California offers a wide range of housing and homelessness resources, from emergency shelters to long-term support programs like CalWORKs Housing Support, Bringing Families Home, and the Housing and Disability Advocacy Program. The fastest way to connect with local services is by dialing 211, which links you to shelters, food aid, and housing programs in your county.
Emergency and Immediate Homeless & Housing Support
If you are currently unhoused or at risk of losing your home, the following resources provide immediate intervention:
Call 211 California
By dialing 2-1-1 from any phone in California, you can connect with local specialists who provide immediate referrals to homeless shelters, emergency housing, and vital support services. This service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 53 of California’s 58 counties, covering more than 99% of the state’s population.
FindHelp.org
FindHelp.org is a free, nationwide search engine that connects people with verified social service programs in their immediate area. To find help, enter your zip code to view a localized list of nonprofit organizations and government agencies offering assistance.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you are seeking housing due to a domestic safety risk, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans in need of temporary shelter outside of regular business hours may call Volunteers of America at (213) 563-7979.
State-Administered Housing Programs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) operates several programs designed for specific populations:
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA)
The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) program provides one-time financial aid to families currently receiving CalWORKs—or who appear to be eligible to receive it—in order to secure or maintain stable housing. This assistance is typically limited to once every 12 months, although exceptions exist in cases of natural disasters, domestic violence, or medically verified illnesses.
Temporary Homeless Assistance (THA)
THA provides payments for emergency lodging while the family searches for permanent housing.
Duration: Up to 16 cumulative days within a 12-month period.
Daily Rate: Starting in 2026, the standard rate is $85 per day for a family of four or fewer members, plus $15 for each additional person (up to a daily maximum of $145).
Eligible Lodging: Payments cover stays in hotels, motels, or commercial shelters.
Requirements: You must be actively searching for permanent housing and submit proof of lodging expenses.
Permanent Homeless Assistance (PHA)
PHA helps families secure a new residence or prevent eviction from their current home.
Securing Housing: Covers costs such as security deposits, last month’s rent, and utility connection fees.
Preventing Eviction: Can pay up to two months of back rent if the family has received an eviction notice.
Income Limit: To qualify for permanent housing assistance, the total monthly rent cannot exceed 80% of the family’s Total Monthly Household Income (TMHI).
You can apply for CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) through your local County Welfare Department. Most applications can be initiated through BenefitsCal. You must complete form CW 42 (Statement of Facts – Homeless Assistance).
Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)
The Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) is a California state-funded initiative designed to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness—or are at risk of doing so—and who are likely eligible for disability benefits. The program combines specialized advocacy—both legal and clinical—with housing-related financial assistance in order to provide long-term stability.
All participating counties must offer four simultaneous services to beneficiaries:
Community Outreach: Proactive identification and assessment of potentially eligible individuals.
Case Management: Intensive support to help participants navigate complex medical and housing systems.
Disability Benefits Advocacy: Assistance with the paperwork and legal representation required for SSI or SSDI applications.
Housing Assistance: Financial aid to cover housing costs, including rent assistance, security deposits, and moving expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is generally determined at the local county level; however, standard criteria include:
Housing Status: Individuals must be experiencing homelessness or be at imminent risk of becoming homeless (priority is often given to those experiencing chronic homelessness).
Disability Requirement: Participants must be likely to be eligible for disability benefits, such as SSI/SSDI or Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
Prioritization: While this is not an entitlement program, counties prioritize individuals who present the greatest vulnerabilities and a higher reliance on government services.
Age/Income: Generally, there is no strict income limit for determining eligibility.
HDAP is administered locally by 57 of California’s 58 counties, as well as by 17 tribal agencies. To apply, you must contact your county’s local social services office or a specific point of contact designated by the county. Many counties accept referrals from social workers at Adult Protective Services (APS) or local Independent Living Centers (ILCs).
For general inquiries or to receive assistance connecting with the local program in your area, you may contact the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) by calling (916) 651-5155 or by sending an email to housing@dss.ca.gov.
CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP)
The CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) is a state-funded program that offers “rapid rehousing” and homelessness prevention services for families currently receiving CalWORKs benefits. Unlike standard CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA)—which provides a one-time lump-sum payment—HSP offers comprehensive, long-term support to help families move into and maintain permanent housing.
HSP is tailored to the specific needs of each family and can cover a wide range of costs, including:
Rental Assistance: Short- or medium-term rental subsidies that gradually decrease as the family achieves greater self-sufficiency.
Moving Costs: Payment of security deposits, last month’s rent, and utility connection fees.
Emergency Shelter: Temporary vouchers for hotels or motels if immediate housing is unavailable.
Other Costs: Assistance with moving arrangements, credit report fees, renter’s insurance, and even childcare while a parent or guardian searches for housing.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for HSP, families must meet the following criteria:
Active CalWORKs Case: You must currently be receiving CalWORKs cash aid or be participating in a Family Reunification program.
Homeless or At Risk: You must be literally homeless (living in a shelter, a car, or on the street) or be at imminent risk of losing your residence—for example, by having a court-ordered eviction notice.
Sustainability: In many counties, families must demonstrate, over time, the ability to assume the cost of their housing as program subsidies are gradually phased out.
How to Apply
The most common way to apply for the program is to ask your current CalWORKs social worker for a referral to the Housing Support Program. You can also indicate your need for housing assistance when applying for general benefits through BenefitsCal.
Bringing Families Home (BFH)
The Bringing Families Home (BFH) program is a state-funded initiative designed to provide housing stability to families involved in the child welfare system. Its primary objectives are to facilitate family reunification for children currently in foster care and to prevent out-of-home placement for at-risk families.
BFH utilizes a “Housing First” model, offering a combination of financial assistance and intensive support:
Direct Financial Assistance: Help with security deposits, rental subsidies (often through a tiered, declining approach), utility payments, and moving expenses.
Housing Navigation: Assistance in locating and securing suitable housing, including landlord mediation.
Wraparound Case Management: Ongoing support that includes legal services, credit repair, and family stabilization.
Follow-up Support: Many programs offer follow-up check-ins once housing has been secured (e.g., for a period of three months) to ensure long-term stability.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, families must generally meet the following criteria at the time of application:
Involvement in the Child Welfare System: The family must have an active case with the county child welfare agency (e.g., DCFS or CPS) and be receiving Family Maintenance (FM) or Family Reunification (FR) services.
Housing Status: The family must be literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.
Voluntary Participation: Parents or legal guardians must agree to participate voluntarily.
Income Limits: While state guidelines vary, some major counties—such as Los Angeles—require household income to be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
How to Apply
You cannot apply directly through a standard public portal; you must request a referral to the BFH program from your Child Welfare Worker (CSW). Be prepared to provide documents such as photo identification, the children’s birth certificates, and, if applicable, an eviction notice.
For assistance finding your local contact, you may send an email to the CDSS Housing Division at housing@dss.ca.gov or call (916) 651-5155.
Long-Term Affordable Housing Resources
HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Get free advice on rental assistance or homeownership by calling (800) 569-4287 or using HUD’s search tool.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): These local agencies administer Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) and other subsidized housing programs. You can find your local contact through HUD’s PHA list.
CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal): If you have Medi-Cal, you may be eligible to receive “Community Supports,” which provide assistance with housing deposits and guidance on finding housing.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Search for affordable units directly through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee’s map.
Housing Assistance for People Experiencing Homelessness Provided by Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations in California provide a critical safety net for those experiencing homelessness, offering everything from immediate emergency shelter to long-term permanent supportive housing. Many of these organizations collaborate with local governments to administer state and federal housing grants.
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)
As one of California’s largest providers, PATH focuses on building affordable housing and delivering supportive services—such as community outreach, employment assistance, and housing search guidance—across multiple regions, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara County.
Mercy Housing California
A leader in affordable housing development, Mercy Housing specializes in permanent housing solutions for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities. Their notable projects scheduled for completion by 2026 include “The Eliza,” a senior residence in Oakland, and the “Kelsey Civic Center” in San Francisco.
The Salvation Army
It operates a vast network of emergency and transitional shelters throughout the state. Among its most notable facilities are the Anaheim Emergency Shelter and the “Center of Hope” campus, which offers comprehensive care and permanent supportive housing.
Conclusion
California offers an extensive network of housing resources and assistance for people experiencing homelessness, designed to provide support to individuals at every stage of the process—from emergency shelter to permanent housing. By leveraging available programs, maintaining consistent communication with agencies, and accessing support services, individuals can move toward long-term stability.
