As a result of the anticipated severe weather, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is activating the Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP) through the use of hotel/motel vouchers as follows:
City of Los Angeles - SPA 2: Tuesday, December 18, 2023 - Thursday, December 28, 2023
County of Los Angeles: Tuesday, December 18, 2023 - Friday, December 22, 2023
As congregate sites are mobilized and brought online, information on their location and capacity will be posted online at lahsa.org/winter-shelter.
The Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP) is a short-term weather-activated emergency response to provide individuals experiencing homelessness safe and short-term shelter during severe inclement weather between November 1 - March 31.
Please visit our website (lahsa.org/winter-shelter) for more information on how to access the Augmented Winter Shelter Program.
In addition to the Augmented Winter Shelter Program, individuals experiencing homelessness seeking to come indoors may access the Season Winter Shelter Program (SWSP). The Season Winter Shelter Program (SWSP) offers individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness crisis housing in a congregate setting from November 1 - March 31.
dates of activation of the Augmented Winter Shelter Programs (AWSP);
how to access a Seasonal Winter Shelter site (SWSP) or the Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP);
locations of Seasonal Winter Shelter Programs (SWSP) and Augmented Winter Shelter Programs (AWSP); and
transportation services being provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Augmented Winter Shelter Program?
Answer:The Augmented Winter Shelter Program (ASWP) 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 occurs between November 1st – March 31st. Individuals in the program receive temporary shelter, meals, crisis management, and have access to bathrooms during their stay.
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.
2. Who decides if the Augmented Winter Shelter Program should be activated?
Answer: Various stakeholders assess the forecasted weather for timing, severity, duration, and areas of impact. If the weather in anticipated to meet the following criteria, the stakeholders will call for the activation of the Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP):
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 need
3. How do I access a Seasonal Winter Shelter or Augmented Winter Shelter Program?
Answer: Individuals experiencing homelessness may access a Seasonal Winter Shelter Program (SWSP) or Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP) by:
Connecting with their Homeless Outreach Worker and asking for a referral
Dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-548-6047, following the prompts, and asking for a referral to a Seasonal Winter Shelter or Augmented Winter Shelter Program
4. How do I access transportation services?
Answer: Individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness can dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-548-6047 and request transportation services to and from a Seasonal Winter Shelter Program (SWSP) or Augmented Winter Shelter Program (AWSP) from 211 LA. Individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness may also request transportation services through their Homeless Outreach Workers. ADA accommodations are available.
5. What happens when there is a weather activation for a specific SPA or area within a SPA?
Answer: Only individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the impacted area will be able to access hotel/motel vouchers - if they are available. Anyone in the impacted area my access a congregate Seasonal Winter Shelter or Augmented Winter Shelter Program that is operating and has capacity.
6. What is the best number to contact if I have a question about the winter shelter program?
Answer: Visit our website (www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter) for more information. Individuals may also dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-548-6047 to speak with someone and get more information. When calling 2-1-1, follow these steps:
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
Additional Questions Regarding the Winter Shelter Program?
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