City Hall remains closed to the public. Click here to connect with a helpful staff member, and click here for local COVID-19 information.

COVID-19 - Community Resources

The City is responding to the changing needs in our community. Here, residents looking for support can find resources offered locally and throughout LA County. Please check back often and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to the COVID-19 hotline at 310-458-8400 or info@santamonica.gov. Stay calm, stay informed, and stay healthy. 

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Santa Monica's Essential Business Services Map

To connect residents with Santa Monica businesses that are open and providing essential services, we transformed the Food Pickup and Delivery map into the Santa Monica Essential Business Services Map. This multilayered interactive map includes critical categories such as food, medical care, and child care.

Click here for the mobile-friendly version of the map.

Add My Business

Saving Money 

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.  

Programs to Save Money on Utilities and Food

Five ways to Llower your utility and food bills.

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. 

Emergency COVID-19 Assistance Program for Santa Monica Residents with Disabilities and Older Low-Income Adults 

The program provides financial assistance to Santa Monica residents with disabilities and older adults who are low-income and/or experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19. Assistance can be used for rent, bills, move-in expenses, medication, groceries, and other emergency supplies.

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

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

World Health Organization

National Alliance on Mental Health

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.

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.

Los Angeles County Adult Protective Service Elder Abuse Hotline

To report elder abuse and neglect.

Local Mental Health Resources

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

El Nido Family Service

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Food and Hunger 

Free Food Resources

Food Resources in Santa Monica - English 

Recursos Alimenticios para Santa Mónica - Español

Emergency Food 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 - Thelma Terry Center, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404. Appointment Only.
  • Contact: (424) 410-1354, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • More information: English Flyer | (En Español)
  • Volunteers Needed! To help us serve the 150+ households and 300+ boxes distributed each week, we need volunteers on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Liz Scharetg at liz.scharetg@smgov.net.

St. Monica Catholic Church

  • Pick Up: 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403,
  • Contact: (310) 458-6042
  • Learn More: http://www.stmonica.net/

Salvation Army – Santa Monica

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

  • Pick Up: 1533 4th, Santa Monica; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4 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.

Salvation Army

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

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

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

Food Assistance

LA County Virtual Briefing on Resources to the Immigrant Community 

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.

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.

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

Santa Monica's farmers markets remain open to ensure access to fresh produce and minimizes economic impacts to participating farmers, so they remain able to serve the market community in the months and years to come.  

The Santa Monica Farmers Markets will temporarily shift all weekend markets (Saturday Pico Farmers Market at Virginia Avenue Park, Saturday Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market and Sunday Main Street Farmers Market) into one Saturday market th

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.

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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

Homeless Services

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

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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. 

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.

Virtual Building Blocks for Kindergarten Challenge


Santa Monica Cradle to Career has reimagined Building Blocks for Kindergarten (BBK) as an online interactive resource. The BBK Challenge is a resource for parents and caregivers preparing preschool-aged children for school. Participants will have access to a range of activities to do with children at their own pace, including reading and games. 

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! 

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

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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.

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.

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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

Breeze Bike Share

Bird and Lyft

Buses and Trains

Big Blue Bus

Service Adjustments: Free rides; rear-door boarding only (except for wheelchair and strollers).

  • Contact: (310) 451-5444 or via Santa Monica Works app.
  • Hours:
    • Customer Service: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
    • Blue: The Transit Store is Closed
  • Learn more: Full-service modification details

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

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Stay informed on what’s happening in Santa Monica

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