Help For Hard Times

HELP FOR
HARD TIMES
A guide to help Bay Area families get
on the Road to Recovery.
March 2009
HelpforHardTimes
211isherewhentimesgettough:
Areyouworriedaboutpayingyourbillsonareducedincome?
Areyouhavingdifficultyfindinganewjob?
Areyouconcernedaboutincreaseddrugoralcoholuse?
Areyouafraidthatyoucanthandleanymorestress?
Ifyoudontknowwheretofindhelpwhenyouarefacingtheseissuesandothersduringthiseconomiccrisis,then
readthisguide.ItwillprovideyouwithinformationonservicesintheBayAreathatcanhelpyouthroughthese
difficulttimes.211isaneasytoremember3digittelephonenumberthatisavailable24hoursadayinover170
languages,togiveyouinformationonprogramslocatednearyourhomeorwork,ortoanswerquestionsyoumay
haveaboutcommunityservicesingeneral.Call211.InSanMateoCounty,call18002736222,MondayFriday,
8:305:30.
Introduction
ThisguidewasdevelopedtohelppeoplethroughtheHardTimesforeachofusthedetailsvary.Itmaybe
becauseyoucantfindajob.Itmaybebecauseyouhaveajobbutyoucantgetenoughhoursandpayperhourto
makeendsmeet.Or,itmaybethatyoujustlostyourjoboranticipatelosingyourjobandyouneedsomehelpin
thetransitionperiod.Gettingtheservicesyouneed,gettingontopoflimitedfinancialresourcesandknowing
yourrightscanallhelpyouduringthesestressfultimes.Althoughyoumayfeelaloneattimes,rememberthatthis
economiccrisishasimpactedusall.Pleasereachoutforhelpifyouneedit.
Howtousethisdirectory
SectionIofthisguideoffersoverallinformationandperspectiveonsomekeyareassuchasfinancesand
developingaplanofaction.SectionIIcontainsimportantresourcesthatyoumaybeeligiblefor.Youmaydiscover
thattherearesomecommunityresourceslistedinthisguidethatyoudonotneedorthatothersarenot
specificallylistedduetospaceconstraints.However,ourhopeisthatthisguidewillbeagoodstartingpointfor
youasyounavigatethroughthiseconomiccrisisfacingourcountryandhelpyougetontheroadtorecovery.
Pleaseutilizethefree,confidential211servicethatisavailable24hoursadaytoassistyouwithanyquestions
youmayhave.InSanMateoCounty,call18002736222,MondayFriday,8:305:30.
ThisguidewasproducedinMarch2009by211/HELPLINK.Additionalcopiesareavailableonlineat
www.211bayarea.orgorwww.uwba.org.
Inclusionoforganizationsinthisguidedoesnotrepresentendorsementofprograms,nordoesexclusionindicate
disapproval.
Acknowledgments
211/HELPLINKwouldliketothankthestaffoftheUnitedWayoftheBayAreaandtheAFLCIOCommunity
ServicePrograms,BayAreaCentralLaborCouncilsandtheSanFranciscoOfficeofEconomicandWorkforce
Developmentfortheiradvice,input,guidanceandgeneroussupportwhichmadethisguidepossible.Inaddition,
wewouldliketothankour211BayAreaPartners,EdenI&RandContraCostaCrisisCenter,forcontributing
updatedresourceinformationforAlamedaandContraCostaCountiesinSectionII.
3
Call211or18002736222orvisitwww.211bayarea.org
TableOfContents
1. AlcoholandDrugAbuseReferralLine.....................................................................p.19
2. ApplyingforTemporaryIncome.........................................................................p.1012
3. AssessYourSkills......................................................................................................p.6
4. ChildcareResourceandReferralLines.....................................................................p.19
5. CommunicatewithYourCreditors............................................................................p.3
6. CoverLettersandResume.........................................................................................p.6
7. CrisisSuicide/Prevention...................................................................................p.2021
8. DevelopingaPlanofAction......................................................................................p.3
9. DomesticViolenceCrisisLines.................................................................................p.20
10. EmploymentAssistance.....................................................................................p.1214
11. FinancialCounseling................................................................................................p.15
12. FoodAssistance......................................................................................................p.16
13. GettheHelpYouNeed..............................................................................................p.2
14. GettingThroughItTogether......................................................................................p.3
15. HousingAssistance..................................................................................................p.15
16. IndividualandFamilyCounseling............................................................................p.21
17. InventoryofFinancialResources...............................................................................p.5
18. JobSearchLog...........................................................................................................p.9
19. JobSearch/Resume/PlacementAssistance.............................................................p.14
20. LegalAssistance.................................................................................................p.1617
21. LowCostAutoInsuranceProgram..........................................................................p.18
22. MedicalCare......................................................................................................p.1718
23. Networking...............................................................................................................p.6
24. NetworkingWorksheet.............................................................................................p.8
25. ParentalStress........................................................................................................p.20
26. PreparingforInterviews............................................................................................p.6
27. SampleLettertoaCreditor.......................................................................................p.4
28. SkillsAssessmentWorksheet....................................................................................p.7
29. SelfEmployment.....................................................................................................p.14
30. SpecializedInformationandCrisisLines.............................................................p.1821
31. UtilityAssistance................................................................................................p.1516
GettheHelpYouNeed
Gettinglaidoffisnotyourfault.TheeconomyisintheworstshapesincetheGreatDepression.WeALLneeda
littlehelpatsometimeinourlives.Dontbeembarrassedtoaskforthehelpyouneed.Afterall,youhavehelped
topayforpublicprogramsthroughyourtaxes.Youhavealsohelpedpayforcommunityservicesthrough
contributionsyoumayhavegiventoUnitedWayandotherorganizations.
4
GettingThroughItTogether
Yourspouse,partner,childrenorextendedfamilymayalsobefeelinganxiousduringtheseuncertaineconomic
times.Talktothemandincludetheminplanning.Ithelpstogiveeachmemberofthefamilysomepositivesteps
theycantaketohelp.Bysharingtheburdenandpullingtogether,familiescangrowcloser.
DevelopingaPlanofAction
Developashortandlongtermplanyoumayneedtostabilizeyourlifebeforeyoucanbuildanothercareer.
Ifyouhavebeenlaidoffandcantkeepupwithyourexpenses,nowisthetimetoprioritizeyourfinancial
obligationsandtakeinventoryofyourresources.Usetheworksheetonpage5tohelpyoutakeaninventoryof
yourfinancialresources.
Assessyouravailablecashandcurrentincome.
Prioritizeyourfinancialobligationsincludingyourprimaryliabilitiessuchasyourrent,mortgage,car
payments,andmedicalcoverage.Alsotakeintoaccountyournecessitiessuchasutilitiesandfood.
Arethereareaswhereyoucanreduceyourspendingormakecuts?(i.e.Doyouneedtwophones?
Whataboutcabletelevision?)
Informyourfamilyaboutthefinancialsituationandincludetheminthedecisionmakingprocess,
especiallywhendiscussingwaystocutexpensesandincreaseincome.
Developarealisticbudgetandsticktoit.
CommunicatewithyourCreditors
Thereisnodoubtthatcircumstancesinlifecandisruptyourfinancialplans.Ifyouareunabletomakethe
minimumpaymentsonyourbills,takeaproactiveapproachandcontactyourcreditorstoletthemknowabout
yourfinancialemergency.Avoidingyourcreditorsmayonlyservetomakethesituationworse.Thesampleletter
onpage4willgiveyouanideaofwhatinformationtoincludeinyourcorrespondence.
Keeprecordsofyourwrittencorrespondencetoandfromyourcreditors.
Keepalogofanyphonecallsindicatingdatesandtimesofcalls,whomyouspokewithandabrief
descriptionofyourconversationsandoutcome.
Donotmakepromisesthatyoucannotkeep.
Askforlowincomeoptions.
Notifyallutilitycompanies(gas,electric,water,phone,garbage)ofyoursituation.
ConsiderutilizingthefreemoneymanagementmaterialsandfreedebtcounselingofferedbyConsumer
CreditCounselingService(CCCS),seepage15.
5
SampleLettertoaCreditor
March23,2009
XYZCreditCorp
CentralCity,USA17171
DearAccountsRepresentative,
Duetoalayoff,Iamtemporarilyunemployedandasaresult,Iamexperiencingfinancialdifficulties.Ihave
analyzedmycurrentfinancialsituation(withthehelpofCCCSorotheragency,ifappropriatetomention).After
creatingastrictbudgetformyexpenses,Ifinditnecessarytoaskeachofmycreditorstoacceptareduced
paymentuntilIreturntowork.
Iwouldappreciateyourcooperationinhelpingtomakethispaymentplanwork.Inplaceoftheregularpayment
th
of$80,Irequestthatyouacceptmonthlypaymentsof$30,whichIwillpaybeforethe30 ofeachmonth.Iwould
alsoappreciateanyinterestconcessionyoucangivemebyreducingmyinterestordroppingtheinterestentirely
duringthisemergency.Ialsorequestthatyouwaivealllatefeesatthistimetoavoidincreasingmydebt
obligationtoyourcompany.
Iwillresumenormalpaymentsassoonaspossible.Thankyouforyourconsideration.Iwillnotifyyouassoonas
mysituationchanges.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
AccountNumber
Notes:
6
InventoryofFinancialResources
Recordallsourcesofincome,includingincomethatyouwillreceivesoon,suchasunemploymentinsurance.To
ensureaworkablebudget,beasrealisticaspossible.
SixMonthFinancialPlanningWorksheet
Income
Month1 Month2
Month3 Month4 Month5
Month6
Job1
Job2
Severance
UnemploymentInsurance
CashintheBank
Savings
OtherIncome(i.e.SSI,SSDI,
TANF/CalWorks)
Expenses
Month1
Month2
Month3 Month4
Month5
Month6
HOUSEHOLD
Rent/Mortgage
Electricity/Gas/Heating
Phone
CarPayments/
Transportation
Insurance(car,home
owners)
Cable
Food
Laundry/Cleaning
Other
PERSONAL
Clothing
Dues
CreditCardDebt
Gifts
Subscriptions
Other
FAMILY
Childcare
Medical
Tuition
Birthdays/Gifts
Schoolbooks
Other
7
AssessYourSkills
Askillsassessmentworksheethasbeenincludedonpage7.
Writedownonpaperadetailedlistofallyourjobskillsandyourpersonalqualifications.Thelistwillbe
surprisinglylong.
Usethisinformationwhenyouwriteyourcoverletter,resume,andtofilloutjobapplications.
Someoftheagencieslistedintheresourcesectionofthisbookletcanalsohelpyouwithyourself
assessment.
CoverLettersandResume
Itisvitalthatyouspendtimetailoringyourcoverletterandresumetothepositionyouareseekingata
givencompany.
Highlightyourstrengthsandabilities.
Considerhavingtrustedcontactsreviewthesedocumentsandprovideyouwithfeedback.
Investthetimetomakesurebothyourcoverletterandresumeareflawless.
Ifyouneedsomeassistanceindevelopingyourresume,gethelpattheOneStopCenterinyourarea
listedonpages1314.
Networking
Anetworkingworksheethasbeenincludedonpage8.
Professionalorganizationsareagoldmineofnetworkingcontacts.
Tradejournals,seminars,jobfairs,placementservicesandothernewssourcesinyourfieldcanprovide
youwithjobopenings.
Socialcontactsinyourchurchorsynagogue,yourclubs,yourcommunityactivitiesand/oryourunionmay
beinvaluableinyoursearchfornewemployment.Putthewordoutthatyourelooking.
PreparingForInterviews
Ajobsearchloghasbeenincludedonpage9.
Akey(perhapsthekey)tosuccessfulinterviewingiscarefulpreparation.
Recordinformationonpastjobexperiencesandbringitwithyoutothejobinterview.Havingthe
informationhandywillsaveyoutimeinfillingoutanapplication.
Thoroughlyresearchthebusinessandindustryyouaretargetingintheinterview.
Practiceinterviewingseveraltimeswithaspouseorfriendtoincreaseyourselfconfidenceandbetter
prepareyoufortheactualinterview.
Thereisonlyonechancetomakeafirstimpressiongrooming,punctualityandconfidencearethekeysto
makingagoodone.
Toberememberedinafieldofcandidates,maketheinterviewinterestingfortheinterviewer.
Avoidclichdanswers.
Followuptheinterviewwithathankyouletter.
Makenotesoninformationlearnedandwaystoperformbetterforthenextinterview.
8
SkillsAssessmentWorksheet
Thisworksheetisintendedtohelpyouidentifytheskillsyouhaveandinventorywhatyouhaveaccomplished.This
willleadtoaclearerideaofwhatsortsofjobsyoushouldbetargeting,amorepersuasiveresumeandother
potentialindustrieswhereyourskillscanbetransferred.
SkillSets
OtherPossibleIndustries
ProfessionalSkills
Capabilitieslearned
onthejob
Technicalskills
Computerskills
BilingualorMulti
Lingual
ContinuingEducation
Certificates
BusinessPerformance
Accomplishments
Awards
PersonalAccomplishments
Community
Service/Volunteer
Positions
PersonalQualities
Productive
Teamplayer
Punctual
WorkEthic
CommunicationSkills
Positive
9
NetworkingWorksheet
Thisworksheetisintendedtohelpyoumakeacompleteinventoryofpeoplethatyouknow(evenslightly)who
couldhelpyoufindajob.Theobjecthereistoputasmanynamesaspossibleintoeachbox.Ifyouhaveaspouse,
parentsorchildrenintheworkforce,theyshoulddothisexercisetoo.
Colleagues
Friends&Neighbors
(Past&Present)
Clergy/Churchcontacts
Relatives
FormerEmployers
Clubs
OtherFormal/Informal
Affiliations
Classmates/Teachers/
AlumniAssociations
Unions/Professional
Organizations
10
JobSearchLog
Thisworksheetintendedtohelpyoukeepaccuraterecordsofyourjobsearch.Thisisimportantbecausefrom
timetotimeyoumaywanttocontactsomeofthepeopleyouhavealreadyseenortalkedto.
Company/Interviewer
Date
Action/NextSteps/Information
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
11
ApplyingForTemporaryIncome
UnemploymentInsurance
UnemploymentInsurance(UI)isanationwideprogramcreatedtoprovidepartialwagereplacementto
unemployedworkerswhiletheyconductanactivesearchfornewwork.TheCaliforniaEmploymentDevelopment
Department(EDD)administersunemploymentinsurancebenefitsforthestateofCalifornia.Employersfinance
theUIprogrambytaxcontributions.Unemployedindividualsmayqualifyforapproximatelytwentysix(26)weeks
ofunemploymentinsurancebenefits,undercurrentconditionsextensionsmaybepossible.Ifqualified,youmust
beableandavailabletowork.Youmayqualifytocontinuereceivingunemploymentinsurancebenefitswhileinan
approvedtrainingprogram,althoughtherearetimelimitsfortrainingextensions.
1.WhenshouldIapplyforunemploymentinsurance?
FileforUIbenefitsimmediatelyfollowingseparationfromwork,evenifyoureceivewhatsoftenreferred
toasseverancepay.
2.WhatsthebestwaytofileaUIclaim?
ThefastestandmostconvenientwaytofileaclaimforUIbenefitsisonlineatwww.edd.ca.gov.Thesame
applicationisusedforaregularUIbenefitsclaimand,ifyouhaveexhaustedyourregularUIbenefits,fora
federalextensionclaim.
Ifyoudonothaveacomputer,tryaccessingoneatyourlocallibrary,aOneStopCareerCenter(listedon
page1314),orthroughafriendorneighbor.
3.WhatifIcannotaccessacomputer?
EDDoperatessixcallcentersthroughouttheStatethatcanbereachedthroughoneofsixtollfreenumbers:
English:
18003005616
Spanish:
18003268937
Cantonese:
18005473506
Mandarin:
18663030706
Vietnamese:
18005472058
TTY(hearingimpaired): 18008159387
Duetothehighcallvolume,phonelineswillbebusy.Bepatient.TrycallinglaterintheweeksinceMondaysare
thebusiestdays,anduseyourphoneathome.PhonesavailableinthestatewideOneStopCareerCentersdonot
providespecialaccesstotheUIcallcenters.SpecificquestionsshouldbedirectedtoanEDDrepresentative.
4.WhatinformationisneededtofileaUIclaim?
ListofallthenamesandSocialSecuritynumbersusedwhileworking
Yourmailingandresidenceaddresses(ifdifferent)andtelephonenumber
Lastemployersname,addressandtelephonenumber
Reasonyouarenolongerworkingforyourlastemployer
Lastdayofworkwiththatemployer
Yourgrossearningsthelastweekyouworked
YourdriverslicenseorIDcardnumber
Yourcitizenshipstatus
Informationonallemployersyouworkedforduringthe18monthspriortosubmittingyourapplication
andfilingyourclaimincludingemployersname,timeperiodofemployment,wagesearnedandhowyou
werepaid
12
UnemploymentInsurance(continued)
5.WhathappensaftermyUIclaimisfiled?
Onceyourclaimhasbeenfiled,youwillreceiveyourclaimmaterials,includingabiweeklyclaimform,by
mailwithin10daysofEDDprocessingyourclaim.Claimsareprocessedtheweekinwhichtheyarefiled.
BarringanyeligibilityissuesandprovidedthatclaimformsareaccuratelycompletedandreturnedtoEDD
bythedateasinstructed,yourfirstUIbenefitcheckshouldarrivewithinaboutthreeweeksfollowingthe
filingofyourclaim.
Iffurtherinformationisrequiredtodetermineyoureligibilityforbenefits,youwillbenotifiedbymail
within10daysofEDDprocessingyourclaimofascheduledtelephoneeligibilityinterview.Besureto
keepthatappointmentorfollowtheinstructionsgivenforrescheduling.
AnyadditionalrequestsforinformationshouldbecompletedandpromptlyreturnedtotheDepartment.
6.WhatcanIdotoensurepromptprocessing?
CompleteclaimformsaccuratelybeforesendingthemtoEDDforpayment.Upto30percentofformsare
notcompletedcorrectly(forinstance,aquestionwasskippedoranXwasusedinsteadoffillinginacircle)
andthatcandelaypayment.
Useblueorblackinktocompletetheclaimform.Anythingelsecouldinterruptprocessing.
Reportallwagesearnedwhetherornotyouhavealreadyreceivedthem.
MailallformstoEDDaccordingtotheinstructionsandusetheenvelopeoraddressinformationprovided.
7.Willmyaccruedseveranceorspecialpaymentsaffectmyunemploymentinsurance?
ThelawrequiresthatyouinformEDDifyouhavereceivedorwillreceiveseverancepayoranyspecial
paymentslikeabonus.However,severancepay,retentionbonus,etc.,receivedthroughajobabolishment
areusuallynotdeductedfromyourunemploymentinsurancebenefits.
8.Willmyaccruedvacationpaymentsaffectmyunemploymentinsurance?
Vacationpayisnotdeductiblefromunemploymentinsurancebenefitsunlessyouareonavacationshutdown
withadefinitereturntoworkdate.
9.WhatifIreceiveapension?
ThelawrequiresyoutoinformEDDifyouhavereceivedalumpsumormonthlypension.Thesepayoutsmay
bedeductiblefromyourunemploymentinsurancebenefits.Thelawrequiresyoutoreporttheeffectivedate
ofanypensionpayments,eveniftheactualpaymentsarereceivedatalaterdate.Youmustalsoreportany
changestoyourpensionamount.
10.WhataboutmySocialSecuritybenefits?
SocialSecuritybenefitsarenotdeductiblefromunemploymentinsurancebenefits.
11.Areunemploymentinsurancebenefitstaxable?
Yes.Anyunemploymentbenefitsthatyoureceivemustbereportedaspartofyourgrossincomeforboth
StateandFederalpurposes.
12.WhatifIhavequestionsotherthanthosepertainingtoclaimfiling?
ThemostcommonlyaskedquestionisWheresmycheck?Youcaninquireaboutthestatusofyourcheck
withouttalkingtoaservicerepresentativebycallingthe800telephonenumber.Thebesttimetocallisafter
5p.m.andonweekends.YoucansubmitquestionsaboutyourclaimonlinethroughtheContactEDD
featureatthebottomofEDDshomepageatwww.edd.ca.gov.
13
SocialSecurityandMedicare
ToreceiveinformationonSocialSecurityBenefitsandMedicareinanyoftheBayAreacounties,visitthewebsite
oftheSocialSecurityAdministrationatwww.ssa.govorcall18007721213.
TANF/CalWORKs
TemporaryAssistanceforNeedyFamilies(TANF)providesfinancialaidandservicestolowincomefamilieswith
childrenundertheageof18whomeettheeligibilityrequirements.TheCaliforniaWorkOpportunityand
ResponsibilitytoKids(CalWORKs)programprovidesfinancialsupportandafullarrayofservicesfor60monthsas
participantsworkwithanEmploymentSpecialisttofollowanindividualizedemploymentplan.Thisplanmay
includejobpreparation,assessment,training,counselingandtreatment,educationandjobsearchactivitieswhich
leadtoajobandselfsufficiency.ParticipantsreceivefoodstampsMediCal,andmayalsoreceivesubsidizedchild
care,atransportationallowance,andhelpwithuniforms,books,orothersupportneededinordertoparticipatein
workactivities.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.dss.cahwnet.gov/CDSSWEB/PG85.htmor
Call211forinformationaboutservicesinyourarea..211
InSanMateoCountycallHELPLINK,MondayFriday,8:305:30.18002736222
GeneralAssistance/GeneralRelief
GeneralAssistance/GeneralReliefprovidesashorttermcashgranttoablebodiedindigentadults(singleorchild
freecouples)whoareunemployed,haveexhaustedalloftheirresourcesandarenoteligibleforotherkindsof
financialaid.Asthestateisnotinvolvedinthisprogram,benefits,paymentlevels,andeligibilityrequirements
varybycounty.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/PG132.htmor
EMPLOYMENTASSISTANCE
WorkforceInvestmentAct(WIA)ServicesforDislocatedWorkers
Anyindividualwholosestheirjoborhasreceivednoticethattheywilllosetheirjob,aspartofaplantclosureor
substantialmasslayoff,isconsideredtobeadislocatedworker.TitleIoftheFederalWorkforceInvestmentAct
(WIA)extendsawiderangeofservicestodislocatedworkers.Dislocatedworkerservicesareprovidedthroughthe
OneStopCentersandinclude:
Jobsearchresourcerooms
Personalizedcareercounseling
Adviceonhowtointerviewforajob
Assistancecreatingresumesandcoverletters
Jobplacementservices
Careerworkshops
GEDandESLclasses
IndividualTrainingAccountsforjobtraining
TheWIADislocatedWorkerlegislationrecommendsearlyinterventiononbehalfoftheworker.Inanideal
situation,serviceprovisionisinitiatedbeforetheemployeeslastdayofwork.Takingpromptadvantageofthese
servicescanhelpmakethedifferenceinachievingasuccessfultransition.WIAservicescanbeaccessedatany
OneStopCenterlistedonthefollowingpage.
14
OneStopComprehensiveJobServiceCenters
LocalWorkforceInvestmentBoardsandtheCaliforniaStateEmploymentDevelopmentDepartment(EDD)
providesaonestopresourceforemployersandjobseekers,linkingthemtomajoremploymentandtraining
programsaswellasotherservices.TheseOneStopCentersalsoprovidejobsearchservicestohelpindividuals
secureemploymentbymeansofjoblistings,networkingassociationsandworkshops.Customerservice
representativesareavailabletoassistjobseekersexploreemploymentopportunities,welfaretoworkservices,
labormarketinformation,retrainingandcareeroptions.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.edd.ca.gov.
AlamedaCounty
EASTBAYWorksOneStopCareerCenters.......................................................................1866EBWORKS
Alameda555RalphAppezzatoMemorialParkway,Alameda,CA945015107482208
Berkeley1918BonitaAvenue,Berkeley,CA94704............................................................5109827128
Oakland1212Broadway,Suite100,Oakland,94612.........................................................5107684473
Oakland675HegenbergerRoad,3rdFloor,Oakland,94621...............................................5105635200
EdenAreaMultiserviceCenter24100AmadorStreet,Hayward,CA9454..........................5106705700
Fremont39155LibertyStreet,SuiteB200,Fremont,CA94538.........................................5107943669
Newark39399CherryStreet,Room1211,Newark,CA94560...........................................5107422323
Pleasanton5020FranklinDrive,Pleasanton,CA925485...................................................9254855262
ContraCostaCounty
EASTBAYWorksOneStopCareerCenters.......................................................................1866EBWORKS
Antioch,4545DeltaFairBlvd.,Antioch,CA94509...............................................................9257064830
Brentwood,281PineStreet,Brentwood,CA94513.............................................................9256342195
Concord,4071PortChicagoHwySuite250,Concord,CA94520..........................................9256714500
RichmondWORKS,33025thStreet,Richmond,CA94804....................................................5103078014
SanPablo,2300ElPortalDr.,SuiteB,SanPablo,CA94806.................................................5104126740
MarinCounty
MarinEmploymentConnectionCareerResourceCenter
120NorthRedwoodDrive,SanRafael,CA94903.................................................................4154733344
NapaCounty
JobConnection
650ImperialWay,Suite101,Napa,CA94558......................................................................7072534291
SanFranciscoCounty
OneStopCareerLinkCenters
ChinatownCenter777StocktonStreet,SF,CA94108........................................................4154212111
CivicCenter801Turk,SF,CA94102....................................................................................4157497503
GoodwillCenter1500MissionStreet,SFCA94103............................................................4155752101
MissionCenter3120MissionStreet,SF,CA94124.............................................................4157497503
SoutheastCenter1800OakdaleAvenue,SFCA94124.......................................................4159707762
WesternAdditionCenter1449WebsterStreet,SF,CA94115...........................................4156552620
st
EmploymentInformationCenter170OtisStreet,1 floor................................................4155575636
OpentoallSanFranciscoresidents,theEmploymentInformationCenter(EIC)providesaccesstocurrentjob
listings,careercounseling,andtechnologyappropriateforconductingjobsearches,includinginternet,fax
machines,computersforwordprocessing,andcopymachines.Thecenteralsoprovidesassistanceinresume
writing,interviewingtechniquesandpreparingamasterapplicationform.SomeservicesoftheOneStopSystem
canbeaccessedatEIC.
15
OneStopComprehensiveJobServiceCenters(continued)
SanMateoCounty
PenninsulaWorksOneStopCenters
DalyCity27192ndStreet,DalyCity,CA94015...................................................................6503018440
MenloPark1200OBrienDrive,MenloPark,CA94025.....................................................6503306490
RedwoodCity2500MiddlefieldRoad,RedwoodCity,CA94063........................................6503670190
SanCarlos550QuarryRoad,SanCarlos,CA94070............................................................6505961035
SolanoCounty
SolanoEmploymentConnectionOneStopCenters
Fairfield320CampusLane,Fairfield,CA94585..................................................................7078643370
Vallejo1440MarinStreet,Vallejo,CA94590.....................................................................7076493604
JobSearch/Resume/PlacementAssistance
InadditiontotheWorkforceInvestmentBoards,OneStops,andtheEDD,thereareothernonprofitagenciesthat
canbehelpfulduringyourjobsearch.Servicesvaryfromprogramtoprogram,butgenerallytheyprovideresume
andjobinterviewpreparation,joblistings,testingand/orplacement.
Call211forinformationaboutservicesinyourarea........................................................................211
InSanMateoCountycallHELPLINK,MondayFriday,8:305:30.......................................18002736222
SelfEmployment
SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenters(SmallBusinessAdministration)
VisitthewebsiteoftheNorthernCaliforniaNetworkofSmallBusinessDevelopmentCentersat
www.norcalsbdc.orgorcall
AlamedaCounty,Oakland.....................................................................................................5102080410
ContraCostaCounty,Concord..............................................................................................9256465377
MarinCountySantaRosaJuniorCollege...............................................................................7075241770
NapaCounty,NapaValleyCollege........................................................................................7072533210
SanFranciscoCounty,CityCollegeofSanFrancisco.............................................................4153382397
SanMateoCounty(South),WestValleyMissionCollege.....................................................4084940240
SanMateoCounty(North),CityCollegeofSanFrancisco.....................................................4153382397
SolanoCounty,SolanoCollege..............................................................................................7078643382
SCORE(ServiceCorpsofRetiredExecutives)
Anallvolunteerorganizationthatprovidesfree,confidential,indepth,industryspecificbusinessassistanceto
helpevaluateabusinessideaorplan,stimulatebusinessgrowthandensurelongtermstability.
AlamedaCounty
www.eastbayscore.org........................................................5102736611
ContraCostaCounty
MarinCounty
www.sfscore.org..................................................................4157446827
NapaCounty
www.scorenorthcoastca.org...............................................7075718342
SanFranciscoCounty
www.sfscore.org..................................................................4157446827
SanMateoCounty
www.sfscore.org..................................................................4157446827
SolanoCounty
16
FinancialCounseling
Peoplewhoowemoneyhaverights.TheFairDebtCollectionPracticeActestablishesrulesfordebtcollection.For
Informationaboutyourrightsortoreportanyproblemsyouhavewithadebtcollector,visitthewebsiteofthe
CaliforniaStateAttorneyGeneralathttp://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/collection_agencies10.phporcall
18009525225.YoucanalsovisitthewebsiteoftheFederalTradeCommissionatwww.ftc.govandclickon
consumerprotection.
Seekfinancialcounselingifyouneedhelpdevelopingaplanformoneymanagementordebtcounseling.
Counselorswillhelpyouadministeryourrepaymentsbynegotiatingwithcreditorsandsendingyourpaymentsto
them.Thereisnochargeforcounselingbutasmallfeeischargedfordebtadministration.
ConsumerCreditCounselingServicesoftheEastBay
CounselingofficesinAlameda,ContraCostaandSolanoCounties.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.cccsebay.orgorcall...............................................................18668899347
ConsumerCreditCounselingServiceofSanFrancisco
CounselingofficesinSanFranciscoandSonomaCounties.ServestheentireBayArea.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.cccssf.orgorcall.....18007777526(PLAN)
HousingAssistance
Therearealsoagenciesthatcanprovidemortgageforeclosureassistance,landlord/tenantcounseling,rental
assistancetohelpyoumaintainyourcurrenthousing,housingreferralsandemergencyshelter.Government
housing,orSection8,subsidizedhousingisavailableforlowincomeindividualsandfamilies,however,both
programshavelongwaitinglists.Informationabouttheseprogramsvariesaccordingtowhereyoulive.
UtilityAssistance
REACH
TheREACHProgramprovidesfinancialassistancetopayoverduePG&Ebills.Lowincomehouseholds,senior
citizensandindividualswithdisabilitieswhohavereceivedeither15dayor48hournoticesmayqualify.
LOWINCOMEHOMEENERGYASSISTANCEPROGRAM(LIHEAP)
LIHEAPisanenergyrebateprogramadministeredbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofCommunityServicesand
Development.Qualifiedlowincomeapplicantswillhaveacertainamountofmoneydeductedfromtheirutility
billonceayear.Formoreinformation
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.csd.ca.govandclickonLIHEAPunderProgramsorcall.........18666756623
CaliforniaAlternateRatesforEnergy(CARE)
CAREprovidesa20%discountonmonthlybillsforqualifiedloworfixedincomehouseholdsandhousingfacilities.
Eligibilityisbasedonthenumberofpeoplelivinginyourhomeandyourtotalannualhouseholdincome.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.pge.com/careorcall................................1866PGECARE(18667432273)
17
UtilityAssistance(continued)
WeatherizationAssistanceProgram
TheWeatherizationAssistanceProgramreducestheheatingandcoolingcostsforlowincomefamiliesby
improvingtheenergyefficiencyofhomestoensurehealthandsafety.Energysavingservicesincludeattic
insulation,caulking,waterheaterblanket,heating/coolingsystemrepairandotherconservationmeasures.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.csd.ca.govandclickonlinkunderProgramsorcall...............18666756623
CaliforniaLifeLineTelephoneProgram
alsoknownasUniversalLifeLineTelephoneService(ULTS)
CaliforniaLifeLineprovidesdiscountedbasictelephone(landline)servicestolowincome,eligibleCalifornia
households.ContactyourphoneserviceprovidertoenrollorvisittheCaliforniaPublicUtilitiesCommission
websitewww.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/Public+Programs/ults.htmformoreinformation.
FoodAssistance
SupplementalNutritionAssistanceProgram(SNAP)
(FormerlyknownasFoodStamps)
Helpslowincomeindividualsandfamiliesbuythefoodtheyneedforgoodhealth.Benefitsareprovidedonan
electronicbenefitstransfer(EBT)card.Youmaybeeligibleevenifyouworkorreceiveunemploymentbenefits.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.fns.usda.gov/FSPor
FoodPantries/CommodityFood/EmergencyFoodBoxes
FoodPantries,CommodityFoodandEmergencyFoodBoxprogramsprovidefreefoodonaweekly,monthly,and
emergencybasis.Thefoodvariesaccordingtogovernmentsurplusordonationsandthefrequencyvariesby
countyandparticipatingagency.
MealSites
Agenciesandfaithbasedorganizationsprovidefreemealsforanyoneinneedonadaily,weeklyormonthlybasis.
LegalAssistance
Therearecommunitybasedagenciesthatofferlegaladviceandcounselingforavarietyofissuessuchastenants
rightsandevictionprevention.
TheEmploymentLawCenteroftheLegalAidSocietyoffersWorkersRightsClinicsandotherlegalservicestolow
incomeindividualslivingandworkingintheBayArea.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.laselc.org/gethelp.htmlor
18
LegalAssistance(continued)
TheBarAssociationineachcountyoffersalawyerreferralservice.Foranominalfee,youcanarrangea30minute
consultationwithanattorneytoseeifyoursituationisactionableandtodeterminefeesforservice.Some
associationsofferalowfee/probonolegalpanelifyouhavenowaytopayforlegalservices.Visittheirwebsiteat
www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10182&id=1403or
MedicalCare
COBRA
TheConsolidatedOmnibusBudgetReconciliationAct(COBRA)givesworkersandtheirfamilieswholosetheir
healthbenefitstherighttochoosetocontinuereceivingthegrouphealthbenefitsprovidedbytheirgrouphealth
planforalimitedperiodoftimeundercertaincircumstances.Circumstancesincludevoluntaryjobloss,reduction
inhoursworked,transitionbetweenjobs,death,divorce,orotherlifeevents.Qualifiedindividualsmaybe
requiredtopaytheentirepremiumforcoverageofto100percentofthecostoftheplan.COBRAgenerally
requiresthatgrouphealthplanssponsoredbyemployerswith20ormoreemployeesintheprioryearoffer
employeesandtheirfamiliestheopportunityforatemporaryextensionofhealthcoverage(calledcontinuation
coverage)incertaininstanceswherecoverageundertheplanwouldotherwiseend.
TheAmericanRecoveryandReinvestmentActof2009(ARRA)providesforpremiumreductionsandadditional
electionopportunitiesforhealthbenefitsundertheConsolidatedOmnibusBudgetReconciliationActof1985,
commonlycalledCOBRA.Eligibleindividualspayonly35percentoftheirCOBRApremiumsandtheremaining65
percentisreimbursedtothecoverageproviderthroughataxcredit.Thepremiumreductionappliestoperiodsof
healthcoveragebeginningonorafterFebruary17,2009andlastsforuptoninemonthsforthoseeligiblefor
COBRAduringtheperiodbeginningSeptember1,2008andendingDecember31,2009duetoaninvoluntary
terminationofemploymentthatoccurredduringthatperiod.Formoreinformation,visittheU.S.Departmentof
Laborwebsiteatwww.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html.
MediCal
MediCalisstatefundedhealthinsuranceforlowincomefamilies,seniorsorindividualswithadisability.Visit
theirwebsiteatwww.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medical/Pages/MCIndividual.aspxor
HealthyFamilies
HealthyFamiliesistheStateChildrensHealthInsuranceProgram(SCHIP)thatprovidesqualifiedCalifornianswith
prescriptiondrugcoverageandmedical,dental,visionandemergencycare.ItisavailabletoCaliforniaresidents,
ages18andunder,infamilieswithincomesofupto250%ofthefederalpovertylevelwhomeetfederaleligibility
guidelines,donothavehealthinsuranceandwhodonotqualifyfornocostMediCal.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.healthyfamilies.ca.govorcall.................................................18008805305
HealthyKids
HealthyKidsisalocallyoperatedinsuranceprogramthatprovideslowcost,comprehensivemedical,dental,and
visioncoveragetochildren,ages18andunder,whodonotqualifyforMediCalorHealthyFamiliesdueto
eligibilityorincomestatus.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.cchi4kids.org/localchis.php.
19
MedicalCare(continued)
CalKids
CaliforniaKids(CalKids)isanindependentnonprofitorganizationthatprovidespremiumsubsidized,
comprehensivepreventiveandprimaryhealthcareservicestochildrenages2through18.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.californiakids.org.
Inadditiontotheprogramslistedabove,therearemanycommunitiesthathavenewprogramswheretheincome
guidelinesareoftenhigherthanotherpublicinsuranceprogramssuchasMediCalandtheeligibilityisopentoa
largerpopulation,regardlessofimmigrationstatus,employmentstatusorpreexistingmedicalconditions.
HealthySanFranciscoisanexampleofthistypeofprogram.Visittheirwebsiteatwww.healthysanfrancisco.org
AdditionalMedicalCareServices
VeteransHealthcare
Veteransthatservedonactivedutyandhaveanhonorableorgeneraldischarge,maybeeligibleforfreehealth
careandprescriptiondrugcoveragethroughaVAmedicalfacility.ContactyourlocalVeteransServiceOffice,
visittheDepartmentofVeteransAffairswebsiteatwww.va.gov/healthorcall..............1877222VETS
Lastly,therearepublicclinicsthatofferslidingscaleorfreemedicalcare.Lowcostservicesarealsoavailablefor
visionanddentalneeds.
LowCostAutoInsuranceProgram
TheCaliforniaLowCostAutomobile(CLCA)InsuranceProgramprovidesaffordableliabilityonlyautoinsurance
thatmeetsthestate'sfinancialresponsibilitylaws.Ifyoumeetthelowincomeguidelines,are19yearsold,have
beenlicensedtodriveforthelastthreeyearsconsecutivelywithnoatfaultaccidentinvolvingbodilyinjuryor
death,meetthegooddriverstandard,andownavehiclevaluedlessthan$20,000.
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.insurance.ca.govorcall..........................................................18666028861
SpecializedInformationAndCrisisLines
LaborInformationandReferralServices
ThepartnershipoftheUnitedWayoftheBayArea,theAFLCIOCommunityServicesLiaisonProgramandeach
countysCentralLaborCouncilprovidesunionmembersandotherswithupdatedinformationonservicesthatare
availabletopeopleduringtimesofneed.Laborliaisonstaffinterpretsthebenefitsandappealsprocessoftax
supportedpublicagenciesandthepoliciesandservicesofprivateagencieswhicharesupportedthroughpublic
donations.ThisisaconfidentialserviceoftheAFLCIOandtheUnitedWayoftheBayArea.Thefollowing
communityservicerepresentativescanbecontactedforinformationandservices:
AlamedaCounty
SusanMcDonough........................................................................................................5106324242x224
[email protected]
20
LaborInformationandReferralServices(continued)
ContraCosta,Napa,andSolanoCounties
RobertoReyes.......................................................................................................................9253728608
[email protected]
SanFranciscoandMarinCounties
TomRyan...............................................................................................................................4154404809
[email protected]
SanMateoCounty
RaynaLehman.......................................................................................................................6503417711
[email protected]
AlcoholandDrugAbuseReferralLine24hoursdaily
NationalCouncilonAlcoholandotherDrugAddictionsBayArea
Visittheirwebsiteatwww.ncadaba.comorcall...................................................................4152969990
ChildcareResource&ReferralLines
Forinformationonresourcesinyourcounty,visitthewebsiteofCaliforniaChildcareResourceandReferral
Networkatwww.rrnetwork.org/resourcesandlinks/californiamap.htmlorcall
AlamedaCounty
ForAlameda,Albany,Berkeley,Emeryville,OaklandandPiedmontcall
BANANAS...........................................................................................................................5106580831
ForCastroValley,Fremont,Hayward,Newark,SanLeandro,SanLorenzoandUnionCitycall
CommunityChildCareCoordinatingCouncil(4Cs)ofAlamedaCounty..........................5105822182
ForDublin,Livermore,PleasantonandSunolcall
ChildCareLinks..................................................................................................................9254178733
ContraCostaCounty
ContraCostaChildCareCouncil
Central/SouthCounty...............................................................9256765437or9258300506(South)
EastCounty........................................................................................................................9257785437
FarEastCounty..................................................................................................................9255137900
WestCounty.......................................................................................................................5107585439
MarinCounty
MarinChildCareCouncil....................................................................................................4154915782
NapaCounty
CommunityResourcesforChildren...................................................................................7072530376
SanFranciscoCounty
ChildrensCouncilofSanFrancisco....................................................................................4153433300
WuYeeChildrensServices................................................................................................4153914890
SanMateoCounty
ChildCareCoordinatingCouncil........................................................................................6506556777
SolanoCounty
SolanoFamilyandChildrensServices.................................................................7078633950ext.709
21
DomesticViolenceCrisisLines/Shelters24hoursdaily
Forinformationonresourcesinyourcounty,visittheCaliforniaPartnershiptoEndDomesticViolencewebsiteat
www.cpedv.org/resources.htmlorcall
AlamedaCounty
Fremont..............................................................................................................................5107946055
Hayward.................................................................................................5107861246or8883397233
Oakland..............................................................................................................................5105367233
SanLeandro.......................................................................................................................8662929688
TriValley................................................................................................9254495842or8008848119
ContraCostaCounty.............................................................................................................8882155555
MarinCounty........................................................................................................................4159243456
NapaCounty..........................................................................................................................7072556397
SanFranciscoCounty
AsianWomensShelter......................................................................................................8777510880
LaCasadeLasMadres.......................................................................................................8775031850
RileyCenter........................................................................................................................4152550165
SanMateoCounty
CenterforDomesticViolencePrevention..........................................................................6503128515
SorJuanaInesServicesforAbusedWomen......................................................................8003001080
SolanoCounty
FairfieldandNorthCounty.................................................................................................7074253422
VallejoandSouthCounty...................................................................................................7075576600
ForaninventoryofshelterbedspacesinAlameda,ContraCosta,Marin,andSanFranciscoCounties
Woman,Inc........................................................................................................................8773843578
ParentalStress
Forinformationonresourcesinyourcounty,visitthePreventChildAbuseCaliforniawebsiteat
www.itonlytakesaminute.org/councilsorcall
AlamedaCounty....................................................................................................................8008293777
MarinCounty........................................................................................................................4154991100
NapaCounty..........................................................................................................................8662898888
SanFranciscoCounty............................................................................................................4154415437
SanMateoCounty................................................................................................................8002738255
SolanoCounty
Fairfield..............................................................................................................................7074281131
Vallejo................................................................................................................................7075535331
Crisis/SuicidePrevention24hoursdaily
Theseservicesareconfidential,freeandavailabletoanyoneincrisis.Forinformationonresourcesinyourcounty,
visittheNationalSuicidePreventionLifelinewebsiteatwww.suicidepreventionlifeline.orgorcall
AlamedaCounty....................................................................................................................8003092131
MarinCounty........................................................................................................................4154991100
22
Crisis/SuicidePrevention(continued)
NapaCounty..........................................................................................................................7072534711
SanFranciscoCounty............................................................................................................4157810500
SanMateoCounty................................................................................................................8002738255
SolanoCounty
Fairfield..............................................................................................................................7074281131
Vallejo................................................................................................................................7075535331
IndividualandFamilyCounseling
Manyorganizationsprovidecounselingforawidevarietyoflifechangingissues.Mostofferslidingscalefees
and/oraccepthealthinsurance.Selfhelpgroupsareavaluable,nocostmeansofsupportduringdifficulttimes.
Notes:
23

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