Access Center

TRANFORMATION STORIES

Kelisa - Access Center

"None of us saw Skid Row coming,” says Kelisa, but the gritty reality of Los Angeles’ homeless capital is exactly where this 29 year-old mother ended up with her three children after fleeing an abusive relationship in Fresno.

The Weingart Access Center strives to prevent homelessness, and assists homeless people in stabilizing their lives by helping individuals access necessary services, secure income, obtain permanent housing, and use the support/service network.

As a walk-in information and referral facility that provides case management, advocacy, and specialized social services, the Access Center is sometimes the first point of entry for those living on the streets, battling drug and alcohol dependencies, living in abusive relationships, suffering from mental illness, and having other barriers to self-sufficiency. The Access Center is also the last line of defense for families who are at-risk of becoming homeless.

The Access Center serves individuals, single mothers, low-income families, veterans, people on parole, HIV+ patients, and other groups in need that are:

1. Newly homeless and presently living in emergency shelters;
2. Longer term homeless and living in shelters or on the streets; and
3. At-risk of becoming homeless.

The Access Center’s unique model incorporates the partnership of a number of agencies, providing their services at our facility, to facilitate affordable permanent housing, public assistance benefits, legal services and health care.

Specific services include:

• Information and Referral for Shelter, Housing, Food, Medical Services, Mental Health Programs, Legal Services and Other Social Services
• Social Service/Public Benefits Advocacy
• Screening and Referral for Legal Services
• Message and Mail Services
• Specialized Referrals for Veterans
• Recovery Groups
• Screening and Referral for Medical Services
• Family Services including Crisis Intervention, Emergency Services, and Case Management
• Screening and Referral for Substance Abuse Programs
• Food Pantry to individuals at risk of becoming homeless

Location
The Access Center is location at:
506 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel: 213.624.3370
Fax: 213.624.3527
E-Mail: jasonm@weingart.org

Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
(Please arrive by 4:00 PM to be seen)

In Partnership
The Access Center operates in partnership with Inner City Law, JWCH Institute, and DPSS CalWORKs.