitsCal portal, by calling the DPSS Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777, or by visiting a local DPSS district office in person.
General Relief (GR): This county-funded program provides up to $221 per month in direct financial assistance to eligible, low-income single adults who do not qualify for other state or federal assistance programs.
CalWORKs: This program offers temporary monthly financial assistance, housing stabilization funds, and employment services to eligible families with minor children.
CalFresh (Food Stamps): This program provides monthly electronic food benefits—via an EBT card—to supplement your grocery budget. Applicants experiencing homelessness qualify for Expedited CalFresh service, which requires the DPSS to issue their food benefits within 3 calendar days.
Medi-Cal: This is California’s free or low-cost health coverage program, which covers medical exams, prescription medications, emergency care, and mental health services.
If you need emergency cash or food benefits today, please visit an in-person office. Major centers include the Metro Family District Office (2615 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles) and the Hoover District Office (10775 S. Central Ave, Los Angeles). Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
