Building Our Community

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) began in December 1944 when Lutheran congregations in San Diego and Los Angeles united to address the needs of struggling families. Officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, LSSSC has remained dedicated to its mission of serving those in need with compassion and care.

Today, LSSSC supports thousands of individuals and families across Southern California through over 70 programs and services at nearly 20 locations. As part of the Lutheran Services in America network, we are committed to providing dignified and respectful assistance to our community.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California is a nonpartisan organization. As an advocate for the most vulnerable among us, we engage with leaders from across the political spectrum to give voice to the voiceless and share our priorities of facilitating programs and services that provide resources, dignity, and pathways to self-sufficiency for those in need.

Our Mission

Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable individuals, families and communities toward self-sufficiency.

Our Vision

Sharing the love of Christ, we seek to form a community where…

  • The vulnerable are safer and stronger

  • The dependent are self-sustaining

  • The isolated dwell in community

  • The weary are given hope

Our Values

  • Compassion

    • Demonstrating empathy and care by actively supporting individuals and families in need with kindness and understanding.

  • Advocacy

    • Engaging in respectful, nonpartisan dialogue to amplify the voices of those we serve and influence positive community change.

  • Respect

    • Valuing the dignity, experiences, and perspectives of every person, whether those we serve, our partners, or our team.

  • Collaboration

    • Working together across communities and organizations to amplify impact and better serve those we support.

  • Innovation

    • Embracing creativity and learning through initiatives like our Community Wellness Campus, developing new, effective approaches that further our mission and enhance outcomes.

  • Stewardship

    • Responsibly managing resources, people, funding, and programs, with integrity and accountability to maximize our community impact.

SoCal Impact Calculator

SoCal Impact Calculator

See how your contribution could impact homelessness and food insecurity in Southern California.

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Our Strategic Plan

Our plan includes building Community Wellness Centers in every county in Southern California with the first opening in 2025.

Download Our Strategic Plan

At LSSSC, we see the whole person.

Our Annual Report

Here are the updates, impacts, and outlooks for the past year.

Download Our Annual Report

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) views diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as the road to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can succeed. Our community is made of staff, volunteers, stakeholders, funders, and the populations that we serve who pull from a complex range of backgrounds to contribute to the achievements of our common goals.


Our employees comprise a wide range of backgrounds and characteristics, and we believe those differences should be celebrated and valued. Whether it’s race, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, color, language, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic, these are parts that contribute to our experiences as humans, and ultimately to the knowledge and expertise that make them a valuable asset to Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.


LSSSC is committed and determined that there is access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals. We are always looking for ways in which we can cultivate an inclusive work environment, strengthen our cultural competency, and train our managers and employees to provide opportunities for growth and development.


It is our intention that all our employees, regardless of any particular background or characteristic, always treat each member of our community with the same dignity and respect.