Homelessness Resources

Homeless and Emergency Shelters

by Bridget Mouton on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 4:30pm

I've been asked a few times for some resources to help the homeless and battered. . . . Some of whom I have personal contact. . . . . Some that are afraid to ask. . . . . And some that are to embarrassed to ask. I figured this would be a good place to start where no one has to know your business, but you can get some sort of preliminary help.



Here's a start with some of the many resources available. Feel free to send me a message for more information. If I can help with more information, I will. If I can't, I'll try to offer some helpful direction.



I understand not everyone is on the internet, but the internet is where many turn to to find answers. Please direct others to this page if they are in need. I plan to add on more information soon.



If you would like to help support a food bank, offer hygiene supplies, offer more resources, etc. Please send me a message.

-----------------------------------------------



Types of Shelters:





Day Shelters – supplements with housing facitlities when the shelter someone is staying in is only offered for overnight. Sometimes there is Case Management, laundry and shower facilities. Food and hygiene supplies may be offered. Emergency and homeless shelters that allow the client to stay during the day are also included in this category. Usually services are offered free of charge.



Emergency / Homeless – Short term relief with housing usually no more than 3 months. Clients may be asked to leave during the day. Meals and other services are often offered. Usually services are free of charge.



To find a list of emergency shelters and soup kitchens:

http://www.shelterchat.org/find_shelter/

http://www.magicyellow.com/category/Shelters



Or send me a private message for a compiled list for the Los Angeles / Inland Empire area.



Transitional Housing – Usually help to transition clients from shelter to permanent housing. Length of stay is usually 6 months to 2 years. A portion of their income goes toward the program fees. . . .@ 30%. Sometimes the money goes back to the client when they leave.



Permanent Affordable Housing – Long term housing as long as the client remains in the low-income bracket. Some stays are limited to 3-5 years. Some are unlimited. Usually 30% of income goes towards the rent. Here's where Govt. assistance services like HUD help with rental assistance. Go to http://hud.gov/ and look for "rental assistance".



Drug and Alcohol Rehab – Used for treating drug / alcohol dependency. The cost varies depending on the type of facility it is. Contact a treatment center for more info.



If you need assistance due to being battered and abused:

Dial 911 for immediate attention

Dial 211 for list of shelters in Southern California areas

National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)

The Sheepfold: for battered women and children in Riverside and Orange County:

1-877-743-3736