How to file a complaint against a homeless shelter in California

There is no central, state agency in California to monitor the shelters for homeless. The shelters that receive public funding are monitored by local employees who often process complaints from residents. In some cases, civil servants can also intervene if residents report problems.

New Investigation of CalMatters has documented chaos and scandal in the homeless shelters in California and found that less than 1 in 4 people go through shelters, they find a permanent home. The shelters, reporting, are more deadly than prisons.

In the last year, hundreds of people living in homeless shelters have shared their stories with us and have asked for help how to navigate this complex system. We have compiled this small resource guide for some of the agencies and organizations that can help people navigate the problems in homeless shelters.

• If you are a victim of a crimeContact local law enforcement authorities.
  
• If you have Complaints Against the shelters, contact the organization that manages the shelter (the “shelter operator”), your Local Selected Employees or State lawstersS
  
• If you have A complaint about discrimination or harassment Against a shelter you can File an online complaint with The Ministry of Fair Employment and Housing Or call them at 1-800-884-1684.
  
• If you have Complaint against guardsyou can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer issues and check private guards Security license statusS You can also contact the organization that manages the shelter. CalMatters has been investigated Private guards in shelters for homeless and on the street.
  
• For other legal issuesHere is a small list of legal assistance organizations and resources that support housing problems.

Tell us your storyS Help us continue to account for the conditions of shelter by filling out Our studyS