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 conversations. 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.
Mission
Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.
Vision
Sharing the love of Christ, we are a community to care and be cared for…where the vulnerable are safer and stronger; where the dependent are self-sustaining; where the isolated dwell in community; where the weary will be given hope.
Our Thousand Oaks center operates and manages programs throughout the Conejo Valley like Homeless 2 Home and the LSS Meal and Shelter Program. We also provide short-term emergency assistance to the vulnerable and disadvantaged members in our local community. Working with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department we do street outreach to engage those in need where they are and look for ways to assist.
- Food Pantry
- Community Meal Program
- Housing Referrals
- Winter Shelter Program
- Motel/Rental Assistance Vouchers
- Transportation Assistance
- Dental, Vision & Prescription Assistance
- Eviction Prevention
- Showers & Laundry
- Utility Assistance
- Referral Services
- Case Management
- Recidivism Reduction Program
- Housing Counseling
- Permanent/Supportive/Rapid Re-Housing
- Payee Services
Gerald Brower worked 37 years in the Mortgage Banking business, and lived in his childhood home caring for his parents until they died. The 2017 recession cost him both his job and home.
He came to our LSS office. We gave him a bag of food and secured shelter at Calvary Church Westlake Village. We accepted Gerald as family.
He worked as a volunteer, answering the phone and greeting clients with the same compassion he had received. We helped Gerald find permanent housing in Ventura County.
Mark Kuntz, Interim Area Director
Email:
MKuntz@LSSSC.org
Office: 805-497-6207
Fax: 805-497-2607
80 E. Hillcrest Drive #101
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
