2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free telephone number providing access to local community services. 2-1-1 is available in multiple languages, allowing those in need to access information and obtain referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions. 2 1 1 also provides disaster preparedness, response, and recovery during declared emergencies.
FAMILY RESOURCES
Childcare
CocoKids offers free childcare and preschool referrals. Our database of licensed childcare for all of Contra Costa and our expert staff can help you find the right care and early education to meet your family and child’s needs. Call: (866)262-6543
First 5 Contra Costa County Helps young children grow up healthy and ready to learn during the most important time in their development. They offer various services to prepare children for school. Cultural Access services are available (translators). Call: (925) 771-7300
AREA AGENCY ON AGING Senior Information & Assistance team available to provide information about services for older adults. Call (925) 229-8434 or (800) 510-2000
FOOD RESOURCES
Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano offers various services access to groceries free of charge. Help with enrollment of the Cal Fresh program (formally known as Food Stamp)
Call 855-309-3663
MEDICAL INSURANCE RESOURCES
Monument Crisis Center a community-based non-profit family resource center providing basic needs and offers medical or dental care.
Call (925) 825-7751
Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It’s the only place where you can get financial help when you buy health insurance from well-known companies. That means when you apply, you may qualify for a discount on a health plan through Covered California, or get health insurance through the state’s Medi-Cal program. Call (800) 300-1506.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES DEBT HELP & CREDIT COUNSELING
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the East Bay, including Concord and Oakland – Call (866) 889-9347.
Contra Costa Crisis Center: Pacific Community Services – (925) 439-1056. Mortgage Default Relief Measures, housing counseling, mediation, and other solutions to mortgage problems.
Mt. Diablo Housing Opportunity Center – Housing Rights, Inc. Offering reverse mortgage counseling, free foreclosure counseling and home preservation education to people struggling with their mortgages.
Call (866) 469-0133
LIHEAP program Support includes immediate financial assistance to people with 48-hour shutoff notices, energy education, and budget counseling services. Assistance to help with utility bills.
Call (925) 681-6380
HUMAN SERVICES RESOURCES
Contra Costa Health, Housing & Homeless Services
Care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems. Visit here.
Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services
Administers a one-time only rental payment paid directly to the landlord or housing complex to prevent loss of housing by eligible families due to financial hardship or some type of emergency. Call (510) 412-3280
Council for Hope and Opportunity, or ECHO Housing, focuses on preventing homelessness, rapid rehousing, and assisting first time homebuyers. Several resources are available. Tenants can get help with paying rent or security deposits. Water bill assistance is available in Contra Costa County. All towns and cities will work with qualified customers regarding payment on their account. Call (925) 732-3919 or (510) 581-9380
LOW INCOME HOUSING AND RENT RESOURCES
SHELTER, Inc. The non-profit organization can provide one-time financial assistance by paying a portion of either the security deposit or monthly rent for rental housing and apartments in Contra Costa County. In addition, a limited amount of funding is also available to prevent mortgage foreclosure by homeowners in the County. (925) 335-0698,
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing
Referrals and information that can lead to funding to assist Contra Costa residents.
Call (925) 313-6124
Housing Authority of Contra Costa County
Administering low-income housing programs (note: there is often a waiting list). Public and government housing is handled by the Housing Authority Pittsburg, North Richmond.
Call (888) 746-8731
Housing Authority of the City of Richmond Call (510) 621-1300
Housing Authority City of Pittsburg Call (925) 252-4830.
FAITH BASED AGENCIES
Catholic Charities of Contra Costa and the Bay Area
A Critical Family Needs program providing qualified families and individuals with a one-time grant and/or cash assistance Call (925) 825-3099
Catholic Charities in partnership with other local non-profit groups. Call (925) 825-3099 (x306) for more information and access to foreclosure programs.
The Salvation Army With locations in Antioch, Concord, and Richmond, they can offer funds for paying energy bills, free food, clothing, rent assistance, referrals, and a host of other assistance programs.
Call (925) 676-6180
LEGAL RESOURCES
Providing low-income clients with free civil legal assistance, including legal advice and counsel, effective referrals, and legal representation.
Call (800) 551-5551