All listed programs and resources may change without notice. Please confirm with each organization its current assistance options.

General

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2-1-1 is a FREE, easy-to-use 24/7 source of information and referrals that connects you to the services you need.

You can count on 2-1-1 for fast, free, confidential help whether you're looking for:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Health
  • Dental Care
  • Mental Health Services
  • Housing & Utilities
  • Job Training
  • Veteran's Assistance
  • Disaster Relief & Recovery

There are several ways to access 211:

American Cancer Society (ACS)

  • Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, are currently going through treatment, or are caring for a loved one with cancer, ACS is here with information, day-to-day help, and emotional support every step of the way. From free lodging and transportation to help making decisions about your care, we offer programs, services, and resources
  • For more information call 1-800-227-2345 or visit https://www.cancer.org/

Housing

American Cancer Society

  • If your hotel would like to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Hotel Partners Program, please contact Donna Scoggins at donna.scoggins@cancer.org.
  • For more information or to request hotel lodging, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Rebuilding Together Monterey/Salinas

Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodge Program for Women (I-HELP)

  • Offers program participant’s shelter and meals in over three dozen Monterey Peninsula Congregations.
  • Each evening I-HELP transports participants from a pick up point to hosting faith community where they spend the night (shelter changes nightly).
  • Women pick up site: parking lot across the street from the YMCA (600 Camino El Estero, Monterey). The small parking lot is located at El Estero Park.
  • Women wishing to participate should arrive 4 PM – 4:30 PM and wait with the monitor onsite. No reservations taken.
  • Visit https://www.ihelpmontereybay.org/ for general information.
  • Visit https://www.ihelpmontereybay.org/for-i-help-participants for applicants.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey

Assists families with readjustment onto the path of financial stability and self-sufficiency by providing direct assistance.  Programs include ‘Hope in Home’ which provides one-time rent and utility assistance including gas, electric and water.  This is a seasonal program that runs November through February – funding dependent on availability.

Housing Advocacy Council

Helps people find and maintain their homes and apartments. It is a non-for-profit organization that has as its goal the mission to both assist and educate Monterey County residents, and the group wants to help them both obtain and maintaining affordable housing and apartments. Services they offer include:

  • Rental Assistance Program- The agency will give qualifying individuals and families who have experienced a short term hardship or an emergency one month's rent so they do not have to incur the costs of moving or so they do not get evicted.
  • Security Deposit Assistance / Guarantee Program- Another service offered is the organization will cosign with and give vouchers to tenants who may not be able to afford to pay for the entire security deposit upfront. The guarantee will allow the tenant to pay the security deposit in installments over the course of the lease and their time in the home.
  • Counseling and Community Education Program- Another option is the ability to get counseling and advice. They offer workshops in the community on tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting and debt reduction, and how to find an affordable rental unit.
  • Call the Council at (831) 424-9186 to find how to get rent help.

Food

The Food Bank of Monterey County

Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) is the largest supplemental food program the Food Bank operates. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food commodities are distributed at 26 sites throughout Monterey County via tailgate distribution on a monthly basis.  Recipients must meet certain criteria to be enrolled in this program

For more information visit https://www.foodbankformontereycounty.org/food-assistance/

Farmworkers Mobile Produce Pantry

The Farmworkers Mobile Produce Pantry delivers fresh produce and perishables to farmworkers directly on the fields as they’re ending their shifts for the day. We have been increasing our outreach into the remote South County areas, placing an emphasis on distributing fresh produce, as residents in these areas suffer from not only high food insecurity but also high rates of chronic poverty related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Kids N.O.W. (“Nutrition On Weekends”)

The Kids N.O.W. (“Nutrition On Weekends”) program is our latest effort to address child hunger in our community. Through this program, children in need are provided a bag of food to take home with them over weekends and school breaks.

Breast Cancer Patient Food Assistance Program

The Breast Cancer Patient Food Assistance Program provides food assistance to women in need going through treatment for breast cancer. The Food Bank delivers the food directly to their homes.
These foods are specially selected to address the unique nutritional needs of patients in treatment or recovery and include other healthful items, especially fresh produce, that their limited budgets cannot accommodate. This program, funded by a private donor, addresses a critical need of struggling patients and their families, relieving them of the burden of worrying about the when, what’s, and ifs of their next meals, so they can focus on treatment.

Eligible women can sign up for this program through the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County, which provides support and assistance to women undergoing treatment or recovery from breast cancer.

For more information about any of the Food Bank programs contact them a
Monterey County Food Bank
353 W Rossi St. Salinas, CA 93907
Telephone: (831) 758-1523

Gathering for Women – Monterey

Provides assistance to homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula with supportive resources and a caring community.  The organization proves hot meals, needed clothing and personal care products, showers, comprehensive case management support, limited emergency assistance and connection to other community services.

Utilities

LIHEAP crisis programs

An option for low income families that are faced with an emergency such as a disconnection or that are very low on heating oil or fuel. Grants and financial assistance can be paid out directly to your energy company for your unpaid bill. The funds can be expedited to households that are faced with a shut off of their electric or utility service. The LIHEAP crisis program may even provide grants within 24 business hours in some cases.

PG&E

Medical Baseline Program is for households that have higher energy needs because someone in the home has a medical condition.   The program provides more energy at a lower rate.   Eligibility is not based on income.

CARE and FERA are PG&E discount programs that help income qualified households pay their energy bills.

Cal Am

Partnership with United Way - Cal Am’s funded program covers the outstanding balance of qualified customers who are currently in arrears with their water bill or in receipt of a 3-day notice of water shut-off.  Customer eligibility for the Hardship Benefit Program is determined by United Way Monterey County. If the applicant is approved, UWMC provides a payment to Cal Am on the customer’s behalf toward the outstanding bill.

The program is funded through a $50,000 grant from California American Water and provides financially strapped customers help they could not receive elsewhere. Water customers interested in assistance from the Hardship Benefit Program should call California American Water’s customer service center at 1-888-237-1333. Cal Am’s call handlers will refer customers to the program who require additional assistance beyond payment arrangements and enrollment in the company’s existing low income program.

Cal Am Assistance for Low-Income Customers Program - To qualify for Assistance for Low-Income Customers Program

  • You must be an individually metered or flat-rate residential customer.
  • The California American Water Bill must be in your name.
  • You may not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
  • You must reapply each time you change your personal residence.
  • You must renew your application every two years, or sooner, if requested.
  • California American Water must be notified within 30 days if you become ineligible for the Assistance for Low-Income Customers Program.

For information: https://www.unitedwaymcca.org/cal-am-water-partners-united-way-offer-financial-assistance-program

Legal Services

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc (CRLA)

CRLA is a statewide, private non-profit law firm which provides free legal services to low income persons.   Services include helping local residents in the areas of housing, public benefits, fair housing, public education and employment.

  • To contact CRLA in Monterey County call their receptionist to ensure eligibility for services at 831-757-5221 or 1-800-677-5221.  Hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.  Office is located at 3 Williams Road, Salinas, CA 93905.
  • Visit https://crla.org for general information.
  • Visit https://crla.org/programs for programs.

Legal Services for Seniors (LSS)

Provides free legal consultation and representation for seniors aged 60 years or older residing in Monterey County.  There is no income eligibility requirements. Priority areas include elder abuse prevention and recovery, health care access, housing rights and income maintenance.

Alliance on Aging (AOA)

Accepts reports of suspected abuse in licensed care facilities.  Provides advocacy service and investigates complaints on behalf of residents in a long term care facilities to protect residents from abuse and neglect.   Also offers assistance with long term care placement information and assistance.

Personal Care

Wigs

Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital – both offer wigs free or at reduced cost through the American Cancer Society

Mastectomy Bras, Prosthetics and Lymphedema Care
The Next Step Boutique - A Woman's Boutique

Was established to accommodate the special needs of women who have experienced breast cancer and have had a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Our dedicated professionals provide you with personal service in choosing products that help you pursue life with energy and enthusiasm. We offer comfortable and private fitting rooms in pleasant surroundings. Our certified fitters understand your special needs and are sensitive to your personal and emotional situation.

Horsnyder Pharmacy

Mastectomy Care - Our staff is sensitive to your needs and can offer great insight into your care and recovery. Our staff is happy to assist you in finding the products and supplies perfect for your care.

Lymphedema Care - When exercise and physical therapy are not enough to improve lymphedema, your health care profession may prescribe the use of compression stockings, multilayer bandages, pneumatic pumps or other methods to assist you. We carry a full line of lymphedema care products. Address - 226 Soquel Ave (between Morrissey and Seabright Avenue).
Santa Cruz, Ca 95062
Phone: Store & Pharmacy - (831) 423-2315
Visit https://www.horsnyderpharmacy.com/

Gathering for Women – Monterey

Provides assistance to homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula with supportive resources and a caring community.  The organization proves hot meals, needed clothing and personal care products, showers, comprehensive case management support, limited emergency assistance and connection to other community services.

Support Groups and Classes

There are several local non-profit organizations and charities in Monterey County California that provide numerous forms of assistance. Low income, the elderly, disabled, unemployed and others can receive grants to pay rent and utility bills, food assistance, and other forms of help.

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula

CHOMPs Breast Cancer Early Support Group

If you are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, please join this informal discussion group led by an oncology educator. Topics include preparing for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy; staying well during treatment; and coping with emotions.

  • For more information call CHOMP’s Cancer Center at 831-625-4753

CHOMP’s Cancer Wellness Support Group

Are you feeling overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis?  Experience a community with others who have been or are going through cancer treatment and who understand your specific needs.  Center experts provide valuable information to help you navigate your care, manage physical and emotional symptoms and uplift your spirit.

  • For more information call CHOMP’s Cancer Center at 831-625-4753

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital

Offers an array of events and classes around cancer care.  Visit their website for more information.

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Cancer Care

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Events and Classes

Transportation

Hospice of the Central Coast Transportation Program

For patients who have a life limiting illness and need transportation to medical appointments, Community Hospital’s Hospice of the Central Coast can help. Volunteers provide free rides for patients to and from doctor appointments, radiation, chemotherapy and other medical treatments.

  • For more information and to register call 831-622-2746

Other Services

Breast Care Assistance Funds

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula has two funds to provide financial assistance for Monterey County women who need screening mammograms or more advanced diagnostics but can’t afford them.  For information about the application process, please call the Carol Hatton Breast Care Center at (831) 622-2760.

Sherry Cockle Fund for screening mammograms

The Sherry Cockle Fund provides free screening mammograms to women who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Funding is provided through grants from the Peter Ueberroth Family Foundation, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Safeway Foundation, and individual donors. The fund is named for Ueberroth’s longtime assistant, Sherry Cockle, who died of cancer in 1987.

Carol Hatton Fund for Women in Need

The Carol Hatton Fund provides financial assistance for advanced breast care diagnostics. It is named for Carol Hatton, a Community Hospital employee who was instrumental in raising money for breast care until her death from cancer in 2009.

Visit https://www.montagehealth.org/care-treatment/breast/ for more information.

HealthWell Foundation

(800) 675-8416
https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/

A nationally recognized, independent non-profit organization founded in 2003, the HealthWell Foundation serves as a safety net for underinsured patients by providing access to life-changing medical treatments they otherwise would not be able to afford.

HealthWell provides financial assistance to adults and children facing medical hardship resulting from gaps in their insurance that cause out-of-pocket medical expenses to escalate rapidly. HealthWell assists with the treatment-related cost-sharing obligations of these patients

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)

(866) 316-PANF
https://www.panfoundation.org/

An independent, non-profit group, the Patient Access Network Foundation is dedicated to assisting those who cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with treatment needs. Throughout all 50 states and three U.S. territories, it provides trained case managers that patients or their advocates may speak with about their care

The Pink Fund

(877) 234-PINK
https://www.pinkfund.org/

The mission of The Pink Fund is to provide short-term financial aid to breast cancer patients in active treatment. The Pink Fund will make a direct bill payment for the maintenance of health insurance premiums and non-medical bills such as, a house or rent payment, a car or vehicle lease payment, utility payments, car insurance payments, and/or license plate tabs.