COVID-19 - Community Resources

Saving Money 

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Discount on Internet Bills

The Federal Communications Commission is offering a discount on monthly broadband internet bills for qualifying low-income consumers. Help in applying for the program is available from the Emergency Broadband Support Center by emailing EBBHelp@usac.org or calling (833) 511-0311.

• Learn more:getemergencybroadband.org
• Apply Early! The EBB program will end when funds are exhausted.

Financial Navigators

Helping LA County Residents Who Are Facing Financial Hardships Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Financial Navigators help you prioritize your financial concerns, identify immediate action steps, and make referrals to other social services and resources that may offer long-term assistance.

• Learn more: dcba.lacounty.gov/financial-navigators/
• Get started by completing a short online interest form or call (800) 593-8222 for assistance in completing the form.

Discounts, Rebates and Other Programs Available for Residents

Low-Income Resource Guide

Helping residents discover ways to save on food, energy, housing, employment, transportation, and more.  

• Learn More: Low-Income Resource Guide

Programs to Save Money on Utilities and Food

Five ways to Llower your utility and food bills.

• Learn more: santamonica.gov/blog/5-programs-to-help-you-save-money-on-utilities-and-food-during-COVID-19

Home Accessibility Program for Santa Monica Residents with Disabilities and Older Low-Income Adults 

Santa Monica residents with disabilities and older adults who are low-income can apply for a grant to modify their home under the Home Accessibility Program (HAP). Modifications at home like ramps, grab bars, lifts and other improvements help to reduce the risk of falls and eliminate barriers that limit mobility. 

• Learn more: View the flyer and/or call the Disability Community Resource Center at (310) 390-3611 and ask for Michael DePillars.
• Available through June 25, 2021

Community Mental Health and Wellbeing

Start with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Hotline (800) 854-7771 or Text “LA” to 741741. Available 24/7

Resources for Coping with Stress

LA County Department of Mental Health

• Videos 
  • Anxiety
  • New routines
  • Changes
  • Isolation
  • Kindness
• Download: COVID-19 Mental Health Resourcestranslated into 13 languages, including Spanish, Farsi, and Tagalog.
• More Information:dmh.lacounty.gov/covid-19-information/

California Surgeon General's Playbook on Stress Relief during COVID-19

• Downloads:
  • Everyday tips and strategies for self-care and mental wellness (pdf)
  • Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids (pdf)
• Learn more:https://toolkit.covid19.ca.gov/

World Health Organization

• Download:Coping with Stress for Adults (pdf)
• Learn more:who.int/covid-19

National Alliance on Mental Health

• Download: COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide (pdf)
• Learn more: nami.org/covid19

Hotlines

Crisis Text Line

 Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free crisis support via text message.

• Contact: Text “LA” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Contact: (800) 273-8255

Disaster Distress Helpline

• Contact: (800) 985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• Contact: (800) 662-4357

Trevor Project Lifeline: Crisis hotline centering LGBTQ youth.

• Contact: 1-866-488-7386
• Learn More: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

GoldenTalk

Assists seniors facing social isolation through warm conversations and also provides referrals and works closely with multiple agencies within Los Angeles County in the event of a crisis.

• Hours: 24/7
• Contact: (888) 604-6533
• Learn More: didsomethinggoodtoday.org/

Los Angeles County Adult Protective Service Elder Abuse Hotline

To report elder abuse and neglect.

• Hours: 24/7
• Contact: (877) 477-3646
• Learn More: wdacs.lacounty.gov/programs/aps/

Local Mental Health Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) West LA Crisis Counseling Program Warm Line

Connecting callers to counselors who will listen with compassion and without judgement, refer supportive resources, and empower individuals to become advocates for their own mental health.

• Warm Line: English (424) 293-0645 | Spanish (424) 293-0646
• Contact NAMI: (310) 889-7200

Family Service of Santa Monica 

• Contact: (310) 451-9747 

Providence St. John’s Child and Family Development Services 

• Contact: (310) 829-8921  

CLARE|MATRIX Clarity for Youth

• Contact: (310) 314-6200 x3131 or email ttran@clarematrix.org

El Nido Family Service

• Contact: (818) 956-5000 or email clinicalreferrals@elnidofamilycenters.org

Santa Monica Malibu-Unified School District (SMMUSD) School Based Mental Health Program. 

• Consult school principal/guidance counselor
• Email slotan@smmusd or (424) 261-5102

Back to Top

Health Coverage

Resources for Applying for Free or Low-Cost Health Coverage

Local assistance is available at Venice Family Clinic (310) 664-7509.  For more information or locations in LA County, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.

Back to Top

Testing 

All LA County residents who want a COVID-19 test should first call their primary care provider or healthcare center to get a test at their facility. If you do not have this care, testing is offered across the County of Los Angeles. To search for testing appointments available at locations across LA County and learn more about testing priority, visit covid19.lacounty.gov/testing/. The Santa Monica College testing site only appears on the County's testing site map when appointments are available.

Back to Top

Food and Hunger 

Free Food Resources

Food Resources in Santa Monica - flyer

Westside Food Bank Mobile Pantry at Virginia Ave Park

Westside Food Bank Mobile Pantry at Virginia Ave Park

Pre-assembled food bags, one per household. Open to Santa Monica residents and families with children enrolled in SMMUSD

• Pick Up: Virginia Avenue Park - 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica.; Thursdays, 11 a.m - 12:30 p.m; first-come, first-served; starts August 26
• Contact: 310-828-6016 x12

Salvation Army – Santa Monica

Free food boxes for anyone in need, including seniors. Volunteer-delivered meals available for home-bound residents.

• Pick Up: 1533 4^th, Santa Monica; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m.
• Contact: (310) 451-1358, extension 2113
• Learn More:English Flyer

Meals On Wheels West

Free meal delivery for home-bound Santa Monica and Westside residents.

• Contact: (310) 394-5133, extension 1
• Learn More:Meals on Wheels West

WISE & Healthy Aging Ken Edwards Center

• Program: WISE Diner Program
• Pick-Up: 1527 4th St., Santa Monica; Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Curbside pick-up preferred. Park and pickup from inside if there is a long queue
• Contact: (310) 394-9871
• Learn More: wiseandhealthyaging.org/wise-diner-program

CalFresh

California’s Nutrition Assistance Program provides eligible low-income households with up to $196/month on an EBT/Debit Card to increase their food-buying power at grocery stores and farmers markets.

The State of California has authorized an emergency CalFresh benefit allotment for eligible households. Emergency CalFresh benefits for April will be issued on Sunday, May 10.

• Locations: Accepted at Santa Monica Farmers Markets and at participating providers
• Check benefit balance: laclrs.org or on the DPSS Mobile App.
• Apply: getcalfresh.org

As of April 28, 2020 you can use your CalFresh EBT card to make purchases online. Individuals and families can purchase groceries online using their EBT card at Amazon and Walmart.

• Learn more:cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online

Customers can continue to use their CalFresh/EBT benefits at all Santa Monica Farmers Markets to access healthy produce.  Please visit the market’s information booth to process your transaction. PDF flyer (English / EspaÑol).

Farmers' Markets

Student Meal Service

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District provides breakfast and lunch to all students under the age of 18. SMMUSD families may go to any of these schools even if not enrolled there.  A parent or guardian must be present, except high school students may participate on their own. 

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. 
• Pick Up: 
  • Will Rogers, McKinley Elementary, and Webster Elementary: In front of the school, or in the usual drop off/ pick up drive through 
  • Samohi: 7th St. and Michigan Ave. gate. 

Are there pick-up services offered? 

LA County Critical Delivery Services for Older and/or Dependent Adults, or Individuals with a Disability. LA County Workforce Development Aging Community Servicesis providing temporary pick-up and delivery services to older and/or dependent adults who are unable to leave home due to COVID-19. Deliveries can be made 24/7. No application is required, however, items must be pre-paid and ready for pickup.  Clients may utilize this service up to four times or 40 miles per month, whichever comes first.  Call (888) 863-7411 for assistance.(Fact Sheet pdf)

Restaurant Pickup and Food Delivery Guide

Santa Monica is a food-lovers destination with over 600 restaurants, café, bakeries and food retailers.  While our businesses have had to temporarily close their on-premise dining service, many still offer delivery, curbside pickup and takeout options. 

>>All of our restaurants open for takeout are now on our Essential Services Map!

We hope you will #EatLocalSM in support of our businesses in the comfort of your home.

To make it easier to dash in to pick up food, look for temporary 10-minute pick-up/delivery pickup zones in front of your favorite restaurant. Regular parking meter rates still apply.

Now through May 15, customers can order alcoholic beverages with their takeout or food delivery orders. More here.

Please note: This list is based on information submitted by the participating businesses and may not be all-inclusive. If you have a favorite Santa Monica restaurant or café who is currently offering these services and not yet included here, please encourage them to submit here so we can add them to the map. Businesses featured here may also need to change their hours or operations. To update the listing, a business should submit here.

Back to Top

People Experiencing Homelessness

The City and local homeless service providers are working closely with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and Public Health to continue serving our vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness.  For more information on these efforts, please visit www.LAHSA.org

To submit an outreach request for someone experiencing homelessness in your neighborhood, please visit the Los Angeles County Homeless Outreach Portal at www.LA-HOP.org.  Please note that as outreach capacity is limited, requests for those with more serious medical and/or behavioral health needs may be prioritized.

Emergency Shelters

• LAHSA Winter Shelter Program is open and operating 24/7
  • Phone: 800-548-6047
• Housing Emergencies: Call 2-1-1.

Homeless Services

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health COVID-19 FAQ – Guidance for People Experiencing Homelessness (pdf)

The People Concern Access Center

• Services: Showers, restrooms and sack lunches
• Location:503 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Contact:

St. Joseph's Center Family Resource Team

• Contact: (310) 694-6035 (voicemail only)
• Web: https://stjosephctr.org/

Salvation Army

• Services: To-Go Meals and Services
• Location:1533 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Contact: (310) 451-1358, general number with voicemail
• Hours:
  • Service window: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.  – 11:00 a.m. 
  • To-Go meals: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Westside Coalition
• Web:https://santamonica.salvationarmy.org/

Safe Place for Youth

• Services: Case management, housing referrals
• Location: 2469 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
• Contact: (310) 902-2283
• Hours:
  • Access Center Drop-in hours: Tuesdays and – Thursdays, 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
  • Office hours: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Web: http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org/covid_19_response

Daniel’s Place 

• Serves: Youth and young adults
• Location:1328 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
• Contact: (310) 392-5855
• Hours: Sunday and Monday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Tuesday – Friday, 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  
• Web:https://www.stepuponsecond.org

Back to Top

Youth & Families

Talking to kids about COVID-19

Children will respond to stress in different ways, by being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated. Respond with love and attention. Listen carefully. Speak kindly. Kids are observing carefully – and listening to everything. 

• California Surgeon General's Playbook on Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids (pdf)

• SMMUSD Community and Mental Health Resources roundup

• City of Santa Monica cancellations, closures, and service changes

Protecting Youth

There are services available to help parents and children in this incredibly stressful time. If you or someone you know is in need of extra support during this time of heightened uncertainty, please contact the Department of Children and Family Services to find out about local services. To learn more about child abuse prevention month in April and how you can help, please visit: childwelfare.gov. The DCFS Child Protection Hotline may be reached 24/7 at 800-540-4000. Information about DCFS can be found at dcfs.lacounty.gov  

•  For a free, 30-minute, online training on Protecting Children During a Crisis, visit d2l.org

Currently Open Licensed Child Care

Our early education partner, Connections for Children, can provide families with 1:1 referral assistance. An updated list of Santa Monica providers accepting new children, and information about available subsidies. Call them today at (310) 452-3325, ext. 260. 

The LA County Early Childhood Education COVID-19 Response Team has released the childcareheroes.org, a website to help early childhood educators safely provide critical services to children and families during the pandemic, and gives families information on safely sending their children back to child care. It includes information and resources to implement the specific guidance, ensure maximum health and safety of children and staff, and continue to offer high-quality care and education.

Summer Reading Program

This year's challenge is to reach 500,000 minutes between June 21 and August 15, 2021. 

• Read more and create an account at https://smpl.org/asr/

Santa Monica Public Library Digital Services

Use the Library’s many digital services available 24/7. E-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies and music, digital newspapers, and magazines. Entertainment and education for the whole family. Get help with homework, or learn a new language! 

• Contact:
  • Reference: (310) 434-2608
  • E-Card sign-up: (310) 458-8600 or sign up for an e-card online
• Learn More:smpl.org

Brainfuse Online Tutoring through Santa Monica Public Library

• WHAT: Brainfuse HelpNow is an online tutoring service that allows Santa Monica Public Library patrons to connect one-to-one to a trained tutor for academic assistance in math, science, English, and social studies. Another feature is the Writing Lab that allows you to submit writing for feedback. Spanish speaking tutors are also available.
• WHO: Students grades 3 through 12 with a valid Santa Monica Public Library card, as well as those taking introductory college courses.
• WHEN: Access this service 7 days a week from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
• WHERE: Access HelpNow from public computers at a Santa Monica local library or from home.

Developmental/Academic Assessment

• For children 0-3: Westside Regional Center Early Start (310) 258-4120 https://westsiderc.org/intake-eligibility/intake-process-birth-to-3/
• School Age Children: Request assessment at your home school
• Psychological Testing at Providence St. John’s Child and Family Development Center: (310) 829-8921

Back to Top

Utilities

Clean Power Alliance is the electricity provider for the City of Santa Monica and Southern California Edison (SCE) continues to be responsible for transmission and delivery of electricity, sending customer bills, and maintaining the electric grid infrastructure in the city.

Resources for Customers Impacted by COVID-19

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) customers have access to new protections in coordination with SCE to assist those experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19.  Customers who have recently lost their job or are financially impacted by COVID-19 can access CPA/SCE bill payment assistance, flexible payment plans, and easily sign up for reduced rates through the CARE/FERA programs. SCE is also temporarily suspending disconnection of electric service due to customers’ nonpayment of bills because of COVID-19 impacts.

• Contact: 800-655-4555
• Learn more: sce.com/safety/coronavirus

SCE Information on Planned Power Outages

SCE is continuing to perform work to make urgent repairs, maintain their network, and perform wildfire mitigation, which may include planned outages. In order to stay informed on the latest information regarding planned and unplanned power outages, visit the SCE website (www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status) to sign up for outage alerts via email, text or voicemail. To report a power outage, contact the SCE outage center via this website link or by phone at 800-611-1911.

Programs to Save Money on Utilities and Food

A round up of 5 programs to lower your utility and food bills.

• Learn more: santamonica.gov/blog/5-programs-to-help-you-save-money-on-utilities-and-food-during-COVID-19

Back to Top

Transportation 

ADA/Paratransit

Access Services

ADA Complementary Paratransit service for functionally disabled individuals in Los Angeles County.

• Contact:
  • Apply: (800) 827-0829
  • Reservations: (800) 883-1295
• Hours:
  • Operation:
  • Reservations:
• Learn more:accessservices.org

Mobility on Demand Everyday (MODE)

Curb-to-curb and door-through-door transportation with modifications due to COVID-19. Operated by Big Blue Bus and Lyft.

• Contact: (310) 458-6633 (MODE)
• Hours:
  • Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m; Saturday/Sunday: Discontinued
  • Reservations: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 am. – 5:30 p.m.
• Learn more:bigbluebus.com/MODE

Bike & Scooters

Bird and Lyft

• All continue normal service.
  

Buses and Trains

Big Blue Bus

• Contact: (310) 451-5444 or via Santa Monica 311.
• Hours:
  • Customer Service: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Closed.
  • Blue: The Transit Store: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Every Other Friday: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Closed
  • Schedule a reservation: https://checkin.smgov.net/qmaticwebbooking/index.html#/
• Learn more: bigbluebus.com

Metro

Service Adjustments: Free rides; rear-door boarding only (except for wheelchairs)

• Contact: (323) 466-3876
• Hours:
  • Customer Service: Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Learn more:Full service modification details

Transportation Network Companies

Uber and Lyft

• Shared ride options suspended; Single rides option continues

Back to Top