Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
Please note that information is subject to change [last updated July 20 2022]
LOS ANGELES MAYOR’S OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS
COVID-19 Information and Resources for Immigrant and Refugee Angelenos
COVID-19 INFORMATION - VACCINATIONS, TESTING, AND MORE
- U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
- Free at-home COVID-19 tests ordered online and delivered by USPS.
- New testing program designed to increase and facilitate access to COVID-19 tests for LA County residents unable to obtain appointments. The Pick-Up Testing Kit program allows residents to pick up a PCR test kit, perform the test and return the completed test to designated sites for processing.
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211LA.org for COVID-19 updates about testing, vaccines, loans, rent relief & financial help, food assistance, and general info & resources
- Los Angeles Unified School District:
- Mental Health Hotline: LAUSD hotline where students and families can call for help to manage fear, anxiety and other challenges related to COVID-19. For more information, click here.
- Hotline number: (213) 241-3840 (open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays).
- Questions can also be sent to mentalhealth@lausd.net
- FEMA - COVID-19 Funeral Assistance:
- FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred on or after January 20, 2020. For more information, click here.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO)
- UCLA’s Institute of American Cultures, Asian American Studies Center, and Fielding School of Public Health
PUBLIC CHARGE INFORMATION
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
- Public Charge: USCIS is administering the public charge inadmissibility statute (section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance to determine whether a noncitizen is inadmissible as likely at any time to become a public charge. The 1999 Interim Field Guidance is the policy that was in place before the 2019 Public Charge Final Rule was implemented. The 2019 Public Charge Final Rule is no longer in effect.
- Protecting Immigrant Families:
FOOD
For all listed agencies below, we strongly recommend that you contact the organization directly for their most updated hours of operation and to ensure continued services.
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority:
- The Midnight Mission: 601 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014. Phone: (213) 624-9258
- Community Build: Phone: (323) 290-6560. Click here to sign up.
- North Valley Caring Services: 15453 Rayen Street, North Hills, CA 91343. Phone: (818) 891-0481 ext. 23. Email: guevaraobed@yahoo.com
- Monte Sion Center: 4405 E. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023. Phone: (310) 433-0310; (323) 974-2856. Email: montesioncenter@gmail.com
- Healing Urban Barrios: 163 S. Avenue 24, Suite 203, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Phone: (323) 332-2997
- Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club: 2635 Pasadena Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Phone: (323) 221-9111
- Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND): 10641 North San Fernando Rd., Pacoima, CA 91331. Phone: (818) 897-2443
- St. Charles Holy Family Service Center: Phone: (818) 985-7365
- West Valley Food Pantry: 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Phone: (818) 346-5554. Email: PantryAdmin@westvalleyfoodpantry.org
- Making It Happen Inc./Sunland Food Pantry: 9666 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. Phone: (818) 398-6232
- Regis House Community Center: 2212 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057. Phone: (213) 380-8168
- Bethel Unspeakable Joy Christian Church: 8724 South Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002. Phone: (323) 585-5939
- Church of the Epiphany: 2808 Altura Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Phone: (323) 227-9931
- First Southern Baptist Church of Hollywood: 1528 North Wilton Pl. Hollywood, CA 90028. Phone: (323) 466-9631
- Valley InterCommunity Council: See link for 15 dining locations throughout the San Fernando Valley
- Dream Center: See link for site locations and times. Phone: (213) 273-7042. Email: foodtruck@dreamcenter.org
- For Seniors (60+) and Dependent Adults
- Critical Delivery Services: The LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) launched a temporary delivery program called Critical delivery Services (CDS) to deliver food and other vital items to individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. Delivery services are reserved for those who are: Aged 60 years and older and individuals with a permanent or temporary disability.To request delivery services, call (888) 863-7411.
- Alicia Broadous-Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center: Phone: (818) 834-6100
- Robert M. Wilkinson Multipurpose Senior Center: Phone: (818) 756-7741
- Bernardi Multipurpose Senior Center: Phone: (818) 781-1101
- Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center: Phone: (818) 981-1284
HEALTH
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services:
- My Health LA is a no-cost health care program for low-income individuals who live in Los Angeles County. Participants must be between the ages of 26 and 49 and unable to get health insurance.
- (844) 744-6452
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services:
- Full scope Medi-Cal for individuals under 26 and 50 or older regardless of immigration status. For more information, click here.
- IMPORTANT UPDATE: By no later than January 1, 2024, all low-income undocumented residents will become eligible for state-subsidized health insurance regardless of age.
- Emergency Medi-Cal: You do not have to be a citizen or have satisfactory immigration status to qualify for Medi-Cal
- You can apply at the emergency room.
- For more information, click here.
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health:
- For information, click here.
- 24/7 Helpline: (800) 854-7771
- (562) 651-2549 TDD/TTY
- Partnership with HeadSpace: access meditations, as well as sleep and movement exercises, designed to help you care for your mind - all free. To sign up, click here.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
- The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- South Los Angeles Health Projects:
- For WIC Centers in South L.A. neighborhoods., click here or call (310)-661-3080.
- National Immigration Law Center:
- Serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information via a medium people already use and trust.
- Text “Lev” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, any time, about any type of crisis.
EDUCATION
- Los Angeles Unified School District:
- Los Angeles Public Library:
- Los Angeles County Library:
- Library Reopening
- Sidewalk Service at Participating Locations (for loan kits that include a Chromebook, a Wi-Fi hot spot, chargers, and a carrying case; printing services).
- For a digital library card and other community resources click here.
- Library Access From Home (includes e-books/audiobooks, movies/TV shows, music, online learning, and more).
- Learning Express (career preparation, high school and college student resources, high school equivalency credential support, adult core skills, and Spanish speaker support).
- Free educational PBS daytime programming for Pre-K-3rd graders can be found here.
- JSTOR:
- National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE):
- Provides free computers, computer training and Internet to low-income families with students in grades K-12 that receive a free or reduced school lunch, attend a public school and reside within the United States. For more information, click here.
- Provides free computers; all applications are valid for 30 days, so if you do not hear from them within that time frame, then you can apply again. To apply click here.
UTILITIES/SERVICES
- City of LA - Angeleno Connectivity Trust (ACT), a City of Los Angeles partnership with T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million, the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, and several community-based organizations, will offer 100 GB of free internet connectivity, renewable for five years, to 18,000 students across the City. Students will be identified for the program through partnerships with the City’s YouthSource and FamilySource Centers, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), LA Public Library, and nonprofit organizations, including Brotherhood Crusade and School on Wheels. For more information about ACT, visit www.lamayor.org/Connectivity or call 311.
- City of LA - Digital Inclusion for Angelenos - Get Connected Los Angeles, a City of Los Angeles partnership with the California Emerging Technology Fund and EveryoneOn, is helping Angelenos find options for low-cost internet services, access to computers, and digital literacy services. To find low-cost internet services in your area, click here. To learn more about this partnership, click here.
- County of Los Angeles- Customer and Business Affairs - WiFi Locator Tool, a free tool to help find internet access. To access the tool, call 211 or click here.
- Southern California Gas is offering various payment options and assistance programs to support residential and business customers impacted by COVID-19. For more information, click here.
- If your household income has changed, you may now qualify for a 20% discount on your monthly bill through the CARE program. To apply, click here.
- New Internet Essentials (from Comcast) customers will receive two free months of Internet service if you apply and are approved by June 30, 2022. After promotion, regular rates apply. For more information, click here.
TRANSPORTATION
- Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT):
- LADOT Transit currently offers masks to passengers free of charge when using its transit services.
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
- Metro update on COVID-19, FAQ
- L.A. Metro continues to require face masks on the Metro system. Click here for more updates.
EMPLOYMENT/WORKERS RIGHTS
- Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic (LIJC):
- Immigrant Worker in the City of Los Angeles: Know Your Rights (flyer available in Spanish and English)
- LA Jobs Portal (website enables unemployed or underemployed Angelenos to find and apply to job opportunities across all industries)
- Department of Consumer and Business Affairs:
- File a wage complaint: click here.
- (800) 593-8222
- Department of Public Health:
- Hotline to anonymously report unsafe work conditions: (888) 700-9995, Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm, excluding Holidays
- Employment Development Department
- Remote Assistance: Employment Rights Clinic: workers’ rights virtual (telephonic) clinic every Wednesday, from 5-7pm. You must register by leaving a voicemail at 323-648-4767.. Check the calendar for the most updated clinic hours here.
- Individuals seeking legal assistance should call the intake call center at (323) 939-0506 and leave a message - or email legal question or request for legal assistance to intake@bettzedek.org. Calls and emails will be returned by expert staff and trained volunteers.
- National Employment Law Project (NELP), National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and OSH Law Project:
- Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Program via Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation: to provide assistance for those employed by restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier. Make sure to indicate on your application that you found out about Southern Smoke Foundation through Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation. For application in Spanish, click here; for application in English, click here.
- One Fair Wage - Emergency Coronavirus Affected Workers Support Fund: for restaurant workers, delivery workers, app-based delivery drivers, and other tipped workers and service workers who have been impacted by coronavirus and the related economic crisis to apply for assistance. Currently, prioritizing tipped workers, gig workers, and service workers in California and other states. For application in Spanish, click here; for application in English, click here.
- Children Of Restaurant Employees Support Grants: to provide support to food and beverage service employees with children, who have been medically diagnosed with COVID-19. Please note, you are also eligible for support if you are a food and beverage employee with children, and a family member who resides in the same home is diagnosed with COVID-19 and a doctor requires you to quarantine. Medical documentation and proof of residence will be required. Ends on December 31, 2022. To apply, click here.
- Foundation of Contemporary Arts - Emergency Grants COVID-19 Fund: to disburse one-time $1,500 grants to experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions. Grant closes on December 12, 2022. To apply, click here.
- The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI): to connect those in need with helpful resources such as one-time direct cash assistance, food and toiletries distribution, and referrals. Priority is given to Black migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, including undocumented migrants, and people living at the intersections of marginalized identities, including people who are LGBTQIA+, living with disabilities or illness, and/or immunocompromised. At this time, BAJI has existing mutual aid support in only California and Georgia. To apply, click here.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
- LA City Attorney’s Office:
- Beware of scams. You can report COVID-19-related scams here.
- LA County Consumer and Business Affairs:
- CA State Department of Justice:
- U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
- California Health Advocates:
- Health Consumer Alliance:
IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
- Hotline: (888) 624-4752
- To request a phone appointment for legal immigration services call (213) 201-3797, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am-5pm.
- For DACA assistance, see CHIRLA’s Instagram stories [IG handle: chirla_org] and Facebook [CHIRLA Facebook page @chirlausa]:
- Links to register for assistance with DACA renewals will be posted on CHIRLA's Instagram and Facebook at 9am on Tuesday and Thursdays. The link remains open until slots for appointments are filled.
- Free immigration consultations, including assistance with Citizenship, DACA, U-Visa, and more. Please call (213) 252-7409 for more information.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (AAAJ-LA): Clients can call their helplines to get questions answered about various topics: citizenship, other immigration remedies/petitions, DACA renewals, family law, health insurance access/public charge, workers rights issues etc.
- English: (888) 349-9695
- Chinese: (800) 520-2356
- Korean: (800) 867-3640
- Tagalog: (855) 300-2552
- Thai: (800) 914-9583
- Vietnamese: (714) 477-2958
- Free Virtual Vocational ESL and Conversational Classes (all programs are taught in English with language support in Spanish, Farsi, and Armenian)
- General Immigration Legal Services
- Citizenship & Family-Based Services
- Click here to book a virtual appointment
- Youth Programming and Advisory: including virtual appointments to assist with financial aid questions and other support for youth and their families
- Free Citizenship Application Assistance
- To make an appointment, please call their main office, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm at (213) 251-3484
- For information, call (213) 909-0985 or email info@africancoalition.org
- Free virtual immigration services including, assistance with N-400s, Green Card renewals, fee waiver completions, DACA renewals, questions about adjustment of status. To schedule a virtual appointment, click here.
- DACA [updated May 11, 2022]
- Informational flyers: English, Spanish, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Dari, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese
- Video message from Mayor Garcetti and Chief Moore on immigration fraud prevention in English and Spanish on Facebook and Youtube.
- Video collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Public Counsel, and Channel 35 on immigration legal services fraud:
- Video message in English and Spanish from District Attorney George Gascón warning people about immigration scams, click here.
HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS
For all listings below, we strongly recommend that you contact the agency directly for their most updated hours of operation and to ensure continued services.
- Tenants may find information and assistance from the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) about the items above by calling (866) 557-RENT OR (866) 557-7368 Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm You can also file a complaint online here.
- Stay Housed LA County is a partnership between LA County, local community, and legal services providers. Together, they provide the residents of Los Angeles County with information and resources to keep people in their homes.
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): To connect with interim housing, shelter, supportive housing, rapid re-housing, public sanitation (restrooms/showers) services, meals, storage of personal property, transportation assistance, alcohol/drug, and mental health counseling, job training, and case management:
- Hotline: (213) 225-6581
- Families dial 2-1-1
- The CaliforniaMortgage Relief Program uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds to help homeowners get caught up on their housing payments. The program is absolutely free and the funds do not need to be repaid. The Program is part of the state’s Housing is Key initiative.
- To book an appointment, call (800) 399-4529
- To book a virtual appointment, you can fill out a form here or call (800) 477-5977, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
- For information, call (213) 252-4411
- For the Los Angeles office, call (213) 736-5050
- For legal assistance, call (213) 891-2880, dial 0 to leave a voice message
- For brief questions about how to obtain services or to schedule a paid consultation call (213) 385-8112 or email info@edn.la
- For information, call (323) 643-4430 or email info@heartla.org
- For information, call (800) 433-6251
BUSINESSES
- Economic & Workforce Development Department:
- California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank):
- State of California Employment Development Department:
- State of California Department of Industrial Relations:
- Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development:
RESOURCES FOR CRIME VICTIMS
- Hate Crimes and Incidents
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD):
- Hate Crime Coordinators: find your area coordinator here.
- Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON):
- Coronavirus Anti-AAPI Racism Incident Report form here.
- Incident forms are available in English, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (AAAJ-LA):
- Stand Against Hatred: AAAJ-LA is tracking incidents of harassment and hatred towards Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Click here to report an incident.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Available 24/7 for anyone affected by abuse and needing support
- Staff are providing services by phone or email only
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- LA Represents is a legal assistance initiative to help with COVID-19-related legal services, including helping vulnerable tenants, domestic violence victims and low income individuals with employment, consumer debt, and bankruptcy matters. For legal assistance, click here.
- To find resources to help you weather the coronavirus pandemic, click here.
- To find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic, by zip code, click here.