Where to start if you need shelter tonight in Los Angeles

If you need a place to sleep tonight in Los Angeles, call the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) at 1-833-LAHSA-01 (1-833-524-7201). They run the coordinated entry system that connects people to available beds across the city. Have your name ready and be prepared to answer questions about where you slept last night and whether you have any medical needs.

LAHSA does not turn people away based on income, immigration status, or criminal history. They will tell you which shelters have open beds that night and how to get there. If you cannot reach them by phone, you can walk into any shelter and ask to be added to the waitlist, though calling first saves time.

Los Angeles County also runs a separate system for people over 65 or with serious medical conditions. If that applies to you, mention it when you call — you may be routed to a facility with medical staff on site.

Key Takeaways

  • LAHSA's phone line (1-833-524-7201) is the main entry point for shelter beds across Los Angeles and operates 24 hours a day.
  • Shelters do not require proof of income, citizenship, or a clean background to accept you, though some have age or gender-specific restrictions.
  • Most shelters provide a bed and a meal but do not allow you to stay during the day; you must leave in the morning and return in the evening.
  • If you have pets, medical equipment, or other needs, tell LAHSA when you call — some shelters accommodate these, but not all.
  • Shelters fill up, especially in winter; calling early in the evening gives you a better chance of finding a bed that night.

What happens when you call LAHSA

When you call 1-833-524-7201, a staff member will ask your name, your current location, and where you slept the previous night. They will also ask whether you have any health conditions, disabilities, or safety concerns that affect which shelter would work for you. This information helps them match you to a facility with the right services.

LAHSA will give you the name and address of a shelter with an open bed, directions to get there, and a time window when you should arrive. Most shelters stop accepting new arrivals between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., so arriving earlier in the evening is important. If you cannot reach the shelter they name, call LAHSA back — they can suggest another option.

If no beds are available that night, LAHSA will put you on a waitlist and may offer you a spot at a low-barrier shelter or a safe parking location. These are not ideal, but they provide a safer alternative to sleeping outside.

What to expect once you arrive at a shelter

When you arrive, staff will check you in and assign you a bed. You will receive a meal (usually dinner and breakfast) and access to a bathroom. Most shelters provide clean linens and a locker or storage space for your belongings. Some also offer showers, laundry, and phone charging.

Shelters have rules: no alcohol or drugs on the premises, no weapons, and no violence or threats. You must leave by a set time in the morning, usually between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. During the day, you cannot stay in the shelter unless you are ill or have special permission. You can return in the evening to check in again.

If you need to stay longer than one night, tell staff during check-in. Some shelters offer 30-day or 90-day stays. Others are designed for single nights only. LAHSA can also connect you to transitional housing or permanent supportive housing programs if you want to work toward a longer-term solution.

Shelters with specific services or populations

Los Angeles has shelters designed for different groups. The Downtown Women's Center serves women and transgender people. The Midnight Mission serves men. The Weingart Center serves families with children. LAHSA will route you to a shelter that matches your needs when you call.

Some shelters specialize in serving people with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or chronic illness. If you have one of these conditions, mention it to LAHSA — they can prioritize you for a facility with counselors, medical staff, or peer support on site.

Youth shelters (for people under 25) operate separately from adult shelters. If you are under 25, call the Los Angeles Youth Network at 1-800-999-4357 instead of LAHSA. They run their own coordinated entry system and can connect you to youth-specific housing and services.

What to bring and what you cannot bring

Bring any identification you have, medications in their original bottles, and important documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of income if you have it). Shelters will store these safely. Bring only what fits in a small bag — most shelters do not have space for large suitcases or multiple bags.

You cannot bring weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs. You cannot bring pets to most shelters, though a few have pet-friendly policies. If you have a service animal, tell LAHSA when you call — they will route you to a shelter that accepts them. If you have a pet that is not a service animal, ask about the safe parking program or pet-friendly shelters; LAHSA can provide those numbers.

If you have medical equipment (oxygen, a wheelchair, a CPAP machine), bring it with you and mention it when you check in. Shelters are required to accommodate medical equipment, though some facilities are better equipped than others.

Shelter locations and hours across Los Angeles

Los Angeles has more than 40 shelters spread across the city. Most are open year-round, though some operate only during winter months (November through March). LAHSA maintains a current list of which shelters are open on any given night and how many beds they have available.

Downtown Los Angeles has the highest concentration of shelters, including the Union Rescue Mission, the Midnight Mission, and the Downtown Women's Center. The San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, and South Los Angeles also have multiple facilities. If you have a preference for a neighborhood closer to family, work, or services, tell LAHSA — they will try to place you nearby, though availability varies.

Most shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis after LAHSA assigns you. Arriving early in the evening increases your chances of getting a bed. During winter or in very cold weather, many shelters stay open longer or add extra beds.

Moving from shelter to longer-term housing

Shelters are meant to be temporary. If you want to stay longer or move toward permanent housing, tell a staff member or case manager at the shelter. Many shelters have social workers on site who can connect you to transitional housing (usually 6 to 24 months), rapid rehousing programs (which help you move into an apartment quickly), or permanent supportive housing (long-term housing with ongoing support services).

To move into permanent supportive housing, you typically need to be enrolled in LAHSA's coordinated entry system and meet income requirements. Most programs serve people earning below 30% of the area median income. The process usually takes several weeks to several months, so starting it early matters.

If you have a disability, veteran status, or chronic health condition, you may move faster through the system. LAHSA prioritizes people with the greatest barriers to housing. Ask a case manager whether you may have access to for any priority programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a mental health condition or am in crisis?

Tell LAHSA when you call. They can route you to a shelter with mental health staff or connect you to a crisis stabilization unit if you need when ready psychiatric care. If you are in acute crisis, you can also call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to any emergency room.

Can I stay at a shelter if I have a job?

Yes. Shelters do not require you to be unemployed. Many people use shelters while working or looking for work. If you need to leave early for a job, tell staff — some shelters can arrange early checkout or day storage for your belongings.

What if I don't speak English?

LAHSA has interpreters available. When you call 1-833-524-7201, tell them your language and they will connect you to an interpreter. Most large shelters also have multilingual staff or access to translation services.

Can I bring my children to a shelter?

Yes, if you are a parent or guardian. Family shelters accept parents with children of any age. Call LAHSA and mention that you have children — they will route you to a family-specific facility. These shelters often have more space and services designed for families.

What if I was denied entry to a shelter?

Shelters can refuse entry only for serious violations (violence, weapons, severe intoxication). If you were turned away, call LAHSA back and explain what happened. They can place you at a different shelter or a low-barrier facility. If you believe you were denied unfairly, ask to speak to a supervisor.