Assistance programs in Orange County California
Find financial help with bills from charities, churches, and Orange County CA government agencies. Grant money can help with paying rent or a mortgage as well as utility bills, including as or electric. Or get help with transportation needs (free gasoline or bus passes) or even a free car from a regional charity. Get financial assistance near you in Orange County California..
There is emergency assistance for low to moderate income families, single mothers, seniors and the working poor. Some organizations also give free stuff to the low-income (like Christmas toys, food boxes, meals, or school supplies). Or they support immigrants with housing, documentation, and ESL classes for Spanish speakers. Struggling families can apply for free money or financial help from places listed below.
Orange County CA financial assistance programs and resources to help pay bills
The Community Action Partnership of Orange County provides various financial resources to low as well as moderate income families. The Partnership partners with both public and private organizations. Together they provide financial assistance for utility bills, transportation, housing and more, including hardship grants.
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is for paying utility bills, including electric or gas. This is for renters as well as homeowners that have a low-income or that are on government benefits, such as CalFresh or CalWorks.
- ECIP or F/T (Fast Track or Energy Crisis Intervention Program) assists families who are facing a crisis of having their gas or electric service disconnected. The emergency programs, with applications from CAPOC, will also help low-income families in Orange County, including those on social security, pay to turn their power back on.
- Free cell phones or discounts are provided from Lifeline. Community Action Partnership of Orange County will help the working poor, disabled and elderly get a cell phone or even tablet for communication. More on way to get help with telephone bills.
- CARE/FERA (California Alternative Rates for Energy, Family Electric Rate Assistance)will provide families and individuals with a discount on their gas or electric bill.
- Free debt relief and credit counseling - Orange County families who need help in rebuilding credit, accessing loans, or paying down credit or medical debt as well as auto loans can get assistance. The Community Action Agency works with non-profits on this service, which can be free. More help dealing with debt collectors.
- Weatherization - This is a federal funded program that provides minor home repairs to families to help them save on their energy bills. It is a free service and it can fix windows, add insulation, tune up a furnace or AC unit and more.
- Refrigerator Replacement as well as other energy efficient applicable programs are available in Orange County. CAPOC community action will take out an old refrigerator and replacing with a new energy efficient unit that will save the homeowners on their utility bills.
Contact them at 12640 Knott Street, Garden Grove CA or (714) 897-6670 to learn more about these and other resources available to you, or to apply. Other resources are run by the community action agency as well, which is known as CAPOC for short. Or read more on Community Action Partnership of Orange County California.
Friendship Shelter - The non-profit agency can provide free budget and/or credit counseling, debt reduction, and information on rent as well as low-income energy assistance. They also offer information on car loan payment help in Orange County. Or access job placement services. Call (949) 494-6928. The location is 20652 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
Radiant Health Centers (AIDS Services Foundation Orange County) can help HIV or AIDs patients. If qualified, receive utility, mortgage, rent, or security deposits assistance. The center can also provide transportation services to clients for medical appointments, and this includes van and taxi rides. Free emergency bus passes or ACCESS fare coupons can be given out too. Call 949-809-5700
Family Assistance Ministries offers some homeless prevention services. This can include funds for basic housing costs such as rent or utilities. Referrals are also available to other agencies in Orange County. They also provide motel vouchers, a discounted prescription medication card, toiletries, and many other resources in their service area. The address is 1030 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California, 92673, dial 949-492-8477, or more on Family Assistance Ministry assistance programs.
Assistance League of Orange County – Services include a free daily bus pass to those in need when funding is available. Provides utility and electric bill assistance. There are also free back to school supply programs for kids from K to 12, including uniforms, backpacks and Chromebooks in Orange County.
- Scholarships can be provided to high school seniors who reside or attend school within the Orange Unified School District. The Assistance League works with partners to help students and others in need. This includes items needed for elementary school up to high school in Orange County, even including access to free internet for the low income.
However the main program is a thrift store for bargain items. The location is 20 Plaza Square, Orange, CA 92866
, telephone 714-532-5800, or learn more on how to get a free tablet.
 Saint Joachim Catholic Church – Assistance programs include vouchers for free medications and prescription drugs. There is also grant money as a form of water and utility bill assistance, groceries, and more to the low-income in the Parish region. The location is 1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, California, 92626, call 949-574-7400
Friendly Center, Inc. – Residents in the Orange Unified School District who are at risk of having electricity services or lights disconnected may get help. Also provides information, case management and referrals for families in crisis. Other services include Basic English as a Second Language (ESL) class for adults. Brown Bag Food Program, Government Commodities, and free food is offered. The charity is at 147 West Rose Avenue, Orange, California, 92867, dial 714-771-5300
Society of Saint Vincent De Paul - A conference of churches and religious organization partner together, often with other charities. Various social services and emergency assistance is offered. Examples of programs administered include free Christmas toys, clothing, and meals. There is also help for immigrants (legal or not), Mexicans, and Spanish speakers among others. There are also free clothes for kids or adults in Orange County and small furniture items.
- Direct financial aid may be paid out to Orange County families in a crisis for expenses such as rent or energy bills. But St. Vincent has limited resources for this. Other resources include food, help for senior citizens, referrals and case management. Read more Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Orange County.
Emergency rent payment or security help is provided by a number of organizations and that operate across the area. Charities, non-profits and churches provide money and many rely on federal government grants for their funding. Other housing services can include information on low income apartments for clients or applications to Orange County rent relief services. Find information on Orange County CA rent assistance.
Housing assistance, including transitional units and homeless shelters are located across southern California and Orange County. Not only do they provide a place for someone to stay, but case managers and staff from many of the centers will help families locate a permanent home or apartment to live in, even homes for people with bad credit.
- They can also provide assistance in apply for funds to pay security deposits, first months rent, and other costs. The county and non-profits do what they can to prevent evictions and prevent homelessness. Click here transitional housing in Orange County California.
Catholic Charities of Orange County can help people pay the bills as well as find a job, grow their career, and increase their income. The Employment Service Center, which is run by the organization, provides employment services and job training programs to Orange County residents. There is also information on non-traditional resources, such as gig or side economy jobs.
- Counselors will work with the applicant to develop life and job skills that move clients toward independence, an increased income and self-sufficiency. There is help for Spanish speakers, the under or unemployed as well as people seeking to make more money. Catholic Charities also helps single moms and people seeking asylum. Find help for gig economy workers.
There is also a low cost thrift store for furniture and household goods, including vouchers for free desktop computers for remote workers or students. Also get help applying for government aid such as CalFresh food stamps or low income housing. Call 714-347-9600, or continue with assistance from Orange County Catholic Charities.
Community Center distributes baby supplies such as food, formula, and diapers when available. Also provides electric and utility bill payment assistance to those in need when funds are available. Free clothing and rent help may also be offered. ESL classes that meet Amnesty and Civic requirements are held all year round. There are also free phones and electronics, and get details on free Safelink phones.
May offer employment services and job placement for youth and adults. The San Diego Center also offers affordable and high quality legal assistance for low income residents. Hygiene items and clothing are available for those without housing. Several locations operate in the Orange County California region.
- Santa Ana non-profit - Southwest Community Center supports the Santa Ana region. Some of the resources offered include bus fares, natural gas and utility bill assistance. Call 714-543-8933 for information.
- Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center, 2100 South Haster Street, Anaheim, CA, 92802, dial 714-750-2826 or (714) 765-5400
- Downtown Anaheim Community Center is at 250 East Center Street. Dial 714-765-4500
- The La Habra center can be reached at 562-697-1199 or (562) 905-9708. The address is 101 W La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631.
Veterans in Orange County can get a free car. A non-profit known as STEP provides vehicle to vets (and/or their immediate family members) for work, medical, and other needed rides. The agency relies on donations, but look here for other veteran free car programs.
South County Outreach is an income based program that can help people pay their utilities (gas, A/C costs, etc.) if they are faced with a disconnection. Or if your service is currently disconnected then financial assistance may be provided as well to pay the connection fee / deposit. Funds for water bills may be offered too.
- The non-profit only supports the South Orange County area. While funding is limited, there may be funds for paying rent, and they also operate a client choice food pantry and thrift store. Individuals working towards self-sufficiency can also apply for the transitional housing program. Address is 7 Whatney Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618, telephone 949-380-8144, or find more South County Outreach assistance programs.
Share Our Selves offers local residents the Energy Assistance Fund, which is for paying electric bills. Free grant money is given as the same time that payment plans are negotiated. Location is 1550 Superior Avenue, Costa Mesa, California, 92627, call 949-270-2100
Water bill payment plans or financial help can be arranged. Companies as well as non-profits will offer support to people facing a shut off of their service which could result in an eviction from a home or apartment. Or there may be payment plans or deferrals. Find more details on places for water bill help.
Credit unions - One of the main ones in Orange County is SDCCU. This national lender provides low interest rate personal and salary advance loans to members. The funds can be used for paying bills, medical costs, rent, and other needs. Read more SDCCU credit union.
Grandma's House of Hope administered the Emergency Solutions Grant. It helps women, including those with families or single mothers, find and pay for housing units. Funds can pay for security deposits, rent payment assistance, and utilities. There are also other government programs that help single mothers.
- In some cases the money from House of Hope can pay for a mortgage or property taxes of a single mom in Orange County. Expenses that a client incurs in the process of acquiring housing can be paid for. The non-profit is Anaheim CA based. Dial 714-558-8600
The Salvation Army Southern California and Orange County offers several programs for the low income, seniors, and working poor. They administer the Energy Assistance Fund, which provides electric bill payment assistance to those in need, including low-income families and people with no money. When resources are available, provides prescription expense assistance or free RX vouchers.
- Other programs from the charity includes free clothing vouchers, groceries, bus passes, and phone cards. The Salvation Army also help by providing free Thanksgiving turkey dinners, back to school supplies to students as well as Christmas gifts or toys from Angel Tree.
There are multiple locations. Many also have homeless shelters as well as thrift stores for low cost goods. Learn more on Salvation Army assistance programs Orange County.
Orange and Southern California Lutheran Services can assist low income and struggling families in the county. If the charity can’t meet your needs, then referrals may be offered. Both free basic needs (clothes, food, personal stuff, etc.) and information on emergency assistance may be available. Continue with free stuff to the needy.
- While the charity depends heavily on donations and volunteers, Lutheran Services will do its best to offer a free box of food, rental help, and shelter. Case management type services are available for people seeking a job or gaining stability. In some cases the agency may have referrals to more specialized services in Orange County such as motel vouchers or gasoline assistance. Click Lutheran Services Orange County.
Financial assistance from Social Services - The County works with local non-profits to provide money to pay bills, rent, medicines, and other needs in an emergency. Some of the programs are also administered directly by the county government. So a combination of government and private funds are pooled together to help the less fortunate. Tens of thousands of low income, elderly, unemployed, and struggling Orange County residents receive some form of assistance every year. Read more Orange County emergency assistance.
Mortgage relief is offered. An agency to turn to for foreclosure help is the Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County. NHS OC will help low-income families who are behind on their mortgage or facing a foreclosure. The counselors will meet with borrowers to find the best solution to address the problem and remedy the default, including refinancing, loss mitigation, foreclosure mediation, or loan workouts or modifications.
- These options can include repayment, refinancing and forbearance plans. In addition, the housing counselor will review and assess homeowner's budget and financial situation to develop an action plan and budget, and help them reduce debt. Call for foreclosure help at 714-490-1250.
Places for free items in Orange County as well as vouchers
Free stuff including clothes, furniture and school supplies - Southern California, Irvine, Orange County, and other nearby towns are served by dozens of clothing closets, thrift stores, furniture banks, and charities that offer basic needs to the low income. This includes clothing, free school supplies, furniture, diapers, maternity clothes, appliances, and much more. Continue with Orange County free furniture, school supplies and clothing closets.
Back to school supply giveaway programs are free to low-income families and people with no money. There are dedicated events in the summer and early fall in which vouchers, free sneakers, laptops, backpacks, gift cards and other school items are passed out. Locate free school supplies in Orange County CA.
Free resources for the holidays - Low to moderate income families in southern California and Orange County may receive free meals, Christmas toys, gifts, and food at the major holidays. Programs operate across the county at the major milestones, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Children may get toys too. More on free holiday help in Orange County.
Free food in Orange County California is available. The region is supported by dozens of food pantries, soup kitchens for hot meals, churches, charities, and government programs. The agencies in Orange County provide canned goods, emergency food boxes, holiday meals, pet food, and perishable items. Click here for information, including phone numbers and addresses, of free food banks in Orange County.
- Many of the centers will also off support such as Meals on Wheels, baby supplies, CalFresh, WIC vouchers and cooking classes. There are often available as part of SNAP - government food benefits. Get details on CalFresh benefits in CA.
Hot meals are served too, for free. Soup kitchens give out breakfast, lunch, and dinners to the homeless, migrants, kids during the summer and other in need. All these services are free, and locate a free meal site in your area.
Community Legal Aid SoCal is an organization that may be able to help with civil issues. Free pro-bono lawyers and volunteer attorneys are all committed to helping the less fortunate get free legal representation as well as consultations. The agency is involved in preventing foreclosures, ensuring low-income families have access to housing, government benefits and more. There is outreach, education, phone hotlines in Orange County and counseling. The Community Legal Aid SoCal is at 2101 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705. Call (714) 571-5200
- There are issues around housing, debt collectors, foreclosures and more that may involve legal issues. The group holds workshops and provide clinics. Find other ways to get mortgage help and foreclosure assistance, including from state government mortgage assistance programs.
Free debt reduction and counseling - Several non-profit agencies operate in Orange County California and provide either free or low cost services to qualified families. Counselors can help people deal with unpaid bills and/or credit card debts, and also offer potential solutions to a foreclosure or unpaid mortgage. Read more on free credit and mortgage delinquency counseling in Orange County.
Free medical and dental care is available. Several health care centers operate across Orange County CA. The locations may provide medical, eye exams and dental assistance, and most of the non-profit will charge low income or uninsured patients only what they can afford to pay for their bills. They help the adults or children, people on Medi-Cal or anyone struggling to get care. Click here for Orange County free community clinics.
More emergency help in Orange County
The list of organizations above have limited funding and resources, with some applicants able to get grant money or free items (food, gas cards, etc) and others turned away. The United Way of Orange County also provides support, including free referrals. Call 949-660-7600 for details on other organizations that offer financial help.
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