Homeless Assistance in California
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to California residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for California residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across California. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in California. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for California veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible California residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in California. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. California receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local California Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple California locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through California community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income California residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedCalifornia State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by California for residents experiencing homelessness.
CalWORKs (TANF)
California’s TANF program providing cash assistance, childcare, and employment services to eligible families. Apply at your county social services office.
Get StartedCalifornia HHAP (Homeless Housing Aid)
Flexible state funding to local governments to develop local solutions to homelessness including shelter, housing, and services.
Get StartedMedi-Cal (California Medicaid)
California’s Medicaid program covering millions of low-income Californians. Apply at benefitscal.com or any county social services office.
Get StartedCalifornia Housing Programs
California Department of Housing & Community Development provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income California residents.
Get StartedCalifornia Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through California’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income California households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major California cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Los Angeles
LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Los Angeles area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedSan Francisco
SF Dept. of Homelessness — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the San Francisco area.
Get StartedSan Diego
Regional Task Force on Homelessness — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for San Diego area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in California.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- California Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for California veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
