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.

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

  • Advocacy

  • Respect

  • Collaboration

  • Innovation

  • Stewardship

SoCal Impact Calculator

SoCal Impact Calculator

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

Our Strategic Plan

Our plan includes building Community Wellness Centers in every county in Southern California with the first opening in 2025. Our bold vision is designed to continue expanding our reach and showing more of God’s love to those who are hurting.

Download Our Strategic Plan

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.