The Weingart Center in Los Angeles: Going Beyond Shelter
Confused by the various types of housing solutions out there?
Don’t worry. This short article will explain the four (4) main types of housing solutions and how the Weingart Center goes beyond emergency shelter.
The Weingart Center is NOT a shelter.
The Weingart Center prides itself on being a one-stop shop — a holistic agency that uses a multimodal approach to ending homelessness for thousands in the greater Los Angeles area. With an array of comprehensive programs and services, coupled with a growing portfolio of interim, permanent supportive, and affordable housing developments underway, the Weingart Center is ready to tackle even the most challenging obstacle a person might face when attempting to overcome homelessness.
One obstacle that people new to homelessness find challenging is understanding the various types of housing solutions out there and knowing which solution is best for them. The staff at the Weingart Center makes navigating this complicated issue a lot easier.
What's The Difference Between Homeless Shelters & Other Housing Solutions?
Generally, when people think of solutions to homelessness, they think of homeless shelters. But did you know there are four main types of housing solutions, each designed to address a certain need? These include emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing. Each type provides specific services for different groups of people experiencing homelessness.
Homeless Shelter
A homeless shelter is a place for people who have been temporarily or permanently displaced. Residents receive temporary housing and receive basic support services. Shelters are temporary solutions for people who are in transition and need immediate shelter from exposure to the weather or who are fleeing domestic violence.
Interim Housing
Interim housing is a short-term option that allows people to transition from unstable living conditions into permanent supportive and affordable housing. People can stay anywhere from a few months to several years in interim housing until they're able to get into permanent housing. Interim housing also provides services to help residents make the necessary changes needed to become self-sufficient or attain stable employment. Check out the Weingart Center’s interim housing solutions.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent supportive housing is an innovative approach to providing housing and services for people who are previously homeless. In permanent supportive housing, residents have their own apartment or home, with the amenities they need to live independently. Permanent supportive housing helps residents achieve self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive resources tailored to their needs. This may include case management services, supportive counseling, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance. Check out the Weingart Center’s permanent supportive housing solutions.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is government-subsidized housing for low-income individuals or families who need an affordable place to live. Affordable housing programs include rental assistance programs, public housing programs, and homeownership programs. This type of housing is specifically intended to help those who cannot afford market-rate housing by providing them with subsidized rent, mortgage payments, or both. Check out the Weingart Center’s affordable housing solutions.
If you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness, it's important to know about the different housing options available. While each type of housing solution provides a different set of services, the goal is the same: get people off the streets and on the path towards self-sufficiency.
The Weingart Center is a nonprofit organization that provides interim, permanent supportive, and affordable housing solutions along with comprehensive wraparound services to people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
If you have questions about housing, the Weingart Access Center has an array of resources available. To schedule an appointment with one of our Access Center associates, call (213) 833-5020 (Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM) or simply send an email to accesscenter1@weingart.org
