Access to Care Program
Removing Barriers, Restoring Hope
Whittier First Day's Access to Care Program provides comprehensive support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness throughout Los Angeles County. By addressing the financial, employment, and practical barriers that often prevent individuals from achieving housing stability, the program delivers personalized services that empower participants to move toward long-term stability. Through direct assistance, workforce development, and strong community partnerships, Access to Care serves more than 250 individuals annually work towards self-sufficiency.
Each year, approximately 250 individuals receive the comprehensive care and resources needed to transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
The Access to Care Program is designed to eliminate the key barriers that prevent individuals from achieving permanent housing. Through a holistic and person-centered approach, the program helps participants overcome financial, employment, and practical challenges that often stand in the way of stability.
The program offers a one time move-in assistance to eligible participants, including support with security deposits, first month's rent, and housing application fees that often stand in the way of securing permanent housing. To further support long-term stability, participants have access to individualized employment services, including resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, and recurring workforce workshops designed to strengthen career readiness and increase income opportunities.
Recognizing that access to essential resources is critical to achieving stability, Access to Care provides hygiene kits, identification voucher assistance, transportation support, and Metro TAP cards to help participants meet their basic needs. These resources reduce barriers to employment, housing and other essential services, promoting greater independence and long-term stability.
The program also hosts quarterly community resource fairs, bringing together local organizations and service providers to connect participants with housing, healthcare, employment, education, and other supportive resources available throughout the community.
Culinary Arts Resource Education
(C.A.R.E)
As part of the Access to Care Program, the Culinary Arts Resource Education (C.A.R.E.) The program provided culinary training and workforce development opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. Hosted at Ted's Place, participants earned ServSafe certification, gained hands-on kitchen experience, and received job readiness and placement support. Following three successful cohorts, the program demonstrated the value of workforce development in promoting self-sufficiency, and Whittier First Day hopes to offer the C.A.R.E. Program again in the future.