San Diego County Medi-Cal Assistance (Health & Human Services Agency)

Provides help for individuals and families in San Diego County to apply for and enroll in Medi-Cal, California’s public health insurance program. Assistance includes eligibility screening, application support, renewals and connections to managed care health plans for children and families.

Website: San Diego County Medi-Cal  

Phone: 1.866.262.9881

TrueCare

Provides timely, affordable medical and dental care, including primary care, pediatric services, women’s health, lab services and behavioral health for all ages.

Website: TrueCare

Phone: 858.412.7300

Family Health Centers of San Diego

Offers quality, affordable medical and supportive services for uninsured and low-income families, including preventive care, chronic disease management and health education.

Website: Family Health Centers of San Diego

Phone: 619.515.2300

Vista Community Clinic

Provides low- or no-cost healthcare in person and online, including primary care, women’s services, pediatric care and mobile clinics for children and families.

Website: Vista Community Clinic

Phone: 760.631.5000

Opsam Health

Community-focused health clinics offering comprehensive medical, women’s health, prenatal care and sliding fee services for uninsured or low-income patients.

Website: Opsam Health

Phone: 844.200.2426

Fallbrook Family Health Center

Provides comprehensive, affordable medical and preventive healthcare services to individuals and families, including primary care, women’s health, pediatric services, chronic disease management and behavioral health support. The clinic welcomes patients with or without insurance and offers sliding-fee options based on income to help make care accessible for underserved communities.

Website: Fallbrook Family Health Center

Phone: 760.731.9187

Neighborhood Healthcare

Provides high-quality, affordable primary care, dental, behavioral health, pediatrics, women’s health and preventive services for individuals and families across multiple San Diego and Riverside County locations. Neighborhood Healthcare offers sliding-fee options for uninsured or underinsured patients, walk-in and appointment care and supportive services that help families manage health, wellness and chronic conditions.

Website: Neighborhood Healthcare

Phone: 760.736.6767

Medicaid & CHIP (Nationwide Government Health Coverage)

Provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible children, teens and families across the United States. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover doctor visits, hospital care, preventive services, prescriptions and specialty care. Coverage and eligibility vary by state, but families can apply at any time.

Website: Medicaid & CHIP

Phone: 1.877.267.2323

Shriners Children’s

Provides specialized pediatric care, including reconstructive surgery, craniofacial services, burn care and multidisciplinary support for children with complex conditions. Families are guided through treatment planning, therapy and follow-up care.

Website: Shriners Children’s

Phone: 800.237.5055

ConnectMed

A nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare and the quality of life for children and young adults with craniofacial differences and other physical differences. Services include care navigation, psychosocial support programs, advocacy, partnerships with medical professionals for surgical and post-surgical care and community programs designed to strengthen emotional well-being for patients and families.

Website: ConnectMed

Phone: 619.512.9652

World Craniofacial Foundation

An international professional organization that advances research, education and expert care for craniofacial conditions and differences, and supports connections to expert care teams and best practices in treatment.

Website: World Craniofacial Foundation

Phone: 800.533.3315

Mending Kids International

Coordinates volunteer medical teams and partner hospitals to provide free, life-saving surgical care to children worldwide for a range of complex pediatric conditions.

Website: Mending Kids International

Phone: 818.843.6363

National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)

Supports community health centers nationwide and helps families access affordable primary care, preventive services, chronic disease care and supportive health programs.

Website: NACHC

Phone: 301.347.0400

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Leading pediatric treatment and research hospital for childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food related to care at St. Jude.

Website: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Phone: 800.822.6344

Pacific Health Group

Provides behavioral health services and whole-person care coordination, including mental health support for individuals and families navigating complex medical and life challenges.

Website: Pacific Health Group

Phone: 888.341.4449

San Diego County Behavioral Health Services

Offers mental health and substance use services for children, youth and families, including counseling, specialty care and referrals. Services are available to Medi-Cal recipients and uninsured residents.

Website: San Diego County Behavioral Health Services

Phone: 1.888.724.7240 (or call/text 988 for crisis support)

San Diego Youth Services – Counseling & Support

Provides counseling, crisis intervention and support programs for youth and families, including services for trauma, anxiety and behavioral challenges.

Website: San Diego Youth Services

Phone: 619.241.0608 (call or text)

Jr’s Trauma Care Initiative

A San Diego-based nonprofit providing trauma-informed mental health support for individuals and families, including counseling, healing services, crisis response and mentoring programs. Their approach focuses on creating safe spaces for healing, personalized support for emotional well-being and connections to community resources after traumatic experiences.

Website: Jr’s Trauma Care Initiative

Phone: 619.330.7569

BrightLife Kids

Provides free, virtual behavioral health coaching and support for California families with children ages 0–12. Through secure 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand resources and expert guidance, coaches help kids and caregivers manage everyday challenges such as anxiety, stress, sleep issues, social skills and emotional well-being. Services are available at no cost, with no insurance or referral required, and include support in multiple languages.

Website: BrightLife Kids

Phone: 888.224.7332

Child Mind Institute

Provides evidence-based mental healthcare, education and resources for children and families coping with emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges, including stress related to medical conditions.

Website: Child Mind Institute

Phone: 212.308.3118

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential emotional support 24/7 for individuals and families experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises or overwhelming stress.

Website: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Phone: Text 988

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Provides education, referrals and mental health support resources for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges, including caregiver stress and family mental wellness.

Website: NAMI

Phone: 1.800.950.6264 (Text “NAMI” to 62640)

Inclusive Kids Network

Creates inclusive spaces where children and teens of all abilities can connect, build friendships and participate in community activities through social events and family programs.

Website: Inclusive Kids Network

Phone: 619.995.3430

San Diego Regional Center

Connects individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to services such as therapies, case management and community resources that promote independence and inclusion.

Website: San Diego Regional Center

Phone: 858.576.2996

Exceptional Families Resource Center (EFRC)

Supports families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs in San Diego County through education, support groups and resource navigation.

Website: Exceptional Families Resource Center

Phone: 619.594.7416

San Diego Center for the Blind

Provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation and independent living programs to help individuals with blindness or visual impairment reach their highest level of independence. Services include counseling, adjustment to vision loss, orientation and mobility training, daily living skills, assistive technology training and community education to support confident, independent living.

Website: San Diego Center for the Blind

Phone: 619.583.1542 (San Diego)/760.758.5956 (Vista)

Emilio Nares Foundation

Provides comprehensive support for families of children facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Services include a family resource center offering care navigation and emotional support, Ride With Emilio for free transportation to medical appointments, hospital-approved snack bags, therapeutic community activities and other programs designed to reduce stress and unmet needs for families during treatment.

Website: Emilio Nares Foundation

Phone: 858.571.3328

Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA)

National nonprofit based in Dallas that provides emotional support, education, advocacy and peer connections to children and families affected by craniofacial differences.

Website: Children’s Craniofacial Association

Phone: 281.328.7113

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

Provides adaptive sports equipment, grants and inclusive athletic opportunities to individuals with physical challenges nationwide, helping children and families stay active and engaged.

Website: Challenged Athletes Foundation

Phone: 858.866.0959

Foundation Fighting Blindness

A nationwide nonprofit dedicated to funding research and advancing treatments and cures for inherited retinal diseases and vision loss, supporting families and individuals affected by conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. They provide education, clinical trial information and connections to supportive vision community resources.

Website: Foundation Fighting Blindness

Phone: 888.394.3937

The Blue Disc Project

Provides free specialty feeding supplies — including Dr. Brown’s® blue discs and related parts — to families of babies born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other feeding difficulties, helping make feeding safer, easier and more accessible for infants at home. The project collects, cleans and redistributes new and gently used supplies at no cost to families in need worldwide.

Website: The Blue Disc Project

Phone: Contact via website

The Comfort Cub

Provides weighted therapeutic bears designed to offer comfort, calm and emotional support for children and families experiencing trauma, grief, medical stress or crisis. Comfort Cubs are often distributed through hospitals, nonprofits and community partners, and can also be requested to help support emotional well-being during difficult times.

Website: The Comfort Cub

Phone: Contact via website

Parent to Parent USA

Matches families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs with trained parent mentors for one-on-one emotional support, shared experience and practical guidance.

Website: Parent to Parent USA

Phone: Contact via website

Easterseals

Provides disability services nationwide, including early intervention, therapy support, inclusive education resources and family-centered programs that promote independence and participation.

Website: Easterseals

Phone: 800.221.6827

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

Provides low-cost or no-cost lodging and supportive services for families with children receiving medical care at nearby hospitals, helping families stay close during treatment.

Website: Ronald McDonald House San Diego

Phone: 858.467.4750

Alpha Project for the Homeless

Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive services for families and individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on stability and long-term housing solutions.

Website: Alpha Project

Phone: 619.542.1877

PATH San Diego (People Assisting the Homeless)

Provides housing navigation, shelter and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness, including help securing permanent housing and accessing benefits.

Website: PATH San Diego

Phone: Contact via website

San Diego Housing Commission – Family Housing Assistance

Offers rental assistance programs, housing vouchers and homelessness prevention services for low-income families in the city of San Diego.

Website: San Diego Housing Commission

Phone: 619.231.9400

Ronald McDonald House Charities (National)

Provides low-cost or no-cost lodging near children’s hospitals so families can stay close while their child receives medical care. Locations available across the United States.

Website: Ronald McDonald House Charities

Phone: Contact via website

Family Promise

Helps families experiencing homelessness achieve stable housing through emergency shelter, rental assistance, case management and housing stabilization programs nationwide.

Website: Family Promise

Phone: Contact via website

Modest Needs Foundation

Provides short-term financial assistance to families facing temporary hardship to help prevent eviction, utility shutoffs or housing loss during medical or personal crises.

Website: Modest Needs

Phone: Contact via website

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Connects families to federal housing assistance programs, rental help, emergency housing resources and local public housing agencies across the U.S.

Website: HUD Housing Assistance

Phone: 1.800.569.4287

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) – Head Start & Early Head Start

Provides free, comprehensive early childhood education and family support services for eligible low-income families in San Diego County. Programs support children’s school readiness through education, health screenings, nutrition and family engagement services.

Website: Episcopal Community Head Start

Phone: 619.231.9340

Head Start San Diego (County Programs)

Offers free early learning, health and family support services for children from birth to age five in income-eligible families throughout San Diego County, helping prepare children for success in school.

Flyer: Head Start San Diego

Phone: 760.471.4210

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) – Student Support Services

Supports students and families by providing access to special education services, school accommodations and learning support for students with medical, developmental or learning needs.

Website: San Diego County Office of Education

Phone: 858.292.3500

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCE)

San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) provides free adult education programs to help individuals improve basic skills, complete high school diplomas, learn English and gain career training. Programs include adult high school and GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), career technical education (such as healthcare, IT and trades), workforce readiness and support services to help students succeed. SDCE locations across the region make education accessible for families seeking skill building, job pathways or continuing education opportunities.

Website: San Diego College of Continuing Education  

Phone: 619.388.4800

Head Start & Early Head Start (National Program)

A federally funded program providing free early childhood education, health services, nutrition and family support to eligible low-income families nationwide. Services are available for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, with locations in every state.

Website: Head Start

Phone: 1.866.763.6481

Understood.org

Provides free resources to help families understand learning differences, navigate school support and advocate for educational accommodations for children who learn and think differently.

Website: Understood

Phone: Contact via website

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^® – Government Financial Aid)

Provides information and application access for federal financial aid to help students and families pay for education or career training. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students may qualify for grants, work-study programs and low-interest federal student loans. The FAFSA is used for college, university and many career or technical education programs nationwide.

Website: Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®)

Phone: 1.800.433.3243

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Provides free food distributions and a searchable map to find nearby partner pantries and pick-up sites across San Diego County.

Website: Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Phone: 1.866.350.FOOD (3663) or 858.527.1419

Feeding San Diego

Connects families to free food distributions and partner pantries throughout San Diego County.

Website: Feeding San Diego

Phone: 858.452.3663

CalFresh (SNAP in California)

Offers monthly food benefits to eligible individuals and families in California to help purchase groceries and meet basic nutrition needs.

Website: CalFresh

Phone: 1.877.847.3663

Feeding America

Helps families locate food banks, pantries and meal programs anywhere in the United States using a ZIP code search.

Website: Feeding America

USDA National Hunger Hotline

Connects families to food assistance resources nationwide, with support available in English and Spanish.

Website: USDA National Hunger Hotline

Phone: 1.866.348.6479 (English) or 1.877.842.6273 (Spanish)

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)

Provides nutrition assistance, healthy food benefits and support for pregnant individuals, infants and children up to age five across the U.S.

Website: WIC

Pacific Clinics – Employment & Workforce Services

Provides employment support services for adults and caregivers, including job readiness training, vocational support, career counseling and assistance navigating barriers to employment. Services are designed to support long-term stability for individuals and families.

Website: Pacific Clinics

Phone: 877.PC.CARES (722.2737)

County of San Diego – Employment Resource Liaison (ERL)

Provides employment support and workforce navigation for individuals and families receiving County services. Employment Resource Liaisons help connect participants to job training, education programs, resume support, employment opportunities and other workforce resources to support long-term self-sufficiency.

Website: County of San Diego Employment Services

Phone: Contact via website

San Diego Workforce Partnership

Offers job search assistance, career coaching, skills training and access to employment programs for adults, including parents and caregivers seeking stable employment.

Website: San Diego Workforce Partnership

Phone: 619.319.WORK (9675)

Urban League of San Diego County – Employment Services

Offers workforce development programs, job placement assistance, resume support and career coaching to help families achieve economic stability.

Website: Urban League of San Diego County

Phone: 619.266.6237

Second Chance

Supports individuals returning to the community after incarceration by providing job training, employment assistance, career coaching and support services designed to help people secure stable work and rebuild their lives. Programs may include resume support, interview preparation, connections to local employers and resources to navigate barriers to employment after incarceration.

Website: Second Chance San Diego

Phone: 619.234.8888

CEO Works

Provides job readiness training, career coaching and employment support for individuals seeking stable work and long-term economic independence. CEO Works focuses on helping people overcome barriers to employment by offering skills training, workforce development programs and connections to employers, supporting families as they work toward financial stability.

Website: CEO Works

Phone: Contact via website

CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)

A free national employment resource offering job search tools, career exploration, training opportunities and information on local workforce services across the United States.

Website: CareerOneStop

Phone: 1.877.US2.JOBS (1.877.872.5627)

USAJobs

The federal government’s official employment site, connecting job seekers to federal employment opportunities, including roles with family-friendly benefits and stability.

Website: USAJobs

Phone: Contact via website

Your Safe Place

Provides confidential support and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children in North San Diego County. Services include crisis counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter and advocacy to help families regain safety and stability.

Website: Your Safe Place

Phone: 619.533.6000

One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center

Offers a centralized, trauma-informed location where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking can access comprehensive support services. Services include counseling, case management, advocacy referrals and connections to medical and social services for adults and children.

Website: One Safe Place

Phone: 888.440.HOPE (4673)

County of San Diego – Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA)

Provides access to essential support services for individuals and families, including emergency assistance, family stabilization programs, child and family well-being services and connections to food, housing, healthcare and crisis support.

Website: County of San Diego HHSA

Phone: 866.262.9881

Crisis House

Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and families experiencing homelessness. Services focus on safety, stability and helping families move toward long-term independence.

Website: Crisis House

Phone: 760.753.1150 (24-hour hotline)

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)

Offers a wide range of family support services, including emergency assistance, counseling, food resources, older adult services, refugee and immigrant support and family stabilization programs. Services are available to individuals and families of all backgrounds.

Website: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Phone: 858.637.3000

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Provides confidential support, safety planning and referrals for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Available 24/7 by phone, chat or text.

Website: National Domestic Violence Hotline

Phone: 1.800.799.7233

Text: START to 88788

National Runaway Safeline

Supports youth and families in crisis by offering 24/7 confidential help, including crisis intervention, family communication support and referrals to local resources.

Website: National Runaway Safeline

Phone: 1.800.RUNAWAY (786.2929)

Text: SAFE to 66008

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Provides crisis intervention, information and referrals for families and individuals concerned about child abuse or neglect. Available 24/7.

Website: Childhelp

Phone: 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453)

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Provides financial assistance and support services to individuals and families affected by federally declared disasters. Assistance may include help with temporary housing, home repairs, essential household needs, medical or dental expenses related to a disaster and other serious disaster-related costs. Families can apply online, by phone or through the FEMA mobile app when a disaster is declared.

Website: FEMA Disaster Assistance

Phone: 1.844.684.6333