Homelessness prevention is an essential element of any effort to end homelessness either locally or nationwide. To close the front door of entry into homelessness, the central challenge of prevention is targeting efforts toward those people that will become homeless without the intervention.

A homeless emergency can be due to fire, flood, natural disaster, energy crisis, homelessness or impending homelessness. Individuals and families who have a homeless emergency can find below articles and links to resources and emergency assistance.

A "chronically homeless" person is defined as "an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years." However, individuals or families who are chronically homeless do not fit one general description. They do share common needs, including affordable housing, adequate income, and health care. You will find articles and links to resources that could help an individual or family find homeless emergency assistance.

• California Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing, 800.884.1684
• Lawyer Referral & Information Service, 619.231.8585
• California Courts Judicial Branch -- Free legal information for Spanish speakers