California Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in California.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 39.2 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 171,000 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $4.6 billion allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento
- Primary Challenges: High housing costs, mental health service gaps, substance use disorders
Emergency Contact Numbers
California Crisis Hotline
(800) 843-5200
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(833) 422-4255
Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Mental Health Support
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in California based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout California:
Union Rescue Mission
City: Los Angeles
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, recovery programs
Restrictions: Some programs gender-specific
Phone: (213) 347-6300
Address: 545 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours: 24/7
St. Vincent de Paul Village
City: San Diego
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, healthcare
Restrictions: Intake process required
Phone: (619) 233-8500
Address: 1501 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Intake 8am-4pm daily
Bay Area Rescue Mission
City: Richmond
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, recovery programs
Restrictions: Separate facilities for men and women/children
Phone: (510) 215-4555
Address: 2114 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA 94801
Hours: 24/7
Sacramento Loaves & Fishes
City: Sacramento
Services: Day shelter, meals, showers, resource referrals
Restrictions: No overnight shelter
Phone: (916) 446-0874
Address: 1351 North C St., Sacramento, CA 95811
Hours: 7am-3pm Mon-Fri
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in California:
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
City: Los Angeles
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies
Requirements: None for many programs
SF-Marin Food Bank
City: San Francisco
Services: Food pantries, home-delivered groceries
Requirements: None for most services
Glide Memorial Church
City: San Francisco
Services: Daily free meals, no questions asked
Requirements: None
Phone: (415) 674-6000
Address: 330 Ellis St., San Francisco, CA 94102
Hours: Breakfast 8am, Lunch 12pm, Dinner 4pm
Alameda County Community Food Bank
City: Oakland
Services: Food distribution, CalFresh assistance
Requirements: None for emergency food
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in California:
California Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in California:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
In California, the Martin v. Boise decision impacts enforcement of camping ordinances. Cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if there is insufficient shelter space available. However, many municipalities have ordinances restricting camping in specific public areas.
Relevant Case: Martin v. Boise, 920 F.3d 584 (9th Cir. 2019)
Vehicle Dwelling
Regulations vary significantly by city and county. Some cities prohibit overnight parking in residential areas or living in vehicles, while others have designated safe parking programs.
Examples: Los Angeles Municipal Code § 85.02 (regulated vehicle dwelling areas)
Food Sharing & Distribution
Most California cities allow for food sharing, though some require permits for large-scale distribution in public parks and spaces.
Note: State legislation (AB-2178) created exemptions for charitable feeding operations.
Property Rights & Seizure
Cities must provide adequate notice before clearing encampments and must store personal property for retrieval. Immediate disposal of property may violate constitutional rights.
Relevant Case: Lavan v. City of Los Angeles, 693 F.3d 1022 (9th Cir. 2012)
Housing Rights
California has enacted several tenant protection laws including statewide rent control (AB-1482), just-cause eviction requirements, and source-of-income discrimination prohibitions.
State Statute: California Civil Code § 1946.2, 1947.12 (Tenant Protection Act)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in California, the following organizations can help:
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
Provides free legal services for low-income residents in housing, benefits, and more.
Phone: (800) 399-4529
Website: lafla.org
Bay Area Legal Aid
Serves low-income residents across the Bay Area with housing, public benefits, and healthcare access issues.
Phone: (800) 551-5554
Website: baylegal.org
Homeless Action Center
Specializes in SSI/SSDI benefits, healthcare access, and housing issues for homeless individuals.
Phone: (510) 695-2260
Website: homelessactioncenter.org
Western Center on Law & Poverty
Advocates for policy change and litigation support on homelessness and poverty issues.
Phone: (213) 487-7211
Website: wclp.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in California. Select a county to view specific information:
Los Angeles County
County Seat: Los Angeles
Population: 10.1 million
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Varies by city. Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.18 prohibits sitting, sleeping, or storing property in certain public areas.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Los Angeles Municipal Code 85.02 restricts vehicle dwelling in residential areas but allows it in designated commercial and industrial zones.
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is prohibited, but peaceful requests are generally protected speech.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though some areas require permits for large-scale distribution.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Los Angeles County:
Success Stories from California
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in California:
Maria's Journey
After losing her apartment due to a rent increase, Maria and her two children lived in their car for three months. Through the Safe Parking Program in San Diego, they found a secure place to park overnight while working with a case manager who helped them access housing vouchers and employment resources.
"The Safe Parking Program gave us a place to stay without fear while we got back on our feet. The case manager helped me find a job that pays enough for stable housing, and now we have our own apartment again."
Resources that helped: Safe Parking Program, Housing Navigation, Employment Services
James' Journey
After struggling with addiction and homelessness for over five years in San Francisco, James connected with a street outreach team that helped him access substance use treatment and transitional housing. He has now been sober for two years and works as a peer support specialist helping others experiencing homelessness.
"The outreach workers met me where I was, without judgment. They helped me see a way forward when I couldn't. Now I get to help others find their path too."
Resources that helped: Street Outreach, Substance Use Treatment, Transitional Housing, Job Training
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in California have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in California to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Project Roomkey/Homekey
Type: Emergency Housing
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing homelessness who are at high risk for COVID-19 complications
Benefits: Hotel/motel rooms for temporary shelter with a pathway to permanent housing
How to Apply: Through county homeless services agencies or by calling 211
CalWORKs Housing Support Program
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Families with children who are receiving CalWORKs benefits and are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Benefits: Rental assistance, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, and housing navigation
How to Apply: Through county welfare offices or CalWORKs case managers
Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)
Type: Housing and Disability Benefits
Eligibility: Individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk and are likely eligible for disability benefits
Benefits: Housing assistance combined with advocacy and assistance applying for disability benefits
How to Apply: Through county human services agencies or by calling 211
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in California based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners