Find Help › California › San Luis Obispo County
Family help in San Luis Obispo County, California
53 places and programs in and around San Luis Obispo County that help families with food, diapers, healthcare, childcare, housing, and bills. Everything here is free to browse and free to contact.
Food assistance
18 listedALF Food Pantry
5411 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA
Monday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Tuesday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Thursday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Friday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
California Valley Community Center Food Pantry
13080 Soda Lake Rd Pob 3099, Santa Margarita, CA 93453, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Dana Elementary School - Food Distribution Center
920 W Tefft St, Nipomo, CA 93444, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
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ECHO - Food Distribution Center
6370 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA
Monday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Friday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Saturday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM · Sunday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
First Assembly of God Church - Food Distribution Center
6030 Del Rio Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Five Cities Christian Women Food Pantry
946 Rockaway Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433, USA
Monday: 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Tuesday: 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Thursday: 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Friday: 2:00 – 3:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County
1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Food bank serving San Luis Obispo County, California. They distribute food through local pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs in the San Luis Obispo County area. Visit their website or call to find the food assistance nearest you.
Who it is for: Open to families and individuals in need of food.
Little Free Pantry - Pacific St
600 Pacific St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Meals On Wheels
780 Bello St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Meals that Connect - Food Distribution Center
270 Scott St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Monday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Meals that Connect - Food Distribution Center
11245 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Meals that Connect - Food Distribution Center
1001 Kennedy Way, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Meals that Connect - Food Distribution Center
1580 Railroad St, Oceano, CA 93445, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Nipomo Food Basket - Food Distribution Center
197 W Tefft St, Nipomo, CA 93444, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Saint Joseph's Church - Food Distribution Center
298 S Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
SLO Food Bank
1180 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
South Bay Community Center - People Helping People - Food Distribution Center
2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 9:30 – 10:30 AM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Villa Paseo Apartments - Food Distribution Center
2818 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Diapers & baby supplies
11 listedAgape Church
950 Laureate Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Banc of California
1001 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Banc of California Corporate Office—No In-Person Services
997 Monterey St Suites 300, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
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CASA of San Luis Obispo County
75 Higuera St Ste 180, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
GleanSLO
1180 Kendall Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Loaves & Fishes -paso
2650 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Monday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
People Helping People
With an office in the South Bay Community Center, 2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Pregnancy & Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County
3480 S Higuera St #110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
South Bay Community Center
2180 Palisades Ave, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA
Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Target
11990 Los Osos Valley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Unitarian Universalists San Luis Obispo
2201 Lawton Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: Closed · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Maternal & infant health
2 listedPaso Robles WIC
805 4th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
San Luis Obispo WIC
2191 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Healthcare & clinics
1 listedCounty of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department
2191 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Childcare & early education
15 listedAgape Preschool
950-B Laureate Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Bright Life Playschool
651 Tank Farm Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Thursday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Friday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
CAPSLO Head Start
965 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
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Child Care Resource Connection
805 Fiero Ln, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Child Development Resource Center of the Central Coast
1720 Bishop St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Cielito Migrant and Seasonal Head Start
525 N Thompson Ave Bldg 300, Nipomo, CA 93444, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Country Cottage Preschool
2075 Johnson Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 7:45 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 7:45 AM – 5:30 PM · Friday: 7:45 AM – 5:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Five City Headstart
1800 Wilmar Ave # A, Oceano, CA 93445, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start Child Care
864 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start EOC
1800 Wilmar Ave, Oceano, CA 93445, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
High Street Early Head Start Childcare
1030 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Legacy Children's Center
4725 Allene Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Thursday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Friday: 7:45 AM – 5:15 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Nipomo Head Start Home Base
157 S Thompson Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
3350 Education Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Sunnyside Head Start
880 Manzanita Dr, Los Osos, CA 93402, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Housing & shelter
1 listed40 Prado Homeless Services Center
93401, 40 Prado Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Utilities & financial help
5 listedCommunity Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO)
1030 Southwood Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
The Salvation Army
Oak Park Plaza Shopping Center, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
The Salvation Army Arroyo Grande Service Center
Oak Park Plaza Shopping Center, 1550 W Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
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The Salvation Army Paso Robles Service Center
711 Paso Robles St, Paso Robles, CA 93446, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
The Salvation Army San Luis Obispo Corps
National helplines, open to every family
These work anywhere in the United States, most of them around the clock.
Feeding America Food Bank Finder
Find your local Feeding America food bank and nearby pantries anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
SNAP Food Assistance (USDA state directory)
Apply for SNAP (food stamps) to help buy groceries. Use the directory to find your state SNAP office and application.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
USDA National Hunger Hotline
Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm ET
Free help finding food assistance anywhere in the country. Call to be connected with food pantries, meal sites, and benefit programs. Available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
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National Diaper Bank Network
Find a diaper bank near you anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Families in need of diapers
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 24/7; interpreter services available.
Who it is for: Pregnant and postpartum people and their families
Postpartum Support International
Support and resources for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety challenges. Call or text the helpline to be connected with local support.
Who it is for: New and expecting parents
WIC Nutrition Program (USDA)
Free healthy food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding help for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. Find and apply at your local WIC clinic.
Who it is for: Income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
Find a community health center near you that provides care on a sliding fee scale, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Who it is for: Open to all; sliding-scale fees
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Enroll in health coverage for your family, with financial help based on income. Call or apply online; the call center is open 24/7.
Who it is for: Open to all; subsidies based on income
Insure Kids Now (Medicaid and CHIP for children)
Free or low-cost health and dental coverage for children and teens through Medicaid and CHIP. Call to be connected with your state program and get help enrolling.
Who it is for: Children and teens in income-eligible families
Childcare.gov
Find child care options, financial assistance, and your state child care resources anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to all families
Head Start and Early Head Start
Free early education, child care, and family support for income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Use the locator to find a program near you.
Who it is for: Income-eligible families with children birth to age 5
211 (United Way)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential help available 24/7 in every state. Dial 211 to connect with local resources for housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and more.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
HUD Housing Counseling
Free, HUD-approved counseling for renters and homeowners. Get help finding rental assistance, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and locating affordable housing.
Who it is for: Open to renters and homeowners
National Runaway Safeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Help and resources for youth experiencing homelessness or thinking about running away, and for their families. Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
Who it is for: Youth and families
LIHEAP Energy Assistance (National Energy Assistance Referral)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm ET
Free help paying heating and cooling bills. Call to be connected with the energy assistance office that serves your area, or visit EnergyHelp.us to find it.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Call or text 988, or chat online. Help is available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Anyone in crisis; free and confidential
Disaster Distress Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis counseling for anyone in emotional distress related to a disaster. Call or text 24/7.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by a disaster
SAMHSA National Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone; free and confidential
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7 confidential support for children, teens, parents, and anyone worried about a child. Counselors answer questions, talk through difficult situations, and connect you with local resources. Call or text.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone affected by domestic violence. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online to talk with an advocate, plan for safety, and find local help.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by domestic violence; free and confidential
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, available 24/7. Call or chat online to reach a trained advocate.
Who it is for: Survivors of sexual assault; free and confidential
Find Legal Aid (Legal Services Corporation)
Search for the free civil legal aid office that serves your county. LSC funds nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state for issues like housing, custody, benefits, and debt.
LawHelp.org (free legal aid finder)
Find free legal aid and self-help resources in your state for housing, family, public benefits, safety, and more.
Who it is for: Income-eligible individuals and families
CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Free job search help, training and certification info, and resume guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor. Use the Local Help section to find your nearest American Job Center for free in-person employment services.
211 Transportation Help (United Way)
Free, confidential referrals to local transportation help such as rides to medical appointments, bus passes, and gas vouchers where available. If you have Medicaid, also ask your state Medicaid office about free rides to covered medical appointments.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (club finder)
After-school and summer programs for ages 6 to 18, including sports leagues, STEM labs, and meals at many clubs. Use the finder to locate a club near you.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Free, age-appropriate books mailed each month to children from birth to age 5, at no cost to families. Available where a local program operates; use the finder to check your area and register your child online.
Who it is for: Any Missouri child under age 5, regardless of income
YMCA (Find Your Y)
Youth programs, child care, camps, and family activities at local YMCAs nationwide. Use the locator to find your nearest Y and see which youth programs it offers.
What happens next
You need help right now
Everything on this page is free to contact, and you never need an account to look. Neighbors post free baby gear, clothes, and household things on the item board, and the helplines above answer around the clock.
You want to help families in San Luis Obispo County
This list is free to use and always will be. Keeping it accurate takes real work, and there are three ways to pitch in: fund it, tell us about a place we missed, or push for the policies that would make a list like this less necessary.
Want to know when this list grows?
We add listings county by county. Once a month we send one email with what is new, what is on the free item board, and the research behind all of it. No account needed.