In response to forecasts of harsh weather this week, weather-activated shelters will be issued countywide (SPAs 1- 8) effective immediately until Wednesday, December 14th:
 
  • SPA 1 – Antelope Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster
  • SPA 2 – San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley
  • SPA 3 – San Gabriel Valley
  • SPA 4 – Metro LA
  • SPA 5 – West Los Angeles
  • SPA 6 – South Los Angeles
  • SPA 7 – East Los Angeles
  • SPA 8 – South Bay
 
*Individuals already being hotel/motel vouchered through the AWSP will be extended to Wednesday, December 14, 2022. 

People Experiencing Homelessness can access all Winter Shelters and the Augmented Winter Shelter Program by calling 2-1-1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Augmented Winter Shelter Program?
Answer: The Augmented Winter Shelter Program provides low-barrier, safe, and supportive emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe cold and wet weather conditions, also known as inclement weather, that occur between November 1st – March 31st. The program aims to protect individuals from contracting hypothermia, pneumonia, and any medical or health-related conditions induced because of extreme cold and wet weather. The program is activated for short periods throughout the winter shelter season as triggered by the weather patterns and conditions that meet the following activation criteria. Individuals can safely come indoors to access hotel/motel vouchers on a first come first serve basis for the duration of the activation period.
 
2. What happens when the Augmented Winter Shelter is activated?
Answer: The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will issue a cold weather alert. 211 LA will issue motel vouchers to callers when AWS is activated, and the following conditions are met:
  • Cold Weather Conditions: A cold weather alert will be issued when the forecast calls for three (3) days of low daytime temperatures accompanied by night wind chill temperatures of 32 degrees
  • Rain Conditions: The forecast calls for 1 inch of rain in 24 hours or calls for three (3) consecutive days of 1-4 inches of rain or more accompanied by temperatures at or below 50 degrees.
 
3. How do I access a Winter Shelter bed?
Answer: The LAHSA Homeless Engagement Team (HET) can reserve a bed at a Winter Shelter site for clients they encounter through outreach. Clients can also call 211 LA directly to be connected to a Winter Shelter site. If a WSP bed is not available, 211 LA will issue a motel voucher upon activation. 211 LA contracts with motels across the SPAs, call handling steps are as followed:

A. Dial 2-1-1
  • Press 4, for English or press 5 for Spanish
  • When prompted, press 3 for Emergency Food or Shelter
  • When prompted, press 2 for Emergency Shelter
  • When prompted, press 1 for singles/couples without children seeking Winter Shelter
  • Or call 1-800-548-6047 for faster service.

B. Provide the 211 LA Call Center Rep with your current location

C. The 211 LA Call Center Rep will identify the closest WSP site or motel (only when activated) to your location

D. 211 LA will send a referral to the WSP site or reserve the room and will provide you with the motel location (only when activated)

E. Arrive at the WSP site or motel to check in

F. Please ensure you have the proper identification necessary to check into a motel room (only when activated)
 
4. How is transportation provided?
Answer: 211 LA will provide transportation accommodations for the clients to and from Winter Shelter sites and motel-based sites when AWS is activated. ADA accommodation is available.
 
5. What happens when there is a weather activation for a specific SPA or area within a SPA?
Answer: Callers seeking shelter should be located in the identified area at the time of the weather activation upon calling 211 LA. If you are calling on behalf of an individual, the individual must be located in the identified area at the time of the weather activation
 
6. What is the best number to contact if I have a question about the winter shelter program?
Answer: The LAHSA Winter Shelter Program Guide provides a contact phone number for each winter shelter location. In addition, you can contact the winter shelter hotline number by dialing 2-1-1, by following these steps:
  1. Press 4, for English or press 5 for Spanish
  2. When prompted, press 3 for Emergency Food or Shelter
  3. When prompted, press 2 for Emergency Shelter
  4. When prompted, press 1 for singles/couples without children seeking Winter Shelter
  5. Or call 1-800-548-6047 for faster service
 
Additional Questions Regarding the Winter Shelter Program?
Contact LAHSA’s Emergency Response Program Team, e-mail wintershelter@lahsa.org  
The Winter Shelter Program: Winter shelters provide shelter, warmth, food, and comfort to homeless individuals during the cold and wet weather season. In addition to temporary emergency shelters, each program location provides access to supportive services and housing assistance. LAHSA coordinates the Winter Shelter Program in partnership with the California National Guard, the county of Los Angeles, and the city of Los Angeles.
 
LAHSA is a joint powers authority of the city and county of Los Angeles, created in 1993 to address the problem of homelessness in Los Angeles County. LAHSA is the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care, and coordinates and manages federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness.