Los Angeles, facing a severe homelessness crisis, has implemented several initiatives to provide immediate assistance to its homeless population. One of these initiatives is the provision of free hotel and motel vouchers, which offer temporary shelter and a respite of safety to those in urgent need.
1. 211 LA’s Motel Voucher Program
211 LA, a vital resource center, collaborates with local agencies to offer motel vouchers for crisis housing. These vouchers are available outside of regular business hours and can be used for short-term stays at participating motels. Eligibility is often based on motel capacity and availability, and transportation can also be provided.
2. OUR SAVIOUR CENTER Family Shelter Vouchers
In the El Monte metropolitan area, OUR SAVIOUR CENTER offers shelter vouchers specifically for families with children under 18. These vouchers provide temporary housing, typically for up to 7 days, in local motels or hotels. Assistance is subject to funding availability.
3. CalWORKs Homeless Assistance Program
The California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Children (CalWORKs) program offers Homeless Assistance (HA) to eligible families. This includes up to 16 days of temporary shelter, with daily allowances ranging from $65 to $145, depending on family size. The assistance seeks to help families secure or maintain housing, including covering temporary housing costs, security deposits, or rent arrears.
4. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the EHV program provides housing choice vouchers to local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). These vouchers assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence, among other criteria. Eligibility and prioritization are determined through the Los Angeles Coordinated Entry System (CES), and connection to CES does not guarantee assistance.
5. Safe Inside Initiative
Mayor Karen Bass’s Safe Inside program represents a strategic shift from law enforcement to citizen engagement. The initiative provides hotel rooms and shelters, along with social services, to homeless people. By offering immediate housing solutions, the program seeks to help people get off the streets and into more stable living conditions.
6. Project Roomkey (Historical Context)
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Project Roomkey was a state-funded initiative that converted hotels and motels into temporary shelters for homeless individuals, particularly those at higher risk due to their age or preexisting medical conditions. While the program has been phased out, it played a crucial role in providing immediate relief during the health crisis.
7. Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP)
During periods of severe weather, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) provides motel vouchers to homeless individuals. The program distributes approximately 142 vouchers per day in the city and 367 per day in the rest of Los Angeles County. Access to these vouchers is typically facilitated through LAHSA community outreach teams and partners.
If you are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and seeking temporary shelter through free hotel or motel vouchers, there are several programs available to help you. To apply for these resources, follow these steps:
How to Apply for Free Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Los Angeles
Call 211: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-548-6047 (press 4 for English).
After-Hours Assistance: 211 LA offers vouchers for crisis motel accommodations and transportation to motels for eligible families outside of regular business hours, based on motel capacity and availability.
Contact the Coordinated Entry System (CES): Connect with a CES Access Center in your area to assess your eligibility and receive referrals.
Contact the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) or local community outreach teams for information about the Inside Safe program.
Complete Form CW-42 (9/23) – Statement of Facts – Homeless Assistance.
Contact your local county welfare office to submit the form and apply.
Summary
| Program/Provider | Eligibility & Access |
|---|---|
| Inside Safe (City-run) | Outreach referral required; includes social services |
| LAHSA’s AWSP (Winter/Severe Weather) | Referral via outreach or LAHSA partners |
| 211 LA (with Hilton/American Express) | Disaster-affected residents; contact 211 |
| Nonprofits & DPSS | Women, veterans, regional nonprofits, General Relief |
| Access Centers (CES, Weingart, etc.) | Walk-ins or referrals; evaluation and service access |
Remember that Voucher availability may vary depending on budget and capacity. It is recommended to contact the relevant agencies as soon as possible to check current availability and application procedures.
Conclusion
While hotel vouchers offer temporary respite to homeless people in Los Angeles, they are part of a broader strategy to address homelessness. These initiatives provide immediate relief and are a step toward more permanent housing solutions. Continued efforts and collaboration between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the community are essential to creating lasting change and providing support to the homeless population.