California Community Support Organizations, Churches & Charities for Single Mothers: The Real‑World, No‑Fluff Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This guide focuses on community organizations, churches, and charities in California. It does not cover state or federal benefit programs except where nonprofits administer them directly. Every phone number and dollar figure below is verified as of August–September 2025; sources are linked after each section for quick checking.

Emergency help first (read this now)

If you are at risk of harm, eviction, utility shutoff, or you have no food tonight—use these contacts immediately.

• Call or text 9‑1‑1 if you are in danger right now.
• Domestic violence help, 24/7: La Casa de las Madres (Bay Area) Adults hotline 877‑503‑1850; text 415‑200‑3575. WEAVE (Sacramento) Support Line 916‑920‑2952. YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley 24/7 line 800‑572‑2782. These lines can help with safety planning, shelter, and crisis counseling. (lacasa.org, weaveinc.org, yourywca.org)
• Food today (same‑day referral): Los Angeles Regional Food Bank general line 323‑234‑3030; Alameda County Community Food Bank Helpline 510‑635‑3663; Second Harvest Silicon Valley Food Connection 800‑984‑3663. If lines are busy, dial 211. (lafoodbank.org, accfb.org, shfb.org)
• Utilities shutoff: see the Utility Bill Help Quick‑Compare table below for one‑time charity grants from SCE, PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E, with current maximums ($100–$300 grants, and PG&E special match up to $1,000 in 2025). (sce.com, pge.com, socalgas.com, sdge.com, investor.pgecorp.com)
• Call 211 (or text your ZIP to 898211 where available) for round‑the‑clock local referrals. If you’re outside your county, call 866‑346‑3211 to reach your home county’s 211. (211ca.org)

Quick help box (save this)

• Need diapers this week? Check Baby2Baby partner distributions in LA and the LA County Library diaper program; Bay Area families can use Help a Mother Out partner sites and the San Francisco Diaper Bank (up to 2 cases/month for eligible households). (library.lacounty.gov, baby2baby.org, helpamotherout.org, sfdiaperbank.org)
• Behind on your gas/electric bill? Charity grants: SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund up to $100\ast \ast ;SCEEnergyAssistanceFundupto\ast \ast$200; PG&E REACH up to 300**; SDG&E Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor up to **300 (payment typically posts in 2–6 weeks after approval). (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, sdge.com, sdge.com)
• Emergency rent move‑in/back rent? Check your local Catholic Charities office (multiple dioceses) and St. Vincent de Paul conferences. LA Council’s Project Independence can contribute up to $500/month for up to 12 months when a parish conference participates. Availability varies and fills fast. (catholiccharitiesca.org, catholiccharitiesdom.org, svdpla.org)
• Interest‑free emergency loans (not credit cards): Jewish Free Loan Association (LA/Ventura/Santa Barbara) up to $15,000\ast \ast ;HebrewFreeLoan(BayArea)emergencyupto\ast \ast$3,000 and general needs up to $20,000. Requires guarantors; decisions can be quick once documents are in. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)
• Need one number for everything local? Call 211 statewide, 24/7. Multi‑language help available. (211ca.org)

Why this matters in California (reality check)

• Childcare is expensive. In California, the median annual cost of full‑time licensed infant care in a center was about $19,719\ast \ast (2023estimate;statesourcereleasedMay2025).Fortwokids(infant+toddler),familiesoftenfaceroughly\ast \ast$39,200/year based on recent statewide mapping. Community childcare scholarships (YMCA, YWCA, faith‑based centers) and after‑school clubs can soften the hit when state subsidies aren’t an option. (kidsdata.org, axios.com)
• Utility credit amounts and income limits change each year. As of June 1, 2025–May 31, 2026, SoCalGas GAF grants are up to $100\ast \ast withincomelimits(e.g.,householdof3\le \ast \ast$53,300). SCE EAF provides up to 200** once in 12 months. PG&E’s 2025 REACH credit is up to **300; PG&E’s separate “Match My Payment” can match up to $1,000\ast \ast throughDec31,2025(combinedmaximumupto\ast \ast$1,300 if you also received REACH). SDG&E’s Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor offers up to $300\ast \ast (upto\ast \ast$400 for Medical Baseline in some announcements) with 2–6 week posting time after approval. These are administered by community partners like United Way and Salvation Army. (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, investor.pgecorp.com, prnewswire.com, sdge.com)
• Many church and nonprofit rent programs are seasonal and funds run out. Catholic Charities Monterey’s emergency rent/utility help opens and closes based on funding cycles—this is common statewide. Always ask when the next intake opens and what documents to gather now. (catholiccharitiesdom.org)

Utility bill help: Quick‑compare (charity programs)

These are not government discounts; they’re one‑time charitable grants administered by nonprofits.

Tips:

• Schedule the earliest appointment available; bring your full bill, ID, proof of income, and disconnection notice (if required).
• If funds are exhausted, ask to be waitlisted and call a second agency the same day.

Baby essentials: diapers, wipes, formula, clothing

Reality check: diapers can cost $90–$135/month per baby; inventory at community sites changes daily—go early and bring proof of child’s age and your photo ID. (helpamotherout.org)

Plan B if shelves are empty today:

• Ask for a second nearby site (partners often share stock).
• Request cloth‑diaper loan programs, if offered.
• For formula, ask your pediatric clinic or hospital social work desk for samples and local referrals.

Interest‑free emergency loans (fast cash without predatory fees)

Tips:

• Loans begin repayment about 30–45 days after funding; there’s no interest and no fees. Have guarantors lined up to speed approval. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)

Plan B if you’re denied:

• Ask about a lower amount you can support with one guarantor.
• Request a referral to other community loan funds or rent prevention partners (agencies frequently cross‑refer).

Domestic violence & safety‑net support for moms and kids

What to do if lines are jammed:

• Call the National DV Hotline 800‑799‑7233 or text START to 88788; or dial 211 and ask for DV shelter back‑ups. Keep a “go bag” (IDs, meds, essentials) ready if safe to do.

Churches and faith‑based agencies that commonly help with rent, utilities, food, and stabilization

Start with these statewide networks, then use the region lists below.

• Salvation Army (SoCal & NorCal): Local corps provide emergency food, clothing, motel vouchers, some rent/utility help; also administer PG&E REACH intakes in many counties. Use the SoCal “Get Help” locator (LA, OC, IE, SD) or call division assistance at 562‑264‑3600 to be routed. Example LA/OC/IE/SD corps and numbers are listed on the official page. (socal.salvationarmy.org)
• Catholic Charities (12 agencies, 54 counties): Rent/utility help (when funded), homelessness prevention, immigration legal aid, case management, disaster case management. Contact your local diocese office (see LA, East Bay, Monterey, Santa Rosa/Northwest CA). (catholiccharitiesca.org, catholiccharitiesla.org, cceb.org, catholiccharitiesdom.org, ccnwc.org)
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul (parish conferences): Volunteers provide rent/utility help, furniture/clothing vouchers, gas cards; LA Council’s Project Independence can provide up to $500/month for up to 12 months with conference co‑funding (program availability varies). Find the parish conference that serves your address via your diocese map. (svdpla.org, svdp-cc.org)
• United Way/211: Besides 24/7 referrals, United Way Bay Area’s SparkPoint centers provide free financial coaching, credit repair, and sometimes one‑time cash/rent aid through partners. (211ca.org, uwba.org)

How to apply (and actually get approved)

• Gather documents before you call:
  • Photo ID; proof of address; last 30 days of income; full lease and rent ledger; utility bill with account number; shutoff/eviction notices if any. Many agencies list these exact items (e.g., Catholic Charities Monterey). (catholiccharitiesdom.org)
• Call early, be ready to leave a concise voicemail:
  • Name; callback number; city and ZIP; what you need (“two weeks’ rent to stop a 3‑day notice” or “48‑hour PG&E shutoff, balance $X”); mention kids’ ages.
• Bring a realistic plan:
  • Agencies give prevention funds when a one‑time amount will stabilize you (e.g., deposit, one month back rent). Be honest about income and how you’ll keep housing after help.

The realities (difficult but true)

• Funding windows open and close with little notice; if a site is “closed to new intakes,” ask when the next intake opens and what to prep now. (familypromiseorangecounty.org)
• Charity grants are modest but fast. Utilities: $100–$300 typical caps; rent help varies by county and program; expect one‑time assistance unless you’re in a longer program (e.g., SVDP Project Independence up to 12 months in LA). (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, sdge.com, svdpla.org)
• You may need to contact 2–3 agencies the same day. Keep calling politely; ask 211 for additional leads if you get voicemail.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• 211 statewide: dial 211; for out‑of‑area access to your home county, call 866‑346‑3211. (211ca.org)
• Utility charity grants: SoCalGas GAF $100\ast \ast ;SCEEAF\ast \ast$200; PG&E REACH $300\ast \ast (+optional2025matchupto\ast \ast$1,000); SDG&E NTN $300 (credit posts in about 2–6 weeks once approved). (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, investor.pgecorp.com, sdge.com)
• Diapers: LA County Library diaper pickup (Baby2Baby support); SF Diaper Bank up to 2 cases/month for eligible families. (library.lacounty.gov, sfhsa.org)
• Interest‑free loans: JFLA up to $15,000\ast \ast ;HFLASFemergencyupto\ast \ast$3,000/general up to $20,000. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)

Application Checklist (print or screenshot)

• Photo ID (driver’s license, consular ID, or passport)
• Lease (all pages) and rent ledger; or letter of intent/approval for move‑in
• All income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, child support, benefits)
• Utility bill (full bill), shutoff or 48‑hour notice if you have it
• Proof of hardship (job loss letter, medical bills, car repair invoice)
• Kids’ documentation (birth certificates or Medi‑Cal/CalFresh cards) if asked
• Landlord contact info and W‑9 (some programs pay landlords directly)
• For loans: guarantor(s) details and their ID/income

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last day. Utility and rent funds are first‑come, first‑served. Start as soon as you get a notice.
• Incomplete voicemails. Always include your name, number, city, need, and any deadline date (e.g., “shutoff 9/12”).
• No documentation. Bring the lease, ledger, and proof of income—many programs will not reserve funds without them.
• Double‑dipping without disclosure. If you applied elsewhere, say so; agencies often coordinate funding.

What to do if this doesn’t work (Plan B options)

• Ask the agency for a “warm handoff” to another partner (they often know who still has funds this week).
• Consider an interest‑free loan (see JFLA/HFLA). Pair a small loan with a smaller grant to close your gap. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)
• For utilities, set up payment arrangements to stop shutoff while your charity grant posts (especially in SDG&E’s 2–6 week window). (sdge.com)

Where to go now: by need (table)

Diverse communities: tailored resources and tips

• LGBTQ+ single mothers
  • YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley serves survivors inclusive of all gender identities, with therapy, housing support, and SafeChatSV. Ask about trauma‑informed childcare for survivors during counseling. 800‑572‑2782. (yourywca.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or raising disabled children
  • Ask 211 for local disability rights nonprofits, respite programs, and adaptive equipment closets; many churches partner to fund accessibility upgrades in emergencies. 211 offers language access and can three‑way call agencies for you. (211ca.org)
• Veteran single mothers
  • Faith‑based agencies (SVDP, Salvation Army) and United Way partners frequently coordinate with nonprofit SSVF providers; ask 211 for “veterans family services” in your ZIP.
• Immigrant/refugee single moms (including asylum seekers)
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) offers employment help, financial coaching, legal services, anti‑trafficking support, and citizenship prep. Oakland office: 440 Grand Ave, Ste 500, Oakland; 510‑452‑8222. San Diego office: 5348 University Ave, Ste 205; 619‑641‑7510. Services in multiple languages. (rescue.org)
• Tribal citizens
  • Many parish conferences and Catholic Charities branches will work alongside tribal family services and local Indian centers; ask for culturally specific referrals via 211.
• Rural single moms (limited access areas)
  • Call 211 and ask specifically for “mobile pantry” schedules, church‑run food closets, and small‑town SVDP conferences; request phone appointments if you lack transportation. (211ca.org)
• Single fathers raising kids
  • Most programs above are gender‑inclusive. State “I’m a single parent” and ask for any father‑specific mentoring groups through churches and YMCAs.
• Language access
  • 211 offers support in 200+ languages through Language Line; DV lines listed above offer bilingual and interpreter services. (211ca.org)

Region‑by‑region: where to start

Los Angeles County

• Salvation Army Los Angeles Central Corps, 906 S. Francisco St, Los Angeles; 213‑896‑9178. Ask for rent/utility aid intake and PG&E REACH (if applicable). Full LA location list on the SoCal page. (salvationarmyusa.org)
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, 1734 E. 41st St, Los Angeles; 323‑234‑3030 (use pantry locator for distribution sites). (lafoodbank.org)
• Baby2Baby HQ (no direct walk‑up distribution; works via partners). Check LA County Library’s diaper pickup locations powered by Baby2Baby. (baby2baby.org, library.lacounty.gov)
• Harvest Home (for pregnant, unhoused women), intake 310‑452‑1223 (press 5); two‑step residential program from pregnancy up to 6–8 months postpartum. (harvesthomela.org)

Bay Area (Alameda/Contra Costa/SF/San Mateo/Santa Clara)

• Catholic Charities East Bay—housing stabilization (Oakland/Richmond/Concord); main line 510‑768‑3100. (cceb.org)
• Alameda County Community Food Bank Helpline 510‑635‑3663 (same‑day pantry). (accfb.org)
• La Casa de las Madres hotline 877‑503‑1850; text 415‑200‑3575 (SF). (lacasa.org)
• Hebrew Free Loan (Northern CA) emergency/general loans up to $3,000–$20,000. 415‑546‑9902 x110. (hflasf.org)
• Help a Mother Out & SF Diaper Bank (up to 2 cases/month for eligible families). (helpamotherout.org)

Sacramento region

• WEAVE 24/7 Support Line 916‑920‑2952 (DV/SA services, shelter, counseling). (weaveinc.org)
• Call 211 for food, rent/utility, and church‑run closets across Sacramento/Placer/El Dorado. (211ca.org)

San Diego & Imperial

• Salvation Army Centre City Corps, 825 Seventh Ave, San Diego; 619‑699‑2200. (socal.salvationarmy.org)
• SDG&E Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor one‑time credit up to $300; apply online; payment posts in about 2–6 weeks. General Customer Care 800‑411‑7343. (sdge.com, sdge.com)
• IRC San Diego, 5348 University Ave, Ste 205; 619‑641‑7510 (employment, legal, financial coaching). (rescue.org)

Central Coast/Monterey/Santa Cruz/San Benito/SLO

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey: Emergency rent/utility assistance is seasonal—check current intake; Monterey 831‑393‑3110; Santa Cruz 831‑722‑2675 (press #1). (catholiccharitiesdom.org)

Northern counties (Sonoma/Napa/Lake/Del Norte/Humboldt/Mendocino)

• Catholic Charities of Northwest California (formerly Diocese of Santa Rosa): main 707‑528‑8712; Caritas Center & family shelter services in Santa Rosa. (ccnwc.org)

What other guides miss (content gaps we fixed)

• Phone numbers and street addresses for the exact offices that help in each region.
• Current utility charity amounts and 2025 income rules.
• Real diaper programs with pick‑up locations (LA County Libraries; SF Diaper Bank).
• Interest‑free loan options with max amounts and steps.
• Clear documents checklist and realistic turnaround (e.g., SDG&E’s 2–6 weeks). (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, sdge.com, library.lacounty.gov, sfhsa.org)

Timelines you can expect

• Utilities: Same‑day prescreening; appointment availability varies; SDG&E credits typically post 2–6 weeks after approval; others depend on agency capacity and funding. (sdge.com)
• Rent/deposit aid: Expect screening + document upload; decisions often depend on how fast your landlord responds with a W‑9 and ledger.
• Diapers/food: Usually same‑day or same‑week pickup if stock is available; go early and bring ID.

Tables you can scan fast

1. Utility Bill Help at a Glance
   (See the Utility Bill Help Quick‑Compare table above; sources: SoCalGas GAF, SCE EAF, PG&E REACH/Match, SDG&E NTN.) (socalgas.com, sce.com, pge.com, investor.pgecorp.com, sdge.com)
2. Baby Essentials Programs (Diapers & Gear)
   (See Baby2Baby, LA County Library, Help a Mother Out, SF Diaper Bank entries; follow links for locations and hours.) (library.lacounty.gov, baby2baby.org, helpamotherout.org)
3. Interest‑Free Loans (Nonprofits)
   (See JFLA and HFLASF entries; confirm guarantor requirements and service areas.) (jfla.org, hflasf.org)
4. Domestic Violence Support Lines
   (See regional hotline table above.) (lacasa.org, weaveinc.org, yourywca.org)
5. Food Banks Helplines
   (LA Regional Food Bank 323‑234‑3030; Alameda County 510‑635‑3663; Second Harvest SV 800‑984‑3663.) (lafoodbank.org, accfb.org, shfb.org)

Eligibility basics (so you don’t waste time)

• Utility grants require the bill in your name at your primary residence and usually a past‑due or shutoff notice. Income limits are posted; SoCalGas GAF 2025–26 example: household of 4 ≤ $64,300. Bring ID and your full bill. (socalgas.com)
• Rent prevention favors households who can stay stable after one‑time help. Bring your lease, rent ledger, proof of income, and a realistic plan.
• Loan programs require guarantors and proof of ability to repay. JFLA max $15,000\ast \ast withtwoguarantors;HFLAemergencyupto\ast \ast$3,000 can fund quickly. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)

Real‑world example (how this plays out)

• Utility shutoff 48‑hour notice (PG&E): You apply for REACH online (tap “MyApp” at Dollar Energy Fund), upload your notice, and book a partner agency appointment. If you also qualify for PG&E’s 2025 Match My Payment, your own payment can be matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $1,000\ast \ast —stackablewithREACHforupto\ast \ast$1,300 total relief this year if eligible. (pge.com, dollarenergy.org, investor.pgecorp.com)
• Newborn + no diaper money (LA): You check the LA County Library diaper page (Baby2Baby‑supported) and pick up diapers today; next, you ask the librarian for their list of nearby Baby2Baby partner agencies for ongoing support. (library.lacounty.gov)
• Behind on rent (East Bay): You call Catholic Charities East Bay (510‑768‑3100). They confirm documents and, when funds are available, can cover part of back rent or deposit; they also refer to SVDP or Season of Sharing where appropriate. (cceb.org)

Resources by region (short list; more at the end)

Los Angeles County

• Salvation Army (multiple corps): see SoCal “Get Help” page; regional line 562‑264‑3600. (socal.salvationarmy.org)
• LA Regional Food Bank helpline 323‑234‑3030. (lafoodbank.org)
• Harvest Home (pregnant & unhoused), intake 310‑452‑1223. (harvesthomela.org)

Bay Area

• Catholic Charities East Bay 510‑768‑3100; Oakland/Richmond/Concord offices. (cceb.org)
• Alameda County Community Food Bank 510‑635‑3663. (accfb.org)
• La Casa de las Madres 877‑503‑1850; text 415‑200‑3575. (lacasa.org)

San Diego/Inland Empire

• Salvation Army Centre City Corps 619‑699‑2200. (socal.salvationarmy.org)
• SDG&E Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor application & questions 800‑411‑7343. (sdge.com)

FAQs (California‑specific)

1. Can charities really stop a utility shutoff?
   Yes—if you apply before the cutoff, bring all documents, and your account meets the program rules. Some programs require a 48‑hour notice (PG&E REACH). Credits vary ($100–$300 typical; SDG&E posts in about 2–6 weeks). (pge.com, sdge.com)
2. Do I need to be religious to get help from church charities?
   No. Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and SVDP serve all without discrimination.
3. What income counts for SoCalGas GAF or SCE EAF?
   All household income before deductions. GAF 2025–26 example: 3‑person household ≤ $53,300. (socalgas.com)
4. What if my name isn’t on the utility bill?
   Most utility grants require the applicant’s name on the bill. Ask to add your name or pursue a payment plan while you fix the account record. (socalgas.com)
5. Can I get help more than once?
   Utility grants are usually once every 12 months. Rent help is typically one‑time per crisis.
6. Are there real diaper programs, or is it all referrals?
   Yes. LA County Libraries distribute diapers (Baby2Baby support). SF Diaper Bank gives up to two cases/month to eligible families. (library.lacounty.gov, sfhsa.org)
7. How fast are interest‑free loans?
   If guarantors and documents are ready, JFLA and HFLA can move quickly (often days). Amounts: up to $15,000\ast \ast (JFLA),emergencyupto\ast \ast$3,000 and general up to $20,000 (HFLA). (jfla.org, hflasf.org)
8. Is there a single number to find everything local?
   Dial 211. If you’re outside your county, call 866‑346‑3211 to reach your home county’s 211. Texting 898211 also works in many areas. (211ca.org)
9. Do nonprofits publish exact dollar amounts for rent grants?
   Usually no, because funds vary by donor and county. Exceptions exist (e.g., SVDP LA Project Independence up to $500/month). Always ask what the current cap is. (svdpla.org)
10. How expensive is childcare here, and who can help if I don’t qualify for subsidies?
    Median center‑based infant care was about $19,719/year (2023 estimate released May 2025). Look for YMCA/YWCA scholarships, faith‑based preschools with sliding fees, and Boys & Girls Clubs after‑school spots. (kidsdata.org)

Full resource list (name • what it is • link • phone • address if available)

• Salvation Army Southern California — find local corps for food, clothing, rent/utilities. Get Help in Southern California • 562‑264‑3600 • Multiple sites listed by ZIP. (socal.salvationarmy.org)
• Salvation Army Los Angeles Central Corps — local family services. LA Central Corps page • 213‑896‑9178 • 906 S. Francisco St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. (salvationarmyusa.org)
• Catholic Charities of California (network overview) — links to 12 diocesan agencies statewide. Catholic Charities of California • Statewide directory. (catholiccharitiesca.org)
• Catholic Charities of Los Angeles — emergency assistance, immigration, disaster recovery. CCLA programs and contacts • 213‑251‑3400 • 1531 James M. Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015. (catholiccharitiesla.org)
• Catholic Charities East Bay — housing stabilization, case management. CCE Bay Area services • 510‑768‑3100 • Oakland, Richmond, Concord offices. (cceb.org)
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey — emergency rent/utilities (seasonal). Emergency Rental Assistance info • Monterey 831‑393‑3110; Santa Cruz 831‑722‑2675. (catholiccharitiesdom.org)
• Catholic Charities of Northwest California (Santa Rosa region) — shelters, family services. Contact & sites • 707‑528‑8712 • 987 Airway Ct, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. (ccnwc.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles (Council) — parish‑based rent/utility help; Project Independence up to $500/month for up to 12 months. Program details (Vincentian resources) • Find your local parish conference via diocese map. (svdpla.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul Contra Costa — parish conference locator and services. Conference locations & services • Use parish boundary map to find your conference. (svdp-cc.org)
• United Way/211 California — 24/7 referrals for rent, food, shelter, childcare, and more. About 211 California • Dial 211 or 866‑346‑3211 (out‑of‑area). (211ca.org)
• United Way Bay Area SparkPoint centers — free financial coaching and housing/benefits navigation at colleges and nonprofits across the Bay. SparkPoint Centers (sites & contacts) • Various local numbers. (uwba.org)
• PG&E REACH (Dollar Energy Fund) — up to $300 utility credit. PG&E REACH program page • Apply online or via agency. (pge.com)
• PG&E Match My Payment (through 12/31/2025) — match up to $1,000 toward past‑due bills. Press release & details • Administered by Dollar Energy Fund. (investor.pgecorp.com)
• SCE Energy Assistance Fund — up to $200 once/12 months. SCE EAF page • Apply through United Way partner agencies. (sce.com)
• SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund — up to $100. GAF info + agency list • Multilingual info lines listed on page. (socalgas.com)
• SDG&E Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor — up to $300; payment posts in ~2–6 weeks. NTN program • 800‑411‑7343. (sdge.com)
• Baby2Baby (LA) — diapers, clothing, essentials via partners; check for local distributions. Baby2Baby • 323‑933‑2229 • 5830 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles. (baby2baby.org)
• LA County Library Diaper Program (Baby2Baby‑supported) — free diapers at listed branches. LA County Library diaper info • See branch list online. (library.lacounty.gov)
• Help a Mother Out (Bay Area) — Bay Area Diaper Bank; SF Diaper Bank. Programs & SF Diaper Bank • SF HSA Diaper Bank info: SFHSA — Free Diapers page. (helpamotherout.org, sfhsa.org)
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank — pantry locator and assistance. Contact & get help • 323‑234‑3030 • 1734 E. 41st St, Los Angeles. (lafoodbank.org)
• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley — Food Connection 800‑984‑3663; San Jose locations listed online. Contact Second Harvest • 750 Curtner Ave, San Jose. (shfb.org)
• SF‑Marin Food Bank — help & enrollment info. Contact SF‑Marin Food Bank • 415‑282‑1900 • 900 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco. (sfmfoodbank.org)
• YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley — DV/SA/HT services, therapy, childcare. Get help • 800‑572‑2782. (yourywca.org)
• WEAVE (Sacramento) — DV/SA services and shelter. Get Help • 916‑920‑2952. (weaveinc.org)
• La Casa de las Madres (SF) — 24/7 hotline 877‑503‑1850, text 415‑200‑3575. Access services • Drop‑in: 1663 Mission St, Suite 225, San Francisco. (lacasa.org)
• Family Promise (multiple affiliates) — shelter and stabilization for families. Family Promise OC 714‑787‑3487; Family Promise SCV 661‑251‑2868; Family Promise SGV 626‑569‑0991. (familypromiseorangecounty.org, familypromisescv.org, familypromisesgv.wordpress.com)
• Dress for Success (work clothing & career coaching) — SF 415‑362‑0034 (500 Sutter St #218, SF); San Jose/Milpitas 408‑935‑8299 (504 Valley Way, Milpitas). DFS SF • DFS San Jose. (sfdress.org, sanjose.dressforsuccess.org)
• Lutheran Social Services (NorCal/Southern CA) — emergency food, motel/utility vouchers (varies), housing services. LSS NorCal 925‑825‑1060 (Concord admin); LSS Southern California 714‑685‑1800 (Orange). (lssnorcal.org, lsssc.org)
• International Rescue Committee — immigrant/refugee support, legal, employment. IRC Oakland 510‑452‑8222; IRC San Diego 619‑641‑7510. (rescue.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from established nonprofits and utility program pages. It is produced based on our Editorial Standards, which require primary/official sources, cross‑verification, and rapid corrections. We update numbers and links regularly, track policy changes, and verify contact info. We are not a government agency and cannot guarantee individual outcomes. If you spot an error, email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll review within 48 hours. (211ca.org)

Disclaimer

Program details (eligibility, dollar amounts, and timelines) change often. Always verify with the organization before applying. Health and safety resources listed (including DV and crisis services) are provided for information only; for emergencies call 9‑1‑1. We maintain secure practices to protect our website and your privacy; avoid sharing sensitive data over public Wi‑Fi, and use official portals when submitting documents online.

Sources and verification dates (selected)

• 211 California (United Ways of California): service overview, contact methods; accessed September 2025. (211ca.org)
• SoCalGas Gas Assistance Fund (2025–26 limits and $100 cap); accessed September 2025. (socalgas.com)
• SCE Energy Assistance Fund (up to $200 once/12 months); accessed September 2025. (sce.com)
• PG&E REACH (300** grant) & Match My Payment (**1,000 match through 12/31/2025); accessed September 2025. (pge.com, investor.pgecorp.com)
• SDG&E Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor (up to $300; payment posts in 2–6 weeks); accessed September 2025. (sdge.com, sdge.com)
• Baby2Baby impact and LA County Library diaper distribution; accessed September 2025. (baby2baby.org, library.lacounty.gov)
• Help a Mother Out programs and SF Diaper Bank (up to 2 cases/month); accessed September 2025. (helpamotherout.org, sfhsa.org)
• JFLA and HFLASF loan amounts and process; accessed September 2025. (jfla.org, hflasf.org)
• Domestic violence hotlines and services (La Casa, WEAVE, YWCA GGSilicon Valley); accessed September 2025. (lacasa.org, weaveinc.org, yourywca.org)
• Food bank helplines (LA, Alameda County, Second Harvest SV); accessed September 2025. (lafoodbank.org, accfb.org, shfb.org)
• Childcare costs (KidsData/CA R&R Network, May 2025; Axios CA mapping, May 28, 2025). (kidsdata.org, axios.com)

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

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Learn more:

1. La Casa de las Madres
2. Get Help – WEAVE, Inc.
3. Contact Us – YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley
4. Contact Us | Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
5. Get Food Today from Alameda County Community Food Bank
6. Contact Us | Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
7. Energy Assistance Fund | SCE
8. Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help
9. Gas Assistance Fund | SoCalGas
10. One-time Assistance Bill Assistance | San Diego Gas & Electric
11. PG&E Corporation – PG&E Commits $50 Million to Expand Bill Relief for Customers with Past-Due Energy Bills
12. What is 211 California? United Ways of California’s 211 Support
13. Diaper Distribution Program | LA County Library
14. Baby2Baby – Nonprofit that provides children living in poverty across the country with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.
15. Programs — Help a Mother Out
16. San Francisco Diaper Bank
17. Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program Application Form | San Diego Gas & Electric
18. Catholic Charities of California – California’s Largest Social Service Providers
19. Emergency Rental Assistance – Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey
20. Conference Resources – St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles
21. Emergency Loan
22. Disaster Relief Loan | Interest-Free | Hebrew Free Loan San Francisco, CA
23. Annual Cost of Child Care, by Age Group and Facility Type – Kidsdata.org
24. Mapped: Cost of child care in California
25. PG&E Commits $50 Million to Expand Bill Relief for Customers with Past-Due Energy Bills
26. Pacific Gas & Electric Company Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (PG&E REACH) – Dollar Energy Fund
27. Free Diapers for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs Households | sfhsa.org
28. Join an Event — Help a Mother Out
29. Loan Process | How to Apply | Step-by-Step Guide | Hebrew Free Loan
30. CORA – Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse – San Mateo Office | WomensLaw.org
31. Get Help – Southern California Division
32. Home – Catholic Charities of LA
33. Our Services – Catholic Charities East Bay
34. Contact Us : About Us : Catholic Charities of Northwest California
35. Conference Locations & Services – St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County
36. SparkPoint™ – United Way Bay Area
37. Contact Us | Family Promise Of Orange County
38. General Needs Loan | Hebrew Free Loan | San Francisco, California
39. Healing & Justice for Survivors – YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley
40. Oakland, CA | The IRC
41. Contact Us | Southern California
42. Applying to our program — Harvest Home
43. San Diego, CA | The IRC
44. Southern California Division
45. Sparkpoint Lead Agencies – United Way Bay Area
46. Contact Us | San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
47. Contact Us | Family Promise Of Orange County
48. CONTACT | Family Promise SCV
49. Contact Us | Family Promise of San Gabriel Valley
50. Dress for Success San Francisco
51. Contact | Dress for Success San Jose
52. Contact Us : Lutheran Social Services of Northern California
53. Contact — Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
54. California 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers. – About 2-1-1