San Diego County Church Assistance Programs

Various churches and faith-based organizations throughout San Diego County provide emergency assistance to low-income families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Typically, these programs offer food, clothing, shelter, seasonal financial aid, and case management.

Most services are open to anyone in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (CCDSD) is a prominent faith-based non-profit organization that provides essential social services, emergency assistance, and long-term support to low-income individuals, families, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness in San Diego and Imperial counties.

Main Administrative Office

Address: 3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117

Phone: (619) 323-2841

Important Note: The main office handles administration only; no direct social services are provided at this location. Direct services are offered through specialized regional program centers located throughout the county.

Key Assistance Programs

1. Emergency Food Distribution Network Plus (EFDN+)

CCDSD operates a network of food banks and distribution services at 16 different locations across the county to assist families facing food insecurity.

• Locations include: Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Escondido, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Mira Mesa, Normal Heights, San Marcos, Pacific Beach, and Bonita.
• To find a food bank: Call the main service line at (619) 323-2841 to be directed to the nearest food distribution center.

2. Services for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Residential Services

The organization operates emergency shelters and supportive housing centers designed to provide safety, dignity, and pathways toward stability.

• Rachel’s Promise Center for Women and Children: An expanded emergency shelter with 210 beds that offers privacy and comprehensive case management for single women and mothers with children experiencing homelessness.
• Rachel’s Women’s Center: Located at 759 Eighth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101; provides a safe daytime environment with access to showers, laundry facilities, and counseling services.
• La Posada de Guadalupe Men’s Shelter: Located in North County (Carlsbad), it offers emergency lodging, hot meals, and transitional support, specifically designed for men experiencing homelessness and agricultural workers.

3. Refugee & Immigrant Legal Services

High-quality, low-cost legal assistance is offered to help families obtain legal status, achieve empowerment, and reach long-term social integration.

• Address: 4575 Mission Gorge Place, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92120
• Phone: (619) 287-1270
• Services offered: Assistance with citizenship and naturalization processes, family-based petitions, adjustment of status, support with DACA, and legal representation for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking.

4. Services for Seniors and Behavioral Health

• “Foster Grandparent Program”: Connects low-income seniors with volunteer opportunities to serve as mentors to youth in vulnerable situations.
• Clinical services: Affordable counseling for individuals, families, and children, focused on mental and behavioral health needs. Location: 349 West Cedar Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

How to Get Help

Because availability varies based on funding limitations and operational capacity, the fastest way to get help is by calling the main office at (619) 323-2841 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). A case manager will assess your immediate needs and direct you to the nearest location or partner parish that can provide the assistance you require.

The Salvation Army Centre City Corps

The Salvation Army Centre City Corps is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. Its historic downtown facilities, located at 825 Seventh Avenue, were recently demolished to make way for “The Rady Center”—a new 200,000-square-foot complex, representing an investment of between $119 million and $185 million, dedicated to housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The first phase of this project is scheduled to open in the summer of 2028.

While construction continues at the main site, all emergency assistance, food distribution, and family support programs remain fully operational at nearby temporary facilities.

Temporary Location and Contact Information

Temporary Office Address: 730 14th Street, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101

Main Phone: (619) 699-2200

Family Services Hotline: (619) 699-2216

General Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Currently Available Assistance Programs

Despite the relocation, Centre City Corps continues to provide essential support services to the downtown community:

Daily Food Rescue Pantry: A community pantry that provides fresh produce, frozen meats, baked goods, and non-perishable staples to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Please contact the Family Services department to verify current distribution hours for in-person visits.

STEPS Program (Transitional Employment and Housing Services): A comprehensive transitional housing and employment support program designed specifically for homeless men in San Diego County. Participants receive case management, housing, meals, clothing, hygiene items, and daily bus passes while conducting a full-time job search.

Family Resources and Emergency Aid: Offers conditional financial assistance for basic services (such as paying SDG&E utility bills), seasonal distributions, and support for meeting basic needs, subject to the availability of local funds.

Holiday Assistance: Coordinates the local “Angel Tree” program and the distribution of holiday meals, ensuring that children and families in need receive toys and food during the Christmas season.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of San Diego)

Unlike centralized charitable organizations, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Diocese of San Diego) does not operate from a single, centralized headquarters. Instead, this lay Catholic organization functions as a network of local volunteer groups—known as “Conferences”—that operate directly within the boundaries of local parishes.

Their core strategy is based on a system of home visits. When someone requests assistance, two local volunteers (“Vincentians”) visit the individual’s home to assess their specific situation, provide companionship, and arrange for direct aid—whether in the form of financial assistance or in-kind support.

Direct Assistance Programs for Beneficiaries

Because funds are raised and managed locally by each parish community, the availability and scope of assistance programs vary by neighborhood:

Financial Safety Net: Provides direct financial aid to prevent evictions or the disconnection of essential utility services. When funds allow, they can help cover rental deposits, past-due rent, or electricity or water bills.

Basic Needs and Essential Goods: Provides immediate assistance through the distribution of vouchers for clothing, hygiene items, and emergency food supplies.

Local Food Banks: Several “Conferences” operate their own food distribution centers; one example is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul food pantry located at St. Sophia Parish in Spring Valley.

How to Contact Your Local Conference

Since there is no central office for in-person assistance, you must contact the specific Catholic church conference that corresponds to your zip code.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Conference: Serves the Mid-City / City Heights area.

Address: 4177 Marlborough Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

Phone: (619) 280-0515

Christ the King Conference: Serves the Southeast San Diego / Golden Hill region.

Address: 29 N. 32nd St, San Diego, CA 92102

Phone: (619) 231-8906

Holy Family Conference: Serves the Linda Vista neighborhood.

Address: 1957 Coolidge St, San Diego, CA 92111

Phone: (858) 277-0404

St. Stephen Conference: Serves families throughout the North County / Valley Center area.

Address: 31020 Cole Grade Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082

Phone: (760) 749-3324

Shelter and Assistance for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

San Diego Rescue Mission

Coordinates with dozens of local churches to offer faith-based residential rehabilitation, emergency shelter, services for children, and food assistance. They also manage the Oceanside Navigation Center for North County residents.

Location: 120 Elm St., San Diego, CA | Phone: (619) 687-3720.

First Lutheran Church

Services: Uses a “lottery system” for the assignment of beds in its overnight shelter; The process begins at 7:00 a.m. A medical evaluation is required.

Location: 1420 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 | Phone: (619) 234-6149.

Food & Emergency Meals

God’s Extended Hand

Services: Hot meals are provided to anyone in need, along with spiritual guidance and the distribution of clothing. Meals are served twice a day on most days (at 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; on Sundays, only at 3:00 p.m.).

Location: 469 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101 | Phone: (619) 234-3251.

We See You San Diego

Services: In collaboration with local congregations (such as Clairemont Emmanuel and Our Redeemer Lutheran), they organize weekly dinners, distribute hygiene supplies, and offer recovery support.