About Interim Housing
Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest unhoused populations in the nation, with over 22,000 individuals relying on interim housing facilities for shelter, safety, and stability. These facilities including congregate shelters, bridge housing, recuperative care and temporary motel conversions are critical components of the County's housing and homelessness response system.
Although interim housing settings are not required to meet the same structural and design standards as permanent residences, they must adhere to critical public health requirements. These requirements are designed to prevent outbreaks of communicable disease, maintain basic sanitation, control pests, and provide safe and humane living conditions.
What We Do
Launched on January 1, 2019, the Interim Housing Program was established to verify that facilities serving people experiencing homelessness are safe, sanitary, in habitable conditions, and comply with regulations. Through routine inspections, rapid response to complaints, interagency coordination, and data-driven enforcement, the program works to provide vulnerable residents with access to clean, safe, and habitable shelter as they transition toward permanent housing.
Legal Authority
The Interim Housing Program operates under the authority of the California Health and Safety Code, California Code of Regulations, and relevant Los Angeles County ordinances. These regulations provide the foundation for inspection protocols, enforcement actions, and the standards facilities must meet to maintain compliance and protect resident well-being.
Areas We Serve
The Interim Housing Program serves all cities within Los Angeles County, except the cities of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernon, which are not under County authority, as they have their own health departments.
Our team of Environmental Health Specialists regularly visits sites throughout the County to verify health and safety standards compliance, regardless of facility size, type, or location. We work closely with cities, service providers, public agencies, and nonprofit partners to support the health of unhoused individuals countywide.
Business Information and Resources
For facility operators, service providers, and funders, the following resources may be useful:
- Funder Websites:
View results of routine inspections, complaint investigations, and enforcement actions conducted at interim housing sites across Los Angeles County.
Report a Problem
To report a problem or notify us about activities that may be of public health concern at one of our facilities, call the Lodging and Institutions Program at (213) 351-0288 or File a Complaint Online.