Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in California

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, no‑nonsense hub for getting free backpacks and grade‑level supplies in California, plus emergency cash and workarounds when supplies are short. Every paragraph includes direct, descriptive links so you can act fast.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call 2‑1‑1 to get the closest backpack giveaway this week and ask for “school supply distribution” filters; you can also search statewide via the interactive map on the 211 California site and text your ZIP to 898‑211 where available. (Dial 2‑1‑1 or use 211 California: find your local 211) (See 211 NorCal helplines). (211ca.org)
• Ask your school’s McKinney‑Vento homeless liaison for same‑day supplies; if you don’t know who that is, use the California Department of Education (CDE) Homeless Education hub and your district site directory to get the liaison’s phone or email. (Start at CDE Homeless Education resources) (and check regional support via Homeless Education Technical Assistance Centers). (cde.ca.gov)
• If you’re down to under $100andneeddiapers,clothes,orbasicitemswhileyourCalWORKsispending,requestan“ImmediateNeed”paymentfromyourcountytoday;typicalmaximumis$200 and a decision is due within one business day. (Apply at BenefitsCal) (see policy and county pages such as LA County DPSS Immediate Need rules). (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• School supplies now: 211 California can book you into nearby drives and health‑fair giveaways, or route you to county Family Resource Centers. (Search 211 California map) (see Los Angeles events via 211 LA free school supplies listings). (211ca.org)
• LA Unified families: The Homeless Education Office can provide backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and transportation when needed; call 1‑213‑202‑7581. (Program page LAUSD Homeless Education Office) (family resources are also posted at LAUSD School Updates). (lausd.org)
• San Diego County: SDCCU’s “Stuff the Bus” with the County Office of Education serves students experiencing homelessness each summer; watch their updates for distribution dates. (See SDCCU 2025 campaign) (and annual wrap‑ups at SDCCU Stuff the Bus site). (sdccu.com)
• Utility shutoff today: Ask for LIHEAP ECIP crisis help (24–48 hour shutoff notices) and CARE/FERA discounts; statewide helpline 1‑866‑675‑6623. (Start with CSD LIHEAP page) (and instructions at Paying My Energy Bills). (csd.ca.gov)
• Know your rights: California public schools must provide needed supplies and two free meals daily during school days; schools cannot charge required “pupil fees.” (Read CDE pupil fee advisory) (and details on California Universal Meals). (cde.ca.gov)

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How to Get a Free Backpack in California This Month

Start with school‑connected channels, then layer in community drives.

• Contact your district’s homeless liaison or Family Resource Center and ask for “back‑to‑school supplies and backpack kits.” Schools can distribute donated packs and must remove barriers for McKinney‑Vento eligible students. Use the CDE Homeless Education directory and regional help from HE TAC to find an active contact. (Directory hub CDE Homeless Education resources) (regional support CDE HE TAC). (cde.ca.gov)
• Search community drives near you. Statewide operations include Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack, Family Giving Tree in the Bay Area, and SupplyBank.org’s K to College kits via partner agencies. (Learn more Operation Backpack 2025) (Bay Area goals at Family Giving Tree’s Back‑to‑School Drive). (voa.org)
• Don’t skip local health fairs and church events that bundle backpacks with vaccines and sports physicals. Keep an eye on county calendars and “resource fairs” hosted by state partners like the Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) and county public health. (Sample listing DFPI Fresno backpack giveaway) (and Los Angeles community resource fair at South L.A. Community Resource Center). (dfpi.ca.gov)
• For Southland military families, register early for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade, which serves DEERS‑enrolled dependents K‑12 at base‑area events. (Check events at Operation Homefront Family Events) (program overview at Back‑to‑School Brigade). (operationhomefront.org)
• If you’re in San Diego, SDCCU’s Stuff the Bus with the County Office of Education buys thousands of filled backpacks each summer for students experiencing homelessness; distribution typically runs late July to mid‑August. (Press update SDCCU 2025 drive) (prior year totals at SDCCU results 2024). (sdccu.com)
• In Los Angeles, LAUSD will help with supplies when homelessness or acute need is identified. Call 1‑213‑202‑7581 and ask to be connected with your school’s PSA Counselor for supplies, transportation, or clothing. (Program details LAUSD Homeless Education Office) (family resource page LAUSD School Updates). (lausd.org)
• Bay Area families should watch Family Giving Tree distribution updates, and ask schools whether SupplyBank.org partners serve your district. SupplyBank.org does not serve individuals directly—ask your Family Resource Center if they have a partner order. (Org overview SupplyBank.org) (volunteer kit build news 12,535 kits assembled June 2025). (supplybank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your principal’s office about Title I supplies and the school’s Family & Community Engagement budget; “pupil fees” are not allowed for required classroom materials. Use the CDE pupil fee advisory to push for basics if needed, and call 2‑1‑1 to pull a list of nearby backpack drives for your ZIP. (Policy guide CDE pupil fees advisory) (helpline and map 211 California). (cde.ca.gov)

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Know Your Rights at School in California

• California guarantees a free public education. Schools must provide the supplies, materials, and equipment needed to participate in educational activities and cannot require families to buy those items. You can cite the CDE Fiscal Management Advisory on Pupil Fees and, if necessary, file a Williams complaint locally. (Read CDE pupil fees advisory) (complaint and appeals Williams Case guidance). (cde.ca.gov)
• All public TK‑12 schools must serve two free meals daily to students who request them, regardless of income. This is the California Universal Meals mandate administered by CDE. (Program page California Universal Meals) (NSLP overview National School Lunch Program in CA). (cde.ca.gov)
• Summer food support may be available through SUN Bucks (Summer EBT). For 2025, eligible California children received $120 total, with identification handled through school data and applications submitted by early September 2025. (Overview CDE SUN Bucks) (state approval update CDE Approved to Operate 2025 SUN Bucks). (cde.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Bring the CDE pupil fee advisory to the school office and ask where to pick up the required materials; escalate using the Uniform Complaint or Williams procedures if needed. For meals, ask the Nutrition Services office or school secretary where to get breakfast and lunch that day. (Policy guide CDE pupil fees advisory) (complaint routes CDE Complaint Procedures). (cde.ca.gov)

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Fast Sources for Free Backpacks — 2025 Highlights

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Where Single Moms Can Find Supplies by Channel

• Community coalitions run most drives in July and August. Look for media partners and YMCAs in your county. For example, NBC Los Angeles supported backpack distributions with the YMCA of Metropolitan LA in early August 2025. (Read NBC4 Supporting Our Schools) (and check your YMCA branch via YMCA of Metropolitan LA)*. (nbclosangeles.com)
• Faith‑based groups like The Salvation Army host “Stuff the Bus” drives with Walmart and occasional local health‑fair giveaways; check your Corps page and area events calendars. (National drive info Salvation Army + Walmart Stuff the Bus)(; see a recent SoCal example Santa Barbara County health fair backpacks)*. (salvationarmyusa.org)
• Boys & Girls Clubs often run “Back 2 School” drives or shopping sprees with partners like Kohl’s; watch your local Club’s events page for details. (See Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego — Back 2 School) (and Inland IE example Greater Redlands‑Riverside Back 2 School Shopping)*. (sdyouth.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school office about Title I supply cabinets and how families pick up items. If your school is a Community School, ask the Community School Coordinator for the next supply drop. Use the CDE Community Schools page to understand what services your campus offers. (Overview California Community Schools Partnership Program) (grant and regional supports at CCSPP updates). (cde.ca.gov)

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Smart Back‑to‑School Funding You Can Tap Right Now

CalWORKs cash aid and emergency “Immediate Need”

If you apply for CalWORKs and have little or no cash, ask for an Immediate Need payment and same‑day decision; counties must decide within one business day and can issue up to $200 while your case processes. You can also request an expedited case approval within about 15 working days after an Immediate Need issuance. (Read program rules at LA County DPSS Immediate Need policy) (and see county FAQs like Ventura HSA Immediate Need answer)*. (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)

Apply online, then call your county to verbally request “Immediate Need” and document your emergency (eviction notice, shutoff notice, diapers, clothing, etc.). Use BenefitsCal to file today and upload proofs; if you can visit, ask the front desk for help finishing the Immediate Need request form. (Apply at BenefitsCal) (and review CDSS CalWORKs overview). (cdss.ca.gov)

CalWORKs can also help with Homeless Assistance (up to 16 days of temporary shelter and deposits/arrears to secure housing), plus county Housing Support Program slots when available. Use these to stabilize and free your budget for school basics. (See CalWORKs Homeless Assistance) (and county‑run CalWORKs Housing Support Program). (cdss.ca.gov)

Timeline: Decision on Immediate Need within one business day; if approved, funds typically load to EBT within about 1–3 business days. Case approvals with an Immediate Need issuance are due within 15 working days after the request; ask your worker to confirm your county’s current turnaround. (See county policy timing at LA County DPSS Immediate Need) (and example county timelines at San Diego “How to Apply”). (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the desk won’t take your Immediate Need request, ask for a supervisor and say “I am requesting an Immediate Need payment under CalWORKs because I have less than $100 and an emergency for my children’s health and safety.” If still refused, document the date/time, submit in writing, and call your county’s Ombudsman. You can also seek legal help from local legal aid (search via 211 California or your county bar). (Find help 211 California) (program rules CDSS CalWORKs overview). (211ca.org)

Utility shutoff prevention to free cash for supplies

If you have a 24–48 hour shutoff notice, ask for LIHEAP ECIP crisis benefits and for bill discounts (CARE/FERA) right away; both are statewide and layered with weatherization. Call 1‑866‑675‑6623 for your nearest agency, or use the service map online. According to the California Department of Community Services & Development (updated May 12, 2025), California received $239.7 million in LIHEAP for 2025; funding is limited and prioritized to the most vulnerable. (Program details LIHEAP in California) (how to apply Paying My Energy Bills). (csd.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility about payment plans and medical baseline (if applicable), and request your city’s “low‑income utility tax rebate” if offered. Re‑call 2‑1‑1 for nonprofits that help with small utility grants in your ZIP. (Start at 211 California map) (and re‑check LIHEAP guidance at CSD LIHEAP). (211ca.org)

Internet and phone so kids can do homework online

The federal ACP is unfunded for now, so look at state and provider options. California LifeLine gives phone discounts to households on CalWORKs, Tribal TANF, and other programs; income limits for June 1, 2025–May 31, 2026 start at $24,200forahouseholdofoneandincreaseby$8,500 per person. (Eligibility California LifeLine — CPUC) (program updates CPUC LifeLine program page). (cpuc.ca.gov)

Low‑cost home internet plans include Spectrum Internet Assist at $25/month (50 Mbps) for qualifying families and Access from AT&T in eligible areas, alongside various Comcast offers like price‑lock plans and speed upgrades. Always ask for the lowest‑income tier. (Offer page Spectrum Internet Assist) (provider updates AT&T Access & fiber updates). (spectrum.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school about Wi‑Fi hotspot loans and library device lending; many districts and libraries still circulate hotspots. If you have LifeLine, ask your carrier whether hotspot data is included. (Program basics California LifeLine) (and provider offers like Spectrum Assist). (cpuc.ca.gov)

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Reality Check — Supply and Funding Gaps You May See

• Summer drives run out fast, especially in high‑need ZIPs. You may need to try two or three events. Community news and 2‑1‑1 calendars are your friend—refresh often. (Browse 211 California events) (and local coverage like NBC LA donation drive updates)*. (211ca.org)
• Many charities distribute only through schools and partner agencies. SupplyBank.org explicitly does not serve individuals; ask your school or Family Resource Center to request kits. (See policy line SupplyBank.org contact page) (and org overview at SupplyBank.org)*. (supplybank.org)
• Costs are rising. In 2025, retailers and local outlets reported headwinds from tariffs and inflation; average back‑to‑school spending dipped slightly but still strains budgets. (San Diego snapshot Axios SD back‑to‑school costs)*. (axios.com)

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County‑Specific Notes You’ll Care About

• Los Angeles County: For school‑aged kids facing homelessness or hardship, call LAUSD’s Homeless Education Office at 1‑213‑202‑7581 for supplies, clothing, and sometimes transport. For emergency cash, ask LA County DPSS for CalWORKs Immediate Need up to $200 with a one‑day decision, then request Homeless Assistance if you need deposits or hotel nights. (Program page LAUSD HEO) (policy detail LA County DPSS Immediate Need). (lausd.org)
• San Diego County: Follow SDCCU’s “Stuff the Bus” timelines and ask your district liaison about pick‑ups; over the past years, the drive has filled thousands of backpacks for students experiencing homelessness. (See 2025 SDCCU announcement) (and campaign site Stuff the Bus)*. (sdccu.com)
• Bay Area: Family Giving Tree works through schools with high socio‑economic need; ask your principal if your school is on their list. SupplyBank.org partners with agencies across all 58 counties; your county Family Resource Center or school district may already have kits ordered. (Learn more Family Giving Tree) (and SupplyBank.org)*. (familygivingtree.org)
• Inland Empire: Inland SoCal United Way runs school tools drives and can route you to current distributions; ask about partner events in Riverside and San Bernardino. (Check Inland SoCal United Way’s School Supply Drive) (and call 2‑1‑1 for events in your city via 211 map)*. (inlandsocaluw.org)
• Central Valley: Watch county health‑fair calendars—backpack distributions are often tied to clinics and fairs like Fresno’s Manchester Center resource fair. (Example DFPI Fresno backpack fair listing) (and call your COE homeless liaison via CDE Homeless Education hub). (dfpi.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your County Office of Education’s Homeless Education contact to connect you to district liaisons and current drives. If you can’t find a drive, request school‑provided supplies citing the pupil fee rules. (Start at CDE Homeless Education resources) (and policy guide CDE pupil fees advisory). (cde.ca.gov)

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Tables You Can Screenshot

Quick Sources for Backpacks by Situation

CalWORKs to Cover Back‑to‑School Needs

(See CDSS CalWORKs overview) (and HA details at CalWORKs Homeless Assistance). (cdss.ca.gov)

Utility Relief to Protect Your Budget

(Learn more LIHEAP in CA) (and guidance at Paying My Energy Bills). (csd.ca.gov)

Internet & Phone for Online Homework

(See CPUC LifeLine eligibility) (and provider pages like Spectrum Assist). (cpuc.ca.gov)

School Rights that Save You Money

(See CDE pupil fees) (and Universal Meals). (cde.ca.gov)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Pointers

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask local LGBTQ centers about youth/back‑to‑school drives and Family Resource referrals. In San Francisco, the SF LGBT Center is a Coordinated Entry access point for unhoused youth and provides basic needs; in Los Angeles, the LA LGBT Center Youth Center offers clothing and services; in San Diego, the Center hosts periodic school‑supply drives at its youth sites. (Resources SF LGBT Center Youth Services) (and LA LGBT Center Youth Services). (sfcenter.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Regional Centers can help with supports, and Family Resource Centers offer parent‑to‑parent guidance; Disability Rights California (DRC) has “Special Education Basics” and a full SERR manual to help you secure IEP supplies and services. (Start at DDS Regional Center lookup) (and advocacy tools at DRC Special Education)*. (dds.ca.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Watch Operation Homefront for Back‑to‑School Brigade registration and ask your County Veterans Service Office or county veterans department for family‑focused events; Los Angeles hosted a 2025 veterans backpack giveaway at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall. (Check events at Operation Homefront)(; example coverage at LA County MVA veterans backpack event)*. (operationhomefront.org)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: The CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau funds Refugee Cash Assistance and the new Refugee Housing Support Program that can cover rent and utilities for up to 12 months for eligible newcomers—freeing dollars for school. Ask your county refugee coordinator. (Overview CDSS Refugee Services) (housing support details at RHSP). (cdss.ca.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: For American Indian/Alaska Native families, start with nearby Tribal TANF and Urban Indian Health clinics. The IHS California Area lists contacts, and DHCS’ Indian Health Program can route you to services. Some Tribal TANF programs run annual backpack distributions. (Find programs at IHS California Area) (and DHCS Indian Health Program). (ihs.gov)
• Rural single moms with limited access: Use 2‑1‑1 text/chat and county‑level HE TAC contacts to find small‑town events and school liaisons; many drives are hosted at county fairs, libraries, or COE resource hubs. (Find your 211 via 211 California map) (and rural‑focused support via CDE HE TAC). (211ca.org)
• Single fathers: The exact same school supply and CalWORKs routes apply to dads; ask the school liaison and 2‑1‑1 for drives, and apply for CalWORKs/Cash Aid if eligible. (Program basics CDSS CalWORKs) (and 2‑1‑1 statewide find your local 211)*. (cdss.ca.gov)
• Language access: Ask for forms in your language and interpreter help; state agencies note language access and TTY lines (for example, CSD’s LIHEAP helpline and DDS’ language resources). (See CSD contact and language access) (and DDS language resources via DDS Provider Directory updates)*. (csd.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a translated copy or for interpreter support at the front desk; state programs must provide reasonable language access. If denied, ask to speak to a supervisor or contact the agency’s language access complaint process listed on their site. (Reference CSD Contact + language access) (and DDS contact info DDS Bridges updates)*. (csd.ca.gov)

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Resources by Region (Examples You Can Call or Click)

• Los Angeles region: LAUSD Homeless Education Office for supplies and transport; 211 LA for weekend drives and health‑fair backpacks. (See LAUSD HEO) (and 211 LA current listings). (lausd.org)
• San Diego region: SDCCU Stuff the Bus and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego host drives; ask your district homeless liaison for pickup times. (Campaign page SDCCU 2025) (Club event page Back 2 School Drive)*. (sdccu.com)
• Bay Area: Family Giving Tree and SupplyBank.org provide most pallets via schools and partners; ask your principal or Family Resource Center. (Learn more Family Giving Tree drive) (and SupplyBank.org)*. (familygivingtree.org)
• Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino): Inland SoCal United Way school tools program and Boys & Girls Clubs’ shopping sprees in Redlands/Riverside. (Program hub Inland SoCal UW school supply drive) (Club event Back 2 School Shopping)*. (inlandsocaluw.org)
• Central Valley: Watch county fairs, health fairs, and school events; example: Fresno’s Manchester Center education fair with 1,000+ backpacks. (Event listing DFPI education fair — Fresno)*. (dfpi.ca.gov)
• North State and rural counties: Use 211 and ask for “back‑to‑school” and “youth resource fair” filters; contact your COE homeless liaison via the CDE hub if you can’t find a public event. (Start at 211 California map) (and CDE Homeless Education resources). (211ca.org)

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How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in California Today

• Call your utility and say you are applying for LIHEAP ECIP crisis assistance and need a 48‑hour hold to prevent shutoff. Then call 1‑866‑675‑6623 to locate the nearest LIHEAP agency. (Program details LIHEAP overview and crisis help) (and “Paying My Energy Bills” page CSD LIHEAP apply). (csd.ca.gov)
• Ask your utility to enroll you in CARE/FERA, and request ESA (free weatherization) to permanently lower bills. (See program references on CSD LIHEAP page) (and your utility’s CARE/FERA enrollment portal). (csd.ca.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Re‑dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for churches and nonprofits in your ZIP that cover $50–$200 “last‑mile” bills; many operate month‑to‑month. (Start 211 California map) (and call again after the 1st of the month when funds refresh). (211ca.org)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming you must buy classroom supplies when the school asked. California schools must provide required supplies; bring the CDE pupil fee advisory and ask where to pick up materials. (Policy link CDE pupil fees advisory) (and Williams complaint info at CDE Williams). (cde.ca.gov)
• Waiting for someone to offer you Immediate Need. You must ask for it. Say “I request Immediate Need under CalWORKs” and give your emergency details. (Rules summary at LA County DPSS Immediate Need) (and county FAQs like Ventura HSA)*. (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)
• Going alone. 2‑1‑1 specialists can search multiple counties and languages; ask them to live‑transfer you to the host site if possible. (Use 211 California map) (and 211 NorCal regional lines at 211 NorCal). (211ca.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

(Links:) 211 map • BenefitsCal • Universal Meals • CPUC LifeLine • LIHEAP in CA. (211ca.org)

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Printable Application Checklist

• Photo ID for you and school‑age children
• Birth certificates or proof of relationship
• Social Security numbers or ITINs (if available)
• Proof of address (letter from shelter, landlord note, or bill)
• Proof of income or no income (pay stubs, letter, or self‑statement)
• Eviction or shutoff notice (if seeking crisis aid)
• School enrollment letter or student ID (for school‑based pickups)
• BenefitsCal login info and case number (if you applied online) (Use BenefitsCal) (and ask your county office for help uploading)

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If Your Application Gets Denied

• For CalWORKs: Ask for a supervisor review and a written notice with the reason. If you applied for Immediate Need, ask them to cite the rule they used. You can request a state hearing after you get the denial notice. (Program hub CDSS CalWORKs) (and CDSS State Hearings contacts via CDSS Contact page). (cdss.ca.gov)
• For school supplies: Bring the CDE pupil fee advisory to the principal and ask how the school is providing the required materials. If unresolved, file a Uniform Complaint or Williams complaint. (Policy CDE pupil fees) (complaint route at CDE complaints)*. (cde.ca.gov)
• For LIHEAP: Ask if your case can be prioritized due to young children or medical needs; if funds are exhausted, request a written list of alternative funds and next open cycle. Call 2‑1‑1 for church‑based help. (Program LIHEAP in CA) (and 211 map)*. (csd.ca.gov)

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FAQs — California Backpacks and School Supplies

1. How do I find the next backpack giveaway near me?

Use 2‑1‑1’s live specialists or the map to filter “school supply distribution” by ZIP, then call the listed host to confirm time and ID rules. Also check your district’s homeless liaison page. (Start at 211 California map) (and CDE Homeless Education resources). (211ca.org)

2. Can my child be required to bring classroom supplies?

No—required supplies must be provided by the school. Bring the CDE advisory to the office and ask for the materials. (Policy CDE pupil fees advisory) (complaint info at CDE Williams). (cde.ca.gov)

3. What if I just moved and don’t have records?

Ask the homeless liaison for immediate enrollment under McKinney‑Vento, then request supplies and transport help if needed. (Resources CDE Homeless Education) (LA families see LAUSD HEO). (cde.ca.gov)

4. Do California public schools serve free meals to everyone?

Yes. Universal Meals requires two free meals per school day for any student who requests them. (Program California Universal Meals) (NSLP background CDE NSLP). (cde.ca.gov)

5. Is there summer EBT for groceries?

Yes. SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) provided $120 per eligible child in 2025; eligibility was largely automatic through school data. (Overview CDE SUN Bucks) (approval update CDE Approved to Operate 2025 SUN Bucks). (cde.ca.gov)

6. We’re a military family. Where should I check?

Register early for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade near your base and ask your School Liaison Officer. (Program Operation Homefront BTSB) (events portal Operation Homefront events)*. (operationhomefront.org)

7. My CalWORKs application is pending. Can I get money now?

Yes. Ask for an Immediate Need payment (commonly up to $200) and a decision within one business day; bring proof of emergency. (County policy example LA County DPSS Immediate Need) (county FAQ example Ventura HSA)*. (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)

8. Where can I get low‑cost internet for homework?

Check California LifeLine (phone savings) and low‑cost ISP tiers like Spectrum Internet Assist and AT&T Access; ask your school about hotspot loans. (See CPUC LifeLine) (and Spectrum Internet Assist). (cpuc.ca.gov)

9. What vaccines are required for school?

California’s Shots for School site lists requirements (e.g., two varicella doses at admission; 7th‑grade Tdap). Use your clinic or pharmacy, or find VFC providers. (Info CDPH Shots for School) (and updates at CDPH immunization resources). (cdph.ca.gov)

10. Are there tax credits that can help next year?

Yes—California’s Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and CalEITC help low‑income filers; for TY 2024, the YCTC max was $1,154, typically for families with a child under 6 and low earnings. File taxes to claim. (See FTB YCTC) (and policy text at RTC §17052.1). (ftb.ca.gov)

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección fue producida con herramientas de traducción de IA. Revise siempre los enlaces oficiales.

• Para mochilas y útiles inmediatos, llame al 2‑1‑1 o use el mapa de 211 California para encontrar eventos en su área; también contacte al enlace escolar para estudiantes en situación de vivienda inestable (McKinney‑Vento). (Enlace 211 California) (recursos Educación para Personas sin Hogar — CDE). (211ca.org)
• Las escuelas públicas deben proporcionar materiales necesarios y comidas gratuitas (desayuno y almuerzo) cada día escolar. Si le piden que compre materiales obligatorios, lleve la guía de “pupil fees” del CDE. (Política CDE pupil fees) (comidas Comidas Universales). (cde.ca.gov)
• Para efectivo rápido mientras su CalWORKs está en trámite, pida “Immediate Need” (decisión en 1 día hábil y hasta ~$200). (Solicite en BenefitsCal) (ver reglas de condado LA County DPSS). (epolicy.dpss.lacounty.gov)
• Para evitar corte de luz/gas, pida ayuda de emergencia LIHEAP (ECIP) y descuentos CARE/FERA; llame 1‑866‑675‑6623. (Información LIHEAP en CA) (cómo aplicar Pagar mis facturas de energía). (csd.ca.gov)
• Internet y teléfono: ver California LifeLine y planes de bajo costo como Spectrum Internet Assist. (Detalles LifeLine — CPUC) (proveedor Spectrum Assist). (cpuc.ca.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• California Department of Education — Nutrition & Homeless Education
• California Department of Social Services — CalWORKs & Housing Programs
• California Department of Community Services & Development — LIHEAP
• California Public Utilities Commission — California LifeLine
• Volunteers of America — Operation Backpack
• Family Giving Tree — Back‑to‑School Drive

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Program funding, eligibility, and events change often. Always confirm with the agency, school, or nonprofit before traveling or sharing personal documents. For emergency needs or safety risks, dial 9‑1‑1, or call your county’s crisis line via 2‑1‑1 or your school’s office.

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