If you need help and don't know where to turn, you can avoid frustration by simply calling 211.

This countywide referral service is staffed by experts who can connect you with agencies that provide everything from substance abuse treatment to housing assistance. San Diego County has more than 2,000 community agencies providing 5,000 health and human service programs. The easiest way to sort through them and find what you need is to call 2-1-1.  

211 is available 24 hours a day and has a staff that speaks more than 150 languages.

Learn more about 211 San Diego

Phone: 211 or 858-300-1211 
TTY: 211 or 858-300-1311
Email: 211help@211sandiego.org

County of San Diego  858-594-4801

The County of San Diego administers the only program providing direct financial assistance to renters. Low-income persons may call the County Department of Housing and Community Development for information regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly “Section 8”).

San Diego Housing Commission   619-231-9400

The San Diego Housing Commission maintains a list of rental properties that offer below-market rents (http://www.sdhc.org/resources/affordable-housing-guide). The City of Santee is not a housing provider.

Subject to funding availability, provides down-payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers. Interested low-income persons are encouraged to email the San Diego Housing Commission for program details.

East County Homeless Task Force 

Resource website for those who are at-risk or who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, a list of dedicated resources in Santee, along with food pantry guides and printable resource guides. 

Affordable Connectivity Program | FCC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), discusses eligibility for the ACP, steps for enrollment, and how the ACP protects consumers. 

Affordable Connectivity Program | USAC

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) provides steps to receiving the ACP benefit and application links.

211 San Diego

Find out more about the ACP, public Wi-Fi sites, low cost computers, digital literacy training, and more. 

Meals-On-Wheels  619-447-8782

Provides low-cost home delivered meals for seniors choice with the option of one or two nutritious meals seven days a week, including holidays.

San Diego WIC  800-500-6411

Qualifying low-income persons may receive 2-3 days of emergency food once per month. Open every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Commodities distribution every 3rd Tuesday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Santee Santas Foundation  619-258-5947

The Santee Santas’ signature effort is an annual holiday children’s toy and food ( grocery store gift card) drive focused on bringing the Christmas spirit to 150-200 families in Santee.

CSA San Diego County  619-444-5700

Provides landlord-tenant mediation and fair housing counseling/support.

Elder Law and Advocacy Center  858-565-1392

Provides free assistance with legal, Medicare, caregiver, long-term care and many other issues. The organization seeks to help those in greatest need, including those who are isolated, homebound or institutionalized; or unable to travel due to illness or frailty.

Legal Aid Society of San Diego  877-534-2524

Provides legal advice and counsel, effective referrals, and legal representation to low-income persons experiencing housing discrimination, landlord/tenant issues, eviction, or difficulty gaining or maintaining health coverage/services.

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program   619-235.5656

Provides low-income and disadvantaged clients with equal access to the civil justice system, with particular emphasis on elder law, bankruptcy, estate planning and health care.

Small Claims Legal Advisor   858-634-1900

Provides free assistance to anyone with questions regarding lawsuits in San Diego County Small Claims Court. The advisor is available by telephone (only) to discuss court issues and procedures.

CA Dept. of Housing and Community Development   951-782-4420

The State of California has sole authority to inspect parks and direct park owners to perform maintenance [with the exception of emergency weed abatement or other fire protection activities under the authority of the city fire marshal]

City of Santee  619-258-4100 ext. 221

The City of Santee administers the Manufactured Home Fair Practices Ordinance which regulates increases in space rent paid by owners of mobile homes whose rental agreements do not exceed 12 months in length.  The City no longer offers repair/rehabilitation loans or rental assistance.

Senior Guidance Website

SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE

Adult Protective Services (APS) 800-510-2020

The County’s Aging and Independence Services office provides services to older adults, people with disabilities and their family members, to help keep clients safely in their homes, promote healthy and vital living, and publicize positive contributions made by older adults and persons with disabilities. APS, accepts reports of suspected abuse of elders/dependent adults in facilities as long as the alleged abuser is a non-resident and a non-employee.

ElderHelp   619-284-9281

Assistance may include grocery shopping, friendly visiting, check-in calls, escorted transportation, trusted referrals, minor home repairs, home safety inspections, mail sorting and organization, gardening, pet care, care transitions, advocacy, family caregiver support, health literacy, care planning and assessment, and respite.

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES

Metropolitan Transit (Bus & Trolley)    619-233-3004

Trolley and fixed route bus service including local, urban, express, premium express and rural routes.

MTS Access   800-921-9664

For certified ADA passengers who are not able to board buses and trolleys, MTS Access (operated by First Transit) provides door-to-door service to locations within a ¾ mile radius of a fixed bus stop or trolley station. Cost: $4.50

On the Go Rides & Smiles 858-637-32104

669 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123

• Individual rides to medical and personal appointments, social activities, etc.
• Volunteer-based service guarantees rides from 7:00am - 7:00pm, seven days a week
• Rides are available up to a 25 mile radius from riders home
• Seven days advanced booking is required
• Program is donation-based
• A caregiver may be required for some riders
• A cell phone is required for all rides

ElderHelp: Seniors A Go Go   619-284-9281

Volunteer drivers provide door-thru-door service to medical appointments, shopping trips, social visits and other essential places. Drivers assist as needed, including helping on errands or appointments.

Home Start  888-385-4657

• Provides services to prevent child abuse including: emergency food and shelter, nutrition education, in-home parenting education, benefits application assistance, workforce development support, free tax consultation and financial literacy services.

Crisis House  619-444-1194

• Provides emergency shelter, case management and counseling services.
• Project Safehouse - Center for Community Solutions   888-385-4657
• Provides shelter in a home-like environment for battered women and their children in current domestic violence situations.

YMCA  888-385-4657

• Provides safe housing, a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, counseling, legal assistance, employment support, financial literacy training, and children’s programs.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call (9-8-8). 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

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Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) 888-724-7240

If you need help with a behavioral health crisis or know someone who does, call the Access & Crisis Line.