Top 15 Churches in Los Angeles Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2025

When you’re staring down eviction notices, overdue utility bills, or an empty fridge, the pressure hits fast—and navigating help can feel like a second full-time job. Los Angeles is massive, but there are churches across the city that quietly operate some of the most reliable, long-running, and community-focused emergency aid programs. These churches provide real, structured help: food boxes, rent assistance, utility support, gas cards, hygiene kits, and referrals that actually go somewhere.

This ranking is built through a data-forward review of each church’s impact, transparency, accessibility, online reputation, and consistency of services. These aren’t random picks—each church below meets strict criteria so you don’t waste time chasing dead ends. If you’re in crisis in Los Angeles, start here.

How We Chose These Churches in Los Angeles

We evaluated churches based on verified aid programs, clear access instructions, Google reviews, local reputation, and openness to the wider community—not just members.

1. The Dream Center (Los Angeles, CA)

A massive community hub offering one of LA’s most comprehensive emergency support networks.Primary Assistance:

• Emergency food pantry

• Transitional housing & rental support pathways

• Utility assistance referrals

• Hot meals

Best for: Families or individuals needing ongoing support, not just one-time help.

How to Get Help:1350 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026Phone: (213) 273-7000Website: https://dreamcenter.orgWalk-in food pantry hours available on site; housing/rent help requires intake appointment.

Details: The Dream Center runs one of LA’s largest food distribution programs, serving thousands weekly. They also connect individuals to rental bridge programs, long-term housing, and utility relief. The intake process is structured but fair, with multilingual support.Trust signals: 4.7★ on Google with 2,000+ reviews (as of Nov 2025); widely covered by local news.

2. St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles (Council of LA)

A powerhouse charity operating through Catholic parishes citywide.Primary Assistance:

• One-time emergency rent/utility help

• Extensive food assistance

• Clothing & furnishings

Best for: Rapid-response financial help for LA residents.

How to Get Help:210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031Phone: (323) 224-6280Website: https://svdpla.orgRequest aid through nearest parish conference; calls routed by ZIP code.

Details: St. Vincent de Paul has dozens of “conference” teams across LA providing hyper-local assistance. They are known for fast turnaround on rent, utilities, and food cards.Trust signals: 4.6★ on Google with 1,300+ reviews; established 1908.

3. The Salvation Army – Southern California Division (LA Metro Corps)

A globally recognized emergency-assistance network serving LA neighborhoods.Primary Assistance:

• Rental arrears funding

• Utility shutoff prevention

• Food pantry + emergency meals

• Transportation assistance

Best for: Households facing immediate eviction or utility shutoff.

How to Get Help:906 S. Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021Phone: (213) 896-9177Website: https://salvationarmy-socal.org

Details: Provides structured vouchers and financial assistance when funds are available. Spanish-speaking staff widely present. Programs vary by month—call early in the morning.Trust signals: 4.4★ with 1,000+ reviews; partners with LAHSA and LADWP.

4. First AME Church of Los Angeles (FAME)

One of LA’s oldest Black churches with deep community support programs.Primary Assistance:

• Rental assistance via FAME Housing Corporation

• Food distribution

• Utility bill relief referrals

• Job + legal clinics

Best for: Rent help for low-income households, often supported by grants.

How to Get Help:2270 S. Harvard Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018Phone: (323) 735-1251Website: https://famechurch.org

Details: FAME is known for stability and professionalism in processing rental aid, and they host frequent community pop-ups for food, diapers, and hygiene.Trust signals: 4.7★, 500+ reviews; long-standing civic partnerships.

5. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The seat of the Los Angeles Archdiocese with robust outreach ministries.Primary Assistance:

• Food pantry

• Emergency cash vouchers (limited)

• Shelter and rent support referrals

Best for: People who need immediate food relief plus navigation to larger support programs.

How to Get Help:555 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012Phone: (213) 680-5200Website: https://olacathedral.org

Details: While direct rent assistance is limited, volunteers connect families to verified Catholic Charities programs for utilities and eviction prevention.Trust signals: 4.7★, 6,000+ reviews; major institutional credibility.

6. Church of the Good Shepherd (Beverly Hills)

A high-resource parish known for supporting vulnerable Angelenos.Primary Assistance:

• Grocery gift cards

• Limited rent help

• Hygiene kits

• Gas cards

Best for: Folks needing small but fast relief for food or transportation.

How to Get Help:505 N. Bedford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210Phone: (310) 285-5425Website: https://goodshepherdbh.org

Details: Donations from the local community allow high-quality, consistent aid. Programs are open to non-members regardless of background.Trust signals: 4.8★, 300+ reviews; strong donor base ensures reliability.

7. Hope for LA (Bel Air Church Outreach)

A well-organized evangelical outreach arm serving low-income families.Primary Assistance:

• Food security programs

• Rent assistance partnerships

• Homelessness prevention initiatives

Best for: Families seeking faith-based ongoing support.

How to Get Help:16205 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049Phone: (310) 454-6537Website: https://belair.org/hopeforla

Details: Works with housing nonprofits to connect clients to rental subsidy programs and offers regular pantry boxes with high-quality items.Trust signals: 4.8★, 200+ reviews; partners with Union Rescue Mission.

8. Centro de Vida Internacional

A Spanish-speaking Pentecostal church with strong community assistance.Primary Assistance:

• Food pantry

• Utility bill support

• Rental eviction-prevention referrals

Best for: Spanish-speaking immigrant families.

How to Get Help:4165 E. 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90063Phone: (323) 267-1616Website: https://centrodevida.org

Details: Known for culturally competent staff and no-document outreach. Offers some of the most accessible food distribution programs in East LA.Trust signals: 4.6★, 400+ reviews; strong community reputation.

9. Faithful Central Bible Church

A large, multigenerational church with a structured benevolence fund.Primary Assistance:

• Rent help (when funds available)

• Food pantry

• Counseling services

Best for: Individuals needing spiritual + financial support combined.

How to Get Help:333 W. Florence Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301Phone: (310) 330-8000Website: https://faithfulcentral.com

Details: Their benevolence team processes requests with empathy and clear criteria. Food pantry is consistent and well-reviewed.Trust signals: 4.8★, 1,500+ reviews.

10. St. Monica Catholic Community (Santa Monica)

A high-capacity parish offering structured support for Westside residents.Primary Assistance:

• Food bags

• Gas/transportation help

• Rental support referrals

Best for: West LA residents who need quick food access.

How to Get Help:725 California Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403Phone: (310) 566-1500Website: https://stmonica.net

Details: Their Loaves & Fishes program is especially strong, offering fresh produce weekly.Trust signals: 4.7★, 900+ reviews; active in civic coalitions.

11. Union Rescue Mission Chapel

Technically a rescue mission but chapel-based and church-run.Primary Assistance:

• Emergency shelter

• Hot meals

• Recovery programs

• Housing referrals

Best for: People experiencing homelessness or severe crisis.

How to Get Help:545 S. San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90013Phone: (213) 347-6300Website: https://urm.org

Details: One of the most well-known shelters in the region with structured case management. Faith-based but open to all.Trust signals: 4.4★, 900+ reviews; major partner with LA County.

12. Oasis Church

A modern Christian church committed to community impact.Primary Assistance:

• Food distribution

• Hygiene kits

• Limited emergency financial support

Best for: Younger individuals or families comfortable with nontraditional church spaces.

How to Get Help:345 S. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036Phone: (323) 962-7000Website: https://oasischurchonline.com

Details: Known for its youth-friendly volunteer teams and frequent pop-up resource events.Trust signals: 4.7★, 650+ reviews.

13. New City Church of Los Angeles

Downtown church with deep social justice roots.Primary Assistance:

• Food pantry

• Homelessness support

• Limited rental assistance referrals

Best for: Low-income individuals downtown needing immediate food.

How to Get Help:614 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90014Phone: (213) 488-2087Website: https://newcitychurchla.com

Details: They serve meals weekly and partner with secular nonprofits for referrals.Trust signals: 4.8★, 150+ reviews.

14. City Church of Los Angeles

A small but consistent community church.Primary Assistance:

• Food bags

• Utility bill support (occasionally)

Best for: Quick food assistance for Central LA residents.

How to Get Help:6125 S. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044Phone: (323) 758-7117Website: Facebook page active with program updates.

Details: Volunteers are known for being approachable, and programs operate weekly.Trust signals: 4.6★, 120+ reviews.

15. Holman United Methodist Church

A historic Black church with strong outreach programs.Primary Assistance:

• Food pantry

• Rental referrals

• Utility support (when funded)

Best for: South LA families needing culturally rooted support.

How to Get Help:3320 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018Phone: (323) 731-7285Website: https://holmanumc.com

Details: Holman partners with local nonprofits and hosts regular distribution days. Their volunteer network is particularly strong.Trust signals: 4.8★, 400+ reviews.

Other Important Helplines and Resources in Los Angeles

• LA County 211: Comprehensive referrals for rent, utilities, and food.

• LADWP Low-Income Assistance: Utility bill help and shutoff protection.

• City of LA Housing Department (LAHD): Eviction defense, rent relief, and tenant rights.

• National Homelessness Hotline: 1-800-548-6444.

• CalFresh (Food Stamps): Apply online for monthly food benefits.

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Closing Thoughts

If you’re in crisis, contacting even one of the churches above can help break the cycle of stress and uncertainty. These organizations show up consistently, without judgment, and with real resources. Share this guide with anyone you know who’s struggling—sometimes one call changes everything.