It is estimated that there are as many as 70,000 homeless people living on the streets of Los Angeles County. 70% suffer from mental illness and/or substance abuse problems, more than 20% are veterans, and the number of homeless women and families is rising. The good news is miracles happen on Skid Row.

With 300 solar panels on the roof, VOALA Rotary House is a place of SHELTER, DIGNITY AND HOPE on Skid row. Our 20,000 sq. ft. service center provides residential and non-residential programs to serve as many as 4,000 people annually.  Services include emergency and transitional shelter, jobs, corrections and addiction programs for men and women, many of which are geared specifically towards veterans.  Meetings are held 3x daily on weekdays and 2x on weekends for AA, NA, CA, HIV Awareness, and other self–help groups.

PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AT VOALA ROTARY HOUSE

The Barracks            40 Male Beds

The Barracks is an innovative Safe Haven program designed for chronically homeless, male veterans. This low-barrier program provides transitional housing, a computer center, along with job training and placement services, and permanent housing referrals. On-site case management and group sessions include evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Seeking Safety. Medical, mental health and substance abuse services are provided by the nearby Veteran Administration outpatient clinic.

-  Must be a male veteran with an honorable discharge who is eligible for VA medical benefits

-  Must have a history of chronic homelessness (one year continuous homelessness or three episodes of homelessness in a four-year period)

H.V.R.P. Homeless Veteran’s Reintegration Program            Non-residential

HVRP, also known as Helping Veterans Receive Paychecks, provides job development services for any homeless veteran. The program works to reduce and circumvent homelessness, assist with securing employment, no-cost job training, work clothing, bus tokens, and linkage to benefits.

-  Must be a veteran

-  Must have an honorable discharge

Rotary House Veteran’s Services           25 Male/10 Female Beds

Provides transitional housing, 3 meals a day, transportation, and referrals to outpatient addiction programs, job training, with the end goal being permanent housing.

-  Must be male or female veteran with an honorable discharge

-  Must be homeless

S.T.R.I.V.E.                50 Male/10 Female Beds

STRIVE = Steps Toward Realizing Individual Vocational Excellency.  We provide job trainings and transitional housing to homeless men or women who are seeking to transition back to a productive life.  Class courses include culinary arts, computer skills, basic life skills, GED attainment, etc.

-  Must be a legal resident/ US citizen living on the streets, in a shelter, or in transitional housing

Rexo is designed to help ex-offenders recently released and pre-release find their rightful spot in today's society.  The program has an intensive intake skills-based assessment that allows the candidate to identify their strengths, weaknesses, potential risk factors and current barriers. Job developers are assigned to work with clients in developing a comprehensive employment plan that will lead the participant in to meaningful employment.

-  Must have a non-violent, non-sexual offense history

-  Must reside in or around Central City, Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, or Boyle Heights

STEP is our 90-day outpatient program that provides substance abuse, case management and wraparound services for individuals and veterans who are recently released from jail. STEP utilizes evidence-based counseling approaches such a Motivational Interviewing and Thinking for a Change. Screening and in-custody services may begin four months prior to when the individual is released from custody. Follow-up case management and relapse prevention are also provided for six months following program completion.

-  Must have original sentence of at least six months in jail

-  Participants should have transitional or permanent housing arrangements     

R-House Immigration Program            10 Male/3 Female Beds

For men and women with immigration hold/refugee status, many of whom have mental health issues, who are seeking to reintegrate in to society.

-  Must be referred through Department of Human Services in Washington DC

OTHER VOALA PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS

Our San Julian Access Center provides IMMEDIATE NEEDS including beds, showers, laundry, storage, medical evaluation, use of phone and the Internet. We offer job training and placement, advocacy and referrals, and daily therapy groups. We serve 300+ daily, and shelter 100+ every night.  Watch the video.

WEST COVINA OUTREACH AND ACCESS CENTER provides assistance and referrals to homeless individuals and families, including case management, computer center, life skills classes, and clothing distribution.

EL MONTE OUTREACH AND ACCESS CENTER provides assistance and referrals to homeless individuals and families, including case management, computer center, life skills classes, and clothing distribution.

B.E.S.T. (Benefits Entitlement Services Team)  We provide assistance to disabled homeless persons throughout Los Angeles County, in applying for and obtaining Social Security disability benefits through the provision of coordinated health, mental health, and comprehensive case management services.  Client must be: A legal resident or citizen of the U.S.; Living on the streets, shelter, or in transitional living; Unable to work (gainful employment) for 12 months or longer; Not have an open or pending SSDI/SSI case; Have a qualifying mental or physical disability under the SSA guidelines.

Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was created by President Obama and HUD in 2009. HPRP is a short-term assistance program intended to assist individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship brought on by the recent economic downturn. Priority must be given to those who are most in need of this temporary assistance and who are most likely to achieve stable housing after the assistance has ended. The program has strict regulations for participation. To qualify for HPRP assistance: You must currently live in the City of Huntington Park; You must be homeless or at risk of homelessness, with no alternative housing options, financial resources or support networks to help you find housing or stay in your home.

S.H.A.W.L. House (Support for Harbor Area Women’s Lives) provides a safe haven for female victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental illness with transitional housing, counseling, domestic violence education, and other support services, including education and job skills to help them move towards an EMPOWERED INDEPENDENCE.

We provide 24-Hour Transportation to any individuals being released from hospitals or jails who will require transitional housing or residential treatment to ensure they are placed in appropriate facilities.

To make a contribution in support of Homelessness click here.