Los Angeles continues to face one of the largest homelessness crises in the United States. With more than 70,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2026, nearly 40,000 remain without shelter, living in tents, cars, or encampments throughout the city. Shelters play a vital role in providing immediate assistance, but demand far exceeds available capacity.
Types of Homeless Shelters
Emergency Shelters
These shelters offer temporary housing, meals, and basic hygiene facilities. Many are operated by nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).
Transitional Housing
These shelters offer longer stays with case management, job training, and support services to help residents find permanent housing.
Recovery Care Programs
These are specialized shelters for people discharged from hospitals who need a safe place to recover. These programs combine medical supervision with temporary housing.
Seasonal Shelters
These shelters are open during extreme weather events, such as heat waves or winter storms, to protect vulnerable populations.
Main Agency That Connects You to Shelters
In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) manages shelter services.
LAHSA helps people find:
- Emergency shelters
- Temporary housing
- Bridge housing
- Supported permanent housing
According to LAHSA, temporary housing shelters offer people shelter, meals, case management, and basic services while they search for permanent housing.
Many shelters require a referral through LAHSA outreach teams or partner agencies.
Major Homeless Shelters in Los Angeles
Union Rescue Mission
One of the largest private homeless shelters in the United States, located in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. It offers shelter, meals, and recovery programs for men, women, and families. Services include:
- Emergency Shelter
- Food and Clothing
- Medical and Dental Care
- Counseling
- Job Training
- Transitional Housing for men, women, and families
Address: 545 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (213) 347-6300
Los Angeles Mission
This nonprofit organization has served the homeless in downtown Los Angeles for over 70 years. It offers emergency shelter, food programs, and recovery services for people experiencing homelessness.
Address: 303 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: (213) 629-1227
Midnight Mission
Founded in 1914, this organization offers emergency shelter, family housing, recovery services, educational training, and safe sleep programs.
Address: 601 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 624-9258
The People Concern
The People Concern is one of Los Angeles’ largest and most respected nonprofit organizations addressing homelessness and domestic violence. It was formed in 2016 through the merger of two long-established agencies: OPCC (Ocean Park Community Center) and Lamp Community, both with decades of experience serving the homeless. They offer:
- Emergency and temporary housing
- Permanent supportive housing
- Medical and mental health services
- Services for victims of domestic violence
- Street outreach programs
Website: thepeopleconcern.org
Phone: (213) 488-9559
Address: 2116 Arlington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90018
Downtown Women’s Center
Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) is a pioneering nonprofit organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to serving women experiencing homelessness and poverty. Founded in 1978, it remains the only organization in Los Angeles focused solely on women experiencing homelessness, offering both immediate assistance and long-term solutions. They offer:
- Permanent Supportive Housing
- Day Center Services
- Support and Advocacy Programs
Website: downtownwomenscenter.org
Phone: (213) 680-0600
Address: 442 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Salvation Army, Southern California Division
The Salvation Army operates shelters and transitional housing programs throughout Los Angeles. Their services may include:
- Emergency Shelter
- Rental Assistance
- Food Programs
Website: https://socalsalvationarmy.org
Bridge Home Shelters
Los Angeles also offers temporary programs such as “A Bridge Home.”
These shelters provide short-term housing until a person can move into permanent housing. Since 2020, several sites have opened throughout the city.
These organizations work closely with city agencies and volunteers to support the homeless community.
What You Can Expect at a Shelter
Most homeless shelters in Los Angeles offer:
- A bed to sleep in
- Free daily meals
- Bathrooms and showers
- Case managers
- Help with ID and documents
- Medical and mental health support
- Housing placement services
Some shelters also provide:
- Job search help
- Education programs
- Addiction recovery services
How People Can Access Homeless Shelters
People who need shelter in Los Angeles can:
Call 211, which connects people with local shelter programs and resources.
- Contact local social workers or service organizations.
- Visit nearby emergency shelters or service centers for assistance.
- These services help people quickly find safe housing and support.
Conclusion
Homeless shelters in Los Angeles offer much more than a place to sleep. They provide food, medical care, counseling, and housing support to help people rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, these shelters and organizations can be the first step toward safe and stable housing.
