Los Angeles

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Community Services

Information about local libraries, community centers, and support programs for new immigrants and low-income residents.

Sections

1. Financial Assistance Programs in Los Angeles

Los Angeles provides several financial assistance programs to help low-income individuals, families, and immigrants. These programs are designed to address housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and other essential needs.

A. General Relief (GR)

  • What it is: A county-funded program providing cash assistance to adults without dependent children who are unemployed or unable to work.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a Los Angeles County resident.
    • Must have limited income and resources.
    • U.S. citizenship is not required, but applicants must meet certain immigration status requirements.
  • Benefits: Monthly cash assistance (approximately $221 per month as of 2023).
  • Costs: No cost to apply.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online via the Your Benefits Now (YBN) portal.
    • Visit a local Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) office.
    • Call the DPSS Customer Service Center at 1-866-613-3777.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Recipients must participate in the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) program unless exempt.

B. CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)

  • What it is: A state program providing cash aid and services to eligible families with children.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have a child under 18 or be pregnant.
    • Meet income and asset limits.
    • U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required.
  • Benefits: Monthly cash assistance, job training, childcare, and transportation support.
  • Costs: No cost to apply.
  • How to Apply:
  • Important Considerations:
    • Recipients must participate in welfare-to-work activities unless exempt.

C. CalFresh (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP)

  • What it is: A federal program providing monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must meet income limits based on household size.
    • U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status is required.
  • Benefits: Monthly benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food.
  • Costs: No cost to apply.
  • How to Apply:
    • Apply online at GetCalFresh.org.
    • Visit a DPSS office or call 1-866-613-3777.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but certain non-citizens (e.g., refugees, asylees) may qualify.

D. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

  • What it is: A program to help renters who are behind on rent or utilities due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a renter in Los Angeles County.
    • Must demonstrate financial hardship due to the pandemic.
    • Income must be below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
  • Benefits: Payment of past-due rent and utilities.
  • Costs: No cost to apply.
  • How to Apply:
    • Applications are typically submitted online through the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) website.
  • Important Considerations:
    • Funding is limited, and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

E. Utility Assistance Programs

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
    • Provides financial assistance to help pay energy bills.
    • Apply through local community-based organizations (e.g., Maravilla Foundation).
  • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Discount Programs:
    • Offers reduced rates for low-income customers.
    • Apply online or call LADWP at 1-800-342-5397.

2. Local Service Programs in Los Angeles

Los Angeles also offers a variety of local service programs to support residents with housing, healthcare, legal aid, and other essential services.

A. Housing Services

  • Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA):
    • Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
    • Call the LAHSA hotline at 2-1-1 for assistance.
  • Affordable Housing Programs:
    • The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) offers affordable housing listings and rental assistance programs.
    • Visit LAHD's website for more information.

B. Healthcare Services

  • My Health LA (MHLA):
    • A no-cost healthcare program for low-income residents of Los Angeles County who are uninsured.
    • Eligibility: Must be a county resident with income below 138% of the federal poverty level. Immigration status does not matter.
    • Apply through a participating community clinic.
  • Covered California:
    • Provides health insurance options for low- and middle-income residents.
    • Visit CoveredCA.com to explore plans and apply.

C. Legal Aid Services

  • Bet Tzedek Legal Services:
    • Offers free legal assistance for low-income residents, including help with housing, employment, and elder law.
    • Visit Bet Tzedek's website or call 323-939-0506.
  • Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA):
    • Provides free legal aid for issues like eviction defense, public benefits, and immigration.
    • Visit NLSLA.org or call 1-800-433-6251.

D. Immigrant Support Services

  • Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA):
    • Offers legal services, advocacy, and community education for immigrants.
    • Visit CHIRLA's website or call 1-888-624-4752.
  • Central American Resource Center (CARECEN):
    • Provides immigration legal services, including DACA renewals and citizenship applications.
    • Visit CARECEN's website or call 213-385-7800.

E. Employment Services

  • Americaโ€™s Job Centers of California (AJCC):
    • Offers job training, resume assistance, and career counseling.
    • Visit CalJOBS to find a local AJCC office.
  • WorkSource Centers:
    • Provide free employment services, including job placement and skills training.
    • Visit WorkSource California for more information.

3. Additional Considerations

  • Language Support: Many community services in Los Angeles offer assistance in multiple languages, including Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Tagalog. Be sure to ask for language support if needed.
  • Transportation: Los Angeles Metro offers reduced fares for low-income individuals through the LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) program. Apply online at Metro.net or visit a Metro Customer Center.
  • Documentation: Most programs require proof of identity, income, and residency. For immigrants, proof of eligible immigration status may be required for certain services.
  • Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofits in Los Angeles, such as the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, provide additional financial and local service support.

By leveraging these programs and services, residents and immigrants in Los Angeles can access the resources they need to navigate financial challenges and integrate into the community. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!