Are you in search of free or low-cost community programs in Los Angeles County? If so, you're in luck! There are a variety of programs available to those with low incomes, poverty, and those going through a crisis. From financial assistance to legal aid, there are plenty of resources available to help you get back on your feet. Arcadia Health and Thrift Store offers assistance with utility bills, prescription drug assistance, and grants for rent in special circumstances. The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) provides two programs, Low-Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) and Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), to help people achieve their dream of homeownership.
The Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) provides free legal aid to more than 160,000 individuals and families throughout the county each year. Their advocates specialize in areas of law that disproportionately affect people living in poverty, such as affordable housing and defense against eviction, access to public benefits, support for domestic violence survivors and their children, access to health care and worker and consumer rights, as well as employment and training. In addition to financial assistance, there are also programs that provide free clothing, possible car repairs, transportation for the elderly, food, computers or school supplies for students, furniture programs and other supplies. Some of these programs are specific to Los Angeles County while others, such as CalFresh, are available throughout the state of California. For those on the verge of eviction or who are currently homeless, there are dozens of nonprofit centers throughout Los Angeles County that provide short-term housing. What makes this program different is that if the person looking for housing cannot split the rent, they can receive a reduction in their monthly payment by providing other services such as cleaning, shopping or preparing meals. The Affordable Housing Program (AChP) ensures that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to rent affordable rental housing funded by the City of Los Angeles or the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.
In addition to the options above, there is a referral hotline that can direct homeless customers and people living in poverty to rental programs and other financial assistance. You can call 833 223-7368, (800) 593-8222, 800-399-4529 or (800) 973-3370 for prevention and rehousing services for the homeless in Los Angeles County. The Toberman Neighborhood Center located in San Pedro offers programs that include help with utility bills, personal items, holiday assistance and emergency food. The NLSLA also has self-help legal access centers in courts throughout Los Angeles County where litigants can access legal guidance and referrals to legal services. There are also dozens of churches, charities and social service agencies throughout Los Angeles County that provide low-income families, older people and children with basic items such as free clothing, school supplies, furniture and household items. Resources range from free meals at home to legal assistance to the Health Insurance Program for the Elderly (SHIP), medications, housing and employment programs. Finally, the county offers dozens of assistance programs for people with disabilities, older people, immigrants and low-income families.
These include the Salvation Army offices located in Compton, Whittier, South Center Office in Los Angeles and Lancaster between cities and towns in the county. If you're looking for free or low-cost community programs in Los Angeles County there are plenty of options available. From financial assistance to legal aid to short-term housing there are plenty of resources available to help you get back on your feet.
