Get help — start here
Need help right now?
This page helps individuals, families, and veterans quickly find the right resources across San Diego County, California. If this is an emergency, or you are not sure where to start, call 2-1-1 San Diego or dial 988 for immediate support.
Three numbers worth saving
- Emergency 911 Immediate danger, medical emergency, or a crime in progress.
- 2-1-1 San Diego 2-1-1 Free, confidential navigation for housing, food, healthcare, legal aid, employment, and veteran services.
- 988 Lifeline 988 24/7 mental health and suicide crisis support. Veterans: dial 988, then press 1.
Pick the area you need
Each page lists real organizations, phone numbers, and addresses in San Diego County, California — verified by CCE and kept current.
- Housing & SheltersShelter, transitional housing, rental assistance and eviction prevention.
- Employment & Job TrainingCareer centers, paid training, reentry employment and veteran hiring support.
- Legal Aid & RightsFree civil legal help: housing, benefits, immigration, family law and record clearing.
- Health & Mental HealthMedical care, counseling, crisis lines and substance use recovery.
- Food & Essential ResourcesFree groceries, hot meals, senior meals and CalFresh enrollment help.
- Education & Financial EmpowermentAdult education, GED and ESL, college access, and financial coaching.
- Veterans ServicesHousing, benefits navigation, healthcare, employment and peer support for veterans.
Still not sure where to start?
Call 2-1-1 San Diego. It is free and confidential.
Navigators there work through housing, food, healthcare, legal aid, employment, and veteran services with you. If you are in crisis, dial 988 for immediate mental health support, 24/7.
If you need something else
Not listed here? Ask us directly.
Tell us what you are facing and we will help you find the right door — or tell you honestly if we cannot. Learn. Connect. Elevate.