California Financial Help
California Financial Help & Basic Needs for Justice-Involved Adults
A statewide, living directory of programs that help with food, benefits, rent and utilities, cash aid, transportation, and other basic needs in California. Many listings are designed for people returning from jail or prison or on community supervision; others are general safety-net resources that you must confirm with your officer, attorney, or court before counting toward any condition.
Statewide & Online
Coverage: statewide (online, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, CalAIM)
✅ Verified Reentry-Focused Financial & Basic Needs Help
Root & Rebound – Reentry Legal Hotline & Resource Guides
Statewide reentry legal nonprofit that helps people navigate barriers after incarceration, including public benefits, fines and fees, ID, work, and housing. Offers phone-based support, online toolkits, and region-specific resource guides that include financial and basic-needs help.
Statewide reentry legal nonprofit that helps people navigate barriers after incarceration, including public benefits, fines and fees, ID, work, and housing. Offers phone-based support, online toolkits, and region-specific resource guides that include financial and basic-needs help.
Search “Root & Rebound Reentry Legal Hotline” for intake hours
Statewide
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – Paid Transitional Work
Reentry employment program providing paid transitional work crews, job coaching, and support for people returning from incarceration. Locations in several California cities provide immediate income, basic-needs stipends, and help connecting to benefits and long-term jobs.
Reentry employment program providing paid transitional work crews, job coaching, and support for people returning from incarceration. Locations in several California cities provide immediate income, basic-needs stipends, and help connecting to benefits and long-term jobs.
Search “CEO Works California” for active sites
Los Angeles · Oakland · San Diego · others
CalAIM Justice-Involved – Community Supports & Care Management
Through CalAIM, some Medi-Cal plans offer “community supports” for justice-involved members, including housing navigation, deposits, occasional meals, transportation, and intensive care management. Availability varies by county and health plan.
Through CalAIM, some Medi-Cal plans offer “community supports” for justice-involved members, including housing navigation, deposits, occasional meals, transportation, and intensive care management. Availability varies by county and health plan.
Ask your Medi-Cal plan or reentry case manager about CalAIM “justice-involved” supports
Via Medi-Cal plan
🛠️ Eligible Statewide Benefits & Basic-Needs Platforms
BenefitsCal – Online Application for County Benefits
Statewide online portal (used by most counties) to apply for or manage CalFresh (food), CalWORKs (cash aid), Medi-Cal, and some General Assistance. You can start applications, upload documents, and check status online.
Statewide online portal (used by most counties) to apply for or manage CalFresh (food), CalWORKs (cash aid), Medi-Cal, and some General Assistance. You can start applications, upload documents, and check status online.
Online
GetCalFresh.org – CalFresh Application Help
Mobile-friendly website that helps California residents apply for CalFresh food benefits in most counties, text back document reminders, and troubleshoot problems with county offices. Not supervision-specific but widely used by reentry programs.
Mobile-friendly website that helps California residents apply for CalFresh food benefits in most counties, text back document reminders, and troubleshoot problems with county offices. Not supervision-specific but widely used by reentry programs.
Online
211 California – Statewide Basic Needs Referral Line
24/7 phone and web directory that connects callers to food banks, rental and utility help, clothing, transportation, and other local resources by ZIP code. Not specific to people on supervision, but many programs accept justice-involved clients.
24/7 phone and web directory that connects callers to food banks, rental and utility help, clothing, transportation, and other local resources by ZIP code. Not specific to people on supervision, but many programs accept justice-involved clients.
Dial 2-1-1 or search “211 California” online
Dial 211
Los Angeles County
County: Los Angeles
✅ Verified Reentry Hubs & Justice-Linked Support
DOORS Community Reentry Center (JCOD)
County-run reentry hub that helps people leaving LA County jails and other justice settings connect with benefits, ID, employment, housing navigation, and basic-needs support. Staff can help with CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs referrals, and reentry-friendly community partners.
County-run reentry hub that helps people leaving LA County jails and other justice settings connect with benefits, ID, employment, housing navigation, and basic-needs support. Staff can help with CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs referrals, and reentry-friendly community partners.
Search “DOORS Community Reentry Center Los Angeles” for current locations
Los Angeles
LA County AB 109 & Probation Reentry Centers
Day reporting and reentry centers for the AB 109 population and other adults on probation. Many offer on-site partners who can assist with benefits enrollment, bus passes, work clothes, and other basic-needs supports alongside supervision check-ins.
Day reporting and reentry centers for the AB 109 population and other adults on probation. Many offer on-site partners who can assist with benefits enrollment, bus passes, work clothes, and other basic-needs supports alongside supervision check-ins.
Ask your probation officer about reentry centers in your area
Multiple LA locations
🛠️ Eligible County Benefits & Local Safety-Net
LA County DPSS – CalFresh, CalWORKs & General Relief
Department of Public Social Services offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, and related benefits. Offices see many clients on probation or parole; report supervision status honestly and bring any court paperwork if benefits are part of your conditions.
Department of Public Social Services offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, and related benefits. Offices see many clients on probation or parole; report supervision status honestly and bring any court paperwork if benefits are part of your conditions.
Visit dpss.lacounty.gov or BenefitsCal to find your office
Countywide
211 LA – Local Financial & Basic Needs Referrals
Phone and web-based directory for LA County that lists food pantries, rental and utility assistance, clothing closets, and more. Ask which providers are comfortable serving people on probation or parole.
Phone and web-based directory for LA County that lists food pantries, rental and utility assistance, clothing closets, and more. Ask which providers are comfortable serving people on probation or parole.
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org
Dial 211
Bay Area & Northern Counties
Counties: San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma and nearby
✅ Verified Reentry Resource Centers & Navigation
SF Adult Probation – Reentry Division & Resource Center
Provides case management and resource navigation for adults on probation in San Francisco, including help with public benefits, emergency assistance, employment, and housing navigation.
Provides case management and resource navigation for adults on probation in San Francisco, including help with public benefits, emergency assistance, employment, and housing navigation.
Ask your SF probation officer about Reentry Division services
San Francisco
Santa Clara County Reentry Resource Center (San Jose)
One-stop reentry hub offering ID help, employment, mental health, substance use services, and assistance connecting to benefits, food, and housing for people returning from jail or state prison.
One-stop reentry hub offering ID help, employment, mental health, substance use services, and assistance connecting to benefits, food, and housing for people returning from jail or state prison.
Search “Santa Clara Reentry Resource Center” for address & hours
Santa Clara County
Contra Costa Reentry Networks & Resource Hubs
County-supported reentry networks connect returning residents to employment programs, food, rental help, and other basic-needs services. Many referrals come from probation and public defender offices.
County-supported reentry networks connect returning residents to employment programs, food, rental help, and other basic-needs services. Many referrals come from probation and public defender offices.
Ask Contra Costa probation or public defender about local reentry resource centers
Contra Costa County
🛠️ Eligible County Benefits & Community Support
SF Human Services Agency – Benefits & Food Assistance
Administers CalFresh, CalWORKs, and local food / shelter programs. Many applicants have criminal records; bring any probation/parole paperwork if your benefits are connected to a court order.
Administers CalFresh, CalWORKs, and local food / shelter programs. Many applicants have criminal records; bring any probation/parole paperwork if your benefits are connected to a court order.
Visit sfhsa.org or BenefitsCal for applications and office locations
San Francisco
Bay Area 211 Helplines
211 services in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and surrounding counties can locate food banks, emergency cash programs, and rental assistance. Ask which programs welcome justice-involved clients.
211 services in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and surrounding counties can locate food banks, emergency cash programs, and rental assistance. Ask which programs welcome justice-involved clients.
Dial 2-1-1 from your Bay Area county
Regional
Sacramento & North Valley
Counties: Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Shasta, Nevada and nearby
✅ Verified Reentry & Supervision-Linked Support
Sacramento Probation – Reentry / Day Reporting Supports
Probation-run programming (including day reporting centers) often includes incentives and support with bus passes, basic work clothing, and referrals to benefits and rental assistance for eligible clients.
Probation-run programming (including day reporting centers) often includes incentives and support with bus passes, basic work clothing, and referrals to benefits and rental assistance for eligible clients.
Ask your Sacramento probation officer which reentry supports you qualify for
Sacramento County
Yolo County – Reentry & Day Reporting Supports
Yolo County reentry and day reporting programs provide case management and connections to housing, food, clothing, and benefits for people under county supervision or leaving custody.
Yolo County reentry and day reporting programs provide case management and connections to housing, food, clothing, and benefits for people under county supervision or leaving custody.
Ask Yolo probation or jail reentry staff about current programs
Yolo County
🛠️ Eligible County Safety-Net & 211
Sacramento DHA – CalFresh, CalWORKs & General Assistance
Department of Human Assistance administers cash aid, food benefits, and General Assistance. Many applicants have criminal records; some offenses can affect rules, so bring your court/probation paperwork and ask questions.
Department of Human Assistance administers cash aid, food benefits, and General Assistance. Many applicants have criminal records; some offenses can affect rules, so bring your court/probation paperwork and ask questions.
Use benefits.dha.saccounty.net or BenefitsCal to start applications
Sacramento County
211 – North Valley Counties
211 services in Placer, Shasta, Nevada, and nearby counties can locate local food, utility, and rental assistance programs. Ask about any rules tied to probation or parole.
211 services in Placer, Shasta, Nevada, and nearby counties can locate local food, utility, and rental assistance programs. Ask about any rules tied to probation or parole.
Dial 2-1-1 from your county
Regional
Central Valley & Central Coast
Counties: Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey and nearby
✅ Verified Reentry Programs with Basic-Needs Support
Turning Point of Central California – Reentry Support
Provides case management, housing, and employment services for people returning from incarceration across the Central Valley. Many programs help clients access benefits, food, and emergency assistance while on supervision.
Provides case management, housing, and employment services for people returning from incarceration across the Central Valley. Many programs help clients access benefits, food, and emergency assistance while on supervision.
Search “Turning Point of Central California reentry programs”
Fresno & surrounding counties
Monterey County Reentry & Navigation Programs
County-supported reentry coordinators and community partners help people leaving custody connect with housing, employment, and basic-needs resources such as food and public benefits.
County-supported reentry coordinators and community partners help people leaving custody connect with housing, employment, and basic-needs resources such as food and public benefits.
Ask probation or local reentry navigator about current offerings
Monterey County
🛠️ Eligible County Benefits & Community Supports
County Human Services / Social Services Offices
Human or Social Services departments in Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Kings, and nearby counties run CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Assistance programs. Many people on supervision apply; confirm how any restitution or child-support orders interact with your benefits.
Human or Social Services departments in Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Kings, and nearby counties run CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Assistance programs. Many people on supervision apply; confirm how any restitution or child-support orders interact with your benefits.
Use BenefitsCal or your county website to find local offices
Multi-county
211 – Central Coast
211 services in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties can locate food pantries, rent and utility relief, and clothing programs that may accept people on probation or parole.
211 services in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties can locate food pantries, rent and utility relief, and clothing programs that may accept people on probation or parole.
Dial 2-1-1 from your Central Coast county
Regional
Inland Empire & Orange County
Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
✅ Verified Reentry-Oriented Basic-Needs Help
LightHouse Social Service Centers – Reentry Support
Inland Empire nonprofit serving homeless and justice-involved adults with housing, case management, and connections to public benefits, food, and transportation.
Inland Empire nonprofit serving homeless and justice-involved adults with housing, case management, and connections to public benefits, food, and transportation.
Search “LightHouse Social Service Centers reentry”
Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
Orange County – Justice-Involved Services (HCA)
OC Health Care Agency’s justice-involved programs support adults leaving custody or on supervision with behavioral health and navigation to housing, benefits, and basic-needs supports through county partners.
OC Health Care Agency’s justice-involved programs support adults leaving custody or on supervision with behavioral health and navigation to housing, benefits, and basic-needs supports through county partners.
See “Justice-Involved Services” on OC Health Care Agency website
Orange County
🛠️ Eligible County Benefits & 211
OC Links & County Benefits
OC Links connects residents to mental health and substance-use services and can point you toward county and nonprofit resources for food, rent, and utilities. OC Social Services Agency offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief.
OC Links connects residents to mental health and substance-use services and can point you toward county and nonprofit resources for food, rent, and utilities. OC Social Services Agency offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief.
Search “OC Links” and “Orange County SSA CalFresh” for contact info
Orange County
211 – Inland Empire
211 services in Riverside and San Bernardino counties list food banks, rental assistance, clothing, and transportation help. Ask which programs commonly serve people on probation or parole.
211 services in Riverside and San Bernardino counties list food banks, rental assistance, clothing, and transportation help. Ask which programs commonly serve people on probation or parole.
Dial 2-1-1 from either county
Regional
San Diego & Imperial
Counties: San Diego, Imperial
✅ Verified Reentry & Care-Coordination Supports
San Diego County – Reentry & Justice-Involved Care Coordination
County behavioral health and reentry programs connect people leaving jail or prison with housing navigation, benefits, and basic-needs resources, often funded through CalAIM and other justice-involved initiatives.
County behavioral health and reentry programs connect people leaving jail or prison with housing navigation, benefits, and basic-needs resources, often funded through CalAIM and other justice-involved initiatives.
Ask your probation / parole officer or BH provider about “justice-involved” supports
San Diego County
🛠️ Eligible County Benefits & 211
San Diego HHSA – Benefits & Basic Needs
Health & Human Services Agency offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, and related programs. Many reentry programs help clients apply here; disclose any supervision or restitution orders.
Health & Human Services Agency offices administer CalFresh, CalWORKs, General Relief, and related programs. Many reentry programs help clients apply here; disclose any supervision or restitution orders.
Use MyBenefits CalWIN / BenefitsCal or sandiegocounty.gov for locations
San Diego County
211 – San Diego & Imperial
Regional 211 helpline lists food distributions, rental assistance, utility relief, and transportation help. Ask which programs commonly serve people with criminal records.
Regional 211 helpline lists food distributions, rental assistance, utility relief, and transportation help. Ask which programs commonly serve people with criminal records.
Dial 2-1-1 from San Diego or Imperial County
Regional
Verification & supervision: Listings marked ✅ Verified are programs that publicly describe serving people returning from incarceration or under supervision, or that operate as county-supported reentry hubs. Funding, eligibility, and capacity change often. Always:
- Call ahead to confirm they can work with your charge type and supervision status.
- Ask whether any financial help will affect restitution, child support, or victim-related orders.
- Get written approval from your officer, attorney, or judge before relying on any benefit to meet a court condition.
OACRA is not a benefits agency: OACRA does not decide your eligibility for benefits, pay rent or utilities, or provide legal advice. We connect you to public information so you can ask informed questions and work with your supervision team on a realistic plan.
Get listed or updated: Are you a California reentry or community provider offering financial help, basic needs, or benefit navigation for justice-involved individuals? Email contact@oacra.app with your program details so we can review your listing.
