Lutheran Social Services of Southern California

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944 when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego came together to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they came together with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles having the very same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has stayed true to its earliest beginnings, to be a servant to those in need.

Today LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 70 different programs/services at nearly 20 different locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

Why Housing Counseling is for Everyone

LSSSC’s HUD-approved Housing Counseling program provides counseling to consumers on seeking, financing, maintaining, renting, or owning a home. The program also addresses homelessness through counseling and assists homeowners in need of foreclosure assistance. LSSSC’s primary focus is to maintain the stabilization of neighborhoods by providing education and resources to the communities we serve. Additionally, LSSSC empowers individuals with the knowledge while also affirmatively furthering Fair
Housing rights.

What is this program?

Since 2009, HUD-approved counseling agencies have helped millions of Americans each year to address housing challenges. Through HUD’s housing counseling program, disadvantaged families improve their financial situation, address their current housing needs, and pursue their housing and financial goals over time. Housing counseling ranges from addressing the crises of homelessness or foreclosure, to planning for the first-time home purchase or setting up an emergency savings account. By teaching consumers basic principles of housing and money management, housing counselors help to increase residual income and savings, improve housing conditions, and provide greater stability and confidence. This is especially true for those affected by unemployment, inappropriate mortgage choices, and high debt during the recession. Housing counselors increase awareness of both rights and responsibilities of homeownership and rental tenancy, addressing fundamental concepts such as anti-discrimination laws, the types of ownership and tenancy, budgeting, affordability calculations, maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, eviction, and homelessness prevention, while also providing resources to other housing challenges as they arise.