General Relief (GR) hotel vouchers are a life-saving form of short-term emergency housing assistance provided by local governments to individuals facing homelessness, eviction, or other housing crises. These vouchers are typically issued by county or city departments of social services, and they help eligible individuals stay in hotels or motels when no other safe shelter options are available.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about General Relief hotel vouchers: what they are, who qualifies, how to apply, what documents are needed, what to expect during the application process, and what steps to take afterward to transition into long-term housing.
What Is a General Relief Hotel Voucher?
A General Relief (GR) hotel voucher is a temporary emergency housing subsidy that pays for a stay in a local motel or hotel. These vouchers are usually given to individuals and families who are:
- Experiencing homelessness
- Evicted or at risk of immediate eviction
- Escaping domestic violence
- Discharged from jail or prison without stable housing
- Displaced by natural disasters like fires or floods
- Sick, disabled, or elderly with no safe place to stay
The voucher pays for a limited number of nights—often between 1 and 7 days, depending on the urgency of the situation and local policies.
Who Is Eligible for a General Relief Hotel Voucher?
Each county or city sets its own eligibility rules, but in general, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Reside in the county where you are applying
- Have no more than a minimal income or be unemployed
- Be in an emergency situation with no other shelter available
- Not be eligible for other forms of housing assistance or government aid at the time of application
Common Priority Groups Include:
- Individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Pregnant women
- Seniors (age 60+)
- Victims of domestic violence
- People recently released from incarceration
- Families with minor children (some programs prioritize or exclude based on family status)
- Individuals waiting for placement in transitional housing or shelters
Required Documentation
To apply for a GR hotel voucher, be prepared to present the following documents:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Driver’s license, passport, state ID, or inmate ID card
- Proof of residency
- Utility bills, lease agreements, or documentation showing you live in the county
- Proof of income or unemployment
- Pay stubs, bank statements, or declaration of no income
- Proof of emergency or crisis
- Eviction notice, hospital discharge papers, police reports, or letters from shelters
- Social Security Number or proof of citizenship/immigration status
- Medical or mental health documentation (if applying as a person with disabilities)
Note: Lack of ID doesn’t always disqualify you, but it may delay the process. Some agencies offer assistance in obtaining IDs.
How to Apply for a General Relief Hotel Voucher
The application process typically involves several steps. Here is a detailed breakdown of what you need to do:
Step 1: Identify Your Local General Relief Office
You must apply in the county where you currently reside or are seeking emergency shelter. Common agencies that handle GR include:
- Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Human Assistance or Housing Authority
- Homeless Outreach Services or Coordinated Entry Systems (CES)
To find your local office:
Search online for: “General Relief hotel voucher [Your County Name]”
Or call 2-1-1 (available in most U.S. counties) for referrals
Step 2: Visit or Call the Office to Apply
Most GR hotel voucher programs require in-person applications, although some now accept applications by phone or online due to accessibility needs or COVID-19 precautions.
Ask if the office has:
Walk-in appointments
Daily intake hours (many programs operate first-come, first-served)
Same-day interviews
Step 3: Complete the General Relief Application
The application will ask for detailed information about:
- Your identity and demographic background
- Your current housing situation
- Your income and expenses
- Medical or mental health conditions
- Whether you have access to other housing resources
If you’re applying for a hotel voucher specifically, make it clear that you are homeless or about to be homeless and need immediate shelter.
Step 4: Undergo a Crisis Assessment or Interview
Once you apply, you may need to:
- Speak with a caseworker or social worker
- Answer follow-up questions about your situation
- Provide additional documentation if needed
- This assessment helps the agency:
- Determine whether you qualify
- Understand the urgency of your situation
- Refer you to other available services (food, job help, shelters)
Step 5: Receive a Voucher (If Approved)
If your application is approved:
You’ll receive a voucher slip or digital approval with the name of a hotel or motel where you can stay.
Some programs book the room for you directly—you don’t need to contact the hotel.
In most cases, the voucher will cover a few nights, and the program may extend it if you’re actively working on finding permanent housing.
If you’re denied, the agency may still:
- Refer you to a local homeless shelter
- Offer transportation help
- Add you to a waiting list for permanent supportive housing
Where Can You Use the Voucher?
Hotel vouchers are typically valid at participating motels or hotels that have signed contracts with the local agency. These are usually:
- Budget motels
- Extended stay hotels
- Hotels near public transportation or service areas
You cannot use the voucher at any hotel you choose unless approved.
What Happens After the Hotel Stay?
Hotel vouchers are short-term relief only. During your stay, your caseworker will usually:
Connect you with a housing navigator
Help you apply for long-term benefits, including:
- Section 8
- Transitional housing
- Rapid Rehousing
- SNAP/Food Stamps
- SSI/SSDI
- Provide referrals to counseling, addiction treatment, or job training
You must stay in contact with your caseworker to maintain eligibility for extended support.
Best General Relief Hotel Voucher Programs by Region
Here are some counties and cities known for offering hotel vouchers:
🔹 Los Angeles County, CA
Agency: LA DPSS General Relief
Process: In-person application; crisis team evaluates
Voucher Length: Typically 1–7 days
Website: https://dpss.lacounty.gov
🔹 San Diego County, CA
Agency: Health & Human Services Agency
Additional Support: Homeless Outreach Teams work with clients to find permanent housing
🔹 Clark County, NV (Las Vegas)
Agency: Social Services Department
Special Note: Offers emergency hotel stay for verified vulnerable adults
🔹 Cook County, IL (Chicago)
Agency: Department of Family and Support Services
Note: Often partners with nonprofit shelters for voucher distribution
Common Reasons for Denial
Even if you’re in crisis, you may be denied if:
- You refuse to provide the necessary documents
- You fail to show a true housing emergency
- You have been banned from local shelter programs due to violence or rule-breaking
- You already have other housing resources available to you
Appeals may be allowed. Ask for a written reason for the denial.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Call Early: Hotel vouchers are usually limited and issued early in the day.
Be Honest: Don’t exaggerate or hide facts—caseworkers verify information.
Stay Polite: Caseworkers are more willing to help cooperative applicants.
Bring All Docs: Missing documents often delay help or result in denial.
Ask About Other Aid: Even if no vouchers are available, other services might be.
Conclusion
General Relief hotel vouchers provide essential emergency shelter when you have nowhere else to turn. While the process varies by region, it typically involves applying in person at your county’s social services office, completing a crisis assessment, and providing documents to prove your situation.
These vouchers are not permanent housing, but they offer immediate, short-term relief while you work with caseworkers to find longer-term solutions. If you or someone you know is in need, don’t wait—reach out to your local General Relief office or dial 2-1-1 for fast assistance.
