Transitional Housing/Shelter

The program provides transitional shelter for single men and women 18 years and older who are homeless, in Los Angeles County and have no other resources. People who use wheelchairs are also eligible for service. The program will also accept pregnant women up until their ninth month, people who are dually diagnosed and veterans. The program cannot accept couples, people receiving methadone or people who cannot function appropriately in a group setting. The length of stay is usually 60 days, however, participants can stay longer and is determined on an individual basis, depending upon whether the resident is working, going to school, or otherwise attempting to improve their situation. There are no geographic restrictions.

The program provides bedding and linen; shower and laundry facilities; and three meals per day. The program provides 330 beds during warm and cold weather months. Accommodations are provided in a dormitory-style setting with beds for men and women. Men and women sleep in separate areas of the warehouse-style building. Residents are required to abide by house rules which include a prohibition against drugs, alcohol and violence. Residents must remain in the shelter once they have come in (unless given approval by manager in charge); obey the 5:30am wake-up time; and leave the shelter the following morning by 7:30am. Residents may stay during the day to see a caseworker. Residents must also submit to a mandatory search of clothes and belongings for weapons, drugs and alcohol; these are confiscated when found. Residents must also agree to lock up any valuables for safekeeping.

Supportive services offered include weekly religious services in English and Spanish; GED training; case management; counseling; health care referrals; legal services; classes including AIDS/HIV awareness, anger management and domestic violence diversion, English as a Second Language, life skills training, money management, smoking cessation and stress management; and 12-step recovery sessions (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous).