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Housing Shelter Transportation Food Utilities Leg...: local programs and next steps

Call 2-1-1 first and ask for coordinated referrals for shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and benefits.

Free No sign-in Provider verification required enLocal Government ProgramCounty of San Diego - HousingNonprofitFather Joe's Villages - Get Help

Before you apply

BenefitsGPS gives referral suggestions and contact leads. It is not an official eligibility decision, legal advice, medical advice, or a guarantee that a program has funding or openings.

  • Confirm eligibility, service area, documents, hours, waitlists, and current availability.
  • Avoid sharing Social Security numbers, case numbers, medical records, immigration identifiers, or other sensitive identifiers unless you are on a verified provider page.
  • For emergencies, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.

Programs to contact

1

County of San Diego - Housing

Local Government Program

Apply for housing vouchers, rental help, DV shelter referrals and SNAP/benefits enrollment; see eligibility and housing intake options.

Open provider page +1-546-673-0696
2

Father Joe's Villages - Get Help

Nonprofit

Call for intake to access emergency shelter, meals, healthcare, housing placement and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.

Open provider page +1-800-466-3537
3

Center for Community Solutions - Shelter

Nonprofit

Call for 24/7 DV shelter and crisis hotline, emergency shelter placement, free legal aid referrals and mental health counseling intake.

Open provider page +1-888-385-4657
4

Legal Aid Society of San Diego - Public Assistance

Nonprofit

Get free legal help applying for SNAP/EBT and other public benefits; request benefits advocacy and see eligibility & intake instructions.

Open provider page +1-877-534-2524
5

San Diego Food Bank - Get Food

Nonprofit

Locate emergency groceries and partner pantries across San Diego County; find hours, food distributions and SNAP enrollment help.

Open provider page +1-858-527-1419
6

Feeding San Diego - Find Food

Nonprofit

Find nearby free food distributions and partner pantries, plus SNAP enrollment assistance and recovery-support referrals; see distribution schedules.

Open provider page
7

Metropolitan Transit System - Reduced Fares

Local Government Program

Apply for reduced fares and transit passes for seniors, people with disabilities and low-income riders; see eligibility and how to enroll.

Open provider page +1-619-557-4555

Recommended next steps

  • Call 2-1-1 first and ask for coordinated referrals for shelter, food, utilities, transportation, and benefits.
  • If unsheltered tonight, ask 211 or SDHC which access points can screen you for available shelter beds today.
  • Visit Father Joe's downtown services for meals, day-center help, housing navigation, and document support.
  • If fleeing domestic or sexual violence, contact Center for Community Solutions for confidential shelter and safety planning.
  • Apply for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and cash aid; ask 211 for a benefits appointment if forms are difficult.
  • For denied, reduced, or stolen benefits, call Legal Aid Society of San Diego quickly to protect appeal deadlines.
  • Use both San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego food locators; hours and eligibility can change daily.
  • Ask MTS about reduced fare eligibility if you receive public benefits, are disabled, a senior, or youth.
  • For utility bills, ask SDG&E/utility providers about CARE, FERA, LIHEAP, payment plans, and medical baseline.
  • Keep ID, proof of income, benefits letters, eviction notices, utility bills, and medical documents together for applications.

Need categories

•

Housing and Shelter

  • Emergency and Stability
•

Food Assistance

  • Food Security