Where to Start If You Need Help with Housing in Los Angeles

When your living situation becomes unstable or disappears altogether, everything else can feel like it’s falling apart, too. And if you’re in Los Angeles and searching for housing help, the path forward isn’t always clear. The system can feel confusing. The waitlists can feel endless. And the sense of urgency you feel right now is real.

At Advanced Healthcare Administration (AHA), we understand that housing is deeply personal, and often deeply tied to your health, identity, and circumstances. We’re here to walk with you through every step, whether you're navigating eviction, living in temporary housing, or trying to rebuild from a place of survival.

This guide breaks down exactly where to start if you need housing help in LA, even if you don’t know what kind of help you need yet.

1. Start by Naming What You’re Experiencing

It might sound simple, but the first step is often the hardest: saying out loud, “I need help with housing.” That could mean:

• You’re at risk of eviction

• You’ve been couch-surfing or staying with friends

• You’re in a shelter or living in your car

• You’re in unsafe or unhealthy housing

• You’re living with a chronic health condition that makes your housing unstable

• You’re worried you’ll lose housing soon, and don’t know what to do next

There’s no wrong way to ask for help. Whatever your situation is, it’s valid, and there are options available.

2. Connect with a Housing Navigator

You don’t have to figure this out alone. In fact, trying to navigate LA’s housing system solo can feel like running through a maze with no map.

At AHA, our housing navigation team is here to be your guide and your advocate. We help you:

• Understand what kind of housing you might qualify for

• Fill out applications and gather paperwork

• Apply for rental assistance or housing subsidies

• Find available units that meet your needs

• Coordinate with landlords, programs, and providers

• Connect to other services that support your stability

But, we don’t just give you a list of resources. We walk with you through each step.

3. Gather Important Documents (If You Can)

Some housing programs in Los Angeles require documentation. If you have any of the following, it can speed things up:

• Photo ID

• Social Security card or number

• Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, etc.)

• Notice of eviction or letter from a shelter

• Medical records or disability verification

But if you don’t have all these on hand, don’t panic. Lack of documentation shouldn’t stop you from asking for help. We can assist you in requesting, replacing, or verifying what’s needed.

4. Explore the Different Types of Housing Help Available

Not all housing support looks the same, and that’s a good thing. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for:

• Emergency shelter or interim housing

• Rapid rehousing (short-term rental support)

• Permanent supportive housing (long-term help for those with health or disability challenges)

• Shared housing programs

• Rental deposit or utility assistance

• Subsidized or affordable housing options

Many people don’t realize how many types of support exist, or how often someone needs more than one kind. That’s where personalized support from a housing navigator makes a big difference.

5. Consider the Bigger Picture

If you’re struggling to find or maintain housing, there are probably other challenges you're carrying, too. At AHA, we take a whole-person approach to housing stability. That means we can help with:

• Enrolling in Medi-Cal or accessing healthcare services

• Transportation to appointments, interviews, or services

• Mental health and substance use support

• Help with food insecurity, including access to meal programs or benefits

• Support for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing discrimination or unsafe living situations

• Navigating reentry, disability, or chronic illness-related barriers

When all of these pieces are connected, it becomes easier to stay housed, not just get housed.

6. Know That You Deserve Stability

Sometimes, the hardest part of this journey is believing you’re worthy of help. Housing systems can be slow. Bureaucracy can be discouraging. You might have tried before and hit a wall.

We get it.

But that doesn’t mean support isn’t out there. At AHA, we’re not here to judge or push you into a box. We’re here to walk alongside you with compassion, respect, and persistence.

If you’re ready to talk to someone about your housing situation, or even if you’re just thinking about it, reach out.

Whether you need help now, next week, or you're planning for what's next, we’ll meet you where you are. Contact us today to get started.