I know there are so many families in San Diego that are affected by the government shutdown. I wanted to post a small roundup to try and help those who may need help with groceries, clothes, or help with paying bills.

Food:

•  Here is my page about San Diego, CA area food banks, food pantries, and produce distributions. You can also call 211, or visit the 211 website. They have tons of great resources, including information on housing, utility assistance, and transportation.
• SNAP will continue through the end of October without interruption (SOURCE).
• Per Reuters, WIC may run short on funding (SOURCE).
• For those of us with pets, the San Diego Humane Society has a community pet pantry that runs at several of its locations. More information, including hours, can be found here.

Utilities:

• Need help paying your power bills? SDG&E has several options, based on your situation. Visit their website here for more information on programs such as a medical baseline or low-income.
• If you need help accessing the internet, Internet for All has resources to help here.
• Contact your local water municipality for payment options. There are too many to list in San Diego County.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon from the 12th district of California has a lot of information on her website here. This website is updated frequently as more information becomes available.

Housing:

If you are having financial struggles that affect your ability to pay your rent or mortgage, there are resources available.

• Homeowners: Contact your mortgage carrier and let them know you are affected by the government shutdown. They may offer forbearances or other programs to help keep you in your home.
• Renters: CPA Advisor has information and some tips (some of which are interesting) about how to handle the shutdown when rent comes due and you are without a paycheck due to the shutdown.
• If you are in section 8 housing or receive vouchers for housing, the NAHRO has details and information here.
• And the National Housing Law Project has information as well.

Insurance: If you are having a hard time paying your insurance (auto, renters, homeowners, etc), check with your insurance carriers.

Vehicle Loans: If you are worried about paying your auto loan during the government shutdown, contact your loan servicer. During previous shutdowns, companies such as Toyota Financial Services offered assistance to those who used their services.

USAA members can learn more about zero-interest loans here.

Clothing, household goods:

• Closet of 54th helps those in need with clothes. They are open a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.
• Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.
• Also not strictly clothing-related, but one of my favorite give-back orgs is the Buy Nothing Project. There are chapters all over the US, and we have a few here in San Diego. You would be surprised at how much your neighbors are willing to share.
• Don’t forget Freecycle.