New Winter Shelter Program Now Provides Hotel Vouchers

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) opened its Winter Shelter Program for the 2022-2023 winter season, which goes through March 31st 2023. These emergency shelters offer 143 beds across five sites so the homelessness escape winter weather. The Winter Shelters provide a warm place to sleep, food, supportive services and housing assistance.

New this year LAHSA will provide motel vouchers to the homelessness during severe or inclement weather. The new program will provide 367 motel vouchers per day for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the rest of Los Angeles County

LAHSA will activate the new hotel vouchers when The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for three (3) days of low daytime temperatures accompanied by night wind chill temperatures of 32 degrees or less.

• The forecast calls for 1 inch of rain in 24 hours.

• The forecast calls for three (3) consecutive days of 1-4 inches of rain or more accompanied by temperatures at or below 50 degrees

• The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a flood watch or warning.

• Conditions not previously identified by the plan but for which it would be prudent to do so based upon critical needs

Under those conditions, the county will take requests for vouchers through its 211 system. The 211 operators can arrange for a ride-sharing service to pick up and drop off callers and make motel reservations.