ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES Human Services Department
1400 Emeline Avenue, Building K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-4101
1-866-580-4357 Available 24/7
Provides services on behalf of elderly and dependent adults who are unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation. www.santacruzhumanservices.org
BIRCHBARK FOUNDATION (831) 471-7912 – Help Line (831) 471-7255 – Office
Helping pets and their families through medical crises by providing financial support to low income families. Also, offers a free support group to family members who are grieving the loss of their pet. www.birchbarkfoundation.org
CALIFORNIA LIFELINE PROGRAM
1-877-858-7463 Already enrolled
1-800-288-2020 To apply
Reduced rate telephone service to qualifying low income customers.
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
1-866-743-2273 PG & E
Provides discount on monthly PG&E bill to qualifying low income customers.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES Diocese of Monterey
656 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-2675
(831) 393-3110 Seaside
Immediate assistance for people facing rent/eviction situations, utility shutoff if funding available, CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment. By appointment only.
ENERGY SAVINGS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Programs of PG & E
1-800-933-9555
Offers weatherization and other energy improvements to
qualifying low income persons at no cost.
https://www.pge.com/energysavings
ENERGY SERVICES
Central Coast Energy Services
1-888-728-3637
P.O. Box 2707, Watsonville, CA 95077-2707
Offers the following programs to eligible low-income
households:
CARE: A discount rate program offered by PG&E which gives a monthly discount to qualifying low-income customers.
Fast Track: Emergency energy bill payment for those
facing shut-offs or a home-heating crisis.
HEAP: Once per calendar year financial assistance for gas and electric, propane or firewood costs. Also budget counseling.
Weatherization: Work done on homes, apartments, and mobile homes at no cost to owner to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. www.energyservices.org
HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP) Senior Network Services
1777-A Capitola Road Santa Cruz 95062 (831) 462-5510
Assists with all Medicare concerns: education, claims,
and the prescription drug benefit. Evaluates supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Advantage plans and long term care insurance.
HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Watsonville: (831) 768-3080
Loans for low-income homeowners. Funding availability varies. Call your local community development department housing division for more information. www.cityofwatsonville.org/165/housing
MONEY MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL (formerly Surepath Financial Solutions)
14141 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1000
Sugar Land, TX 77478
1-866-515-2227
A non-profit service that provides budget and debt counseling and education workshops at no cost. A Debt Management Plan is available to help clients repay creditors, for which there is a monthly fee when applicable. Counseling in Spanish is available.
www.moneymanagment.org
MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Senior Network Services
1777-A Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 462-1433
Assists seniors in their homes with paying bills, balancing bank statements, budgeting finances, organizing records and medical insurance claims.
PEACE OF MIND DOG RESCUE
615 Forest Avenue
P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 718-9122
We find homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them. We provide volunteer and financial assistance so seniors can keep their pets with them as long as possible. We also make pre-arrangements to take in dogs should their guardians become unable to care for them.
PUBLIC GUARDIAN’S OFFICE Health Service Agency
1800 Green Hills Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
P.O. Box 1895, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
(831) 454-4160
1-800-952-2335 Emergencies after 5 pm
Court ordered county program offers supervision of mental health and probate conservatorships. (Help for elderly individuals unable to handle their own affairs.)
www.santacruzhealth.org
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY (831) 423-0878
Emergency assistance, including help with food, rent and utilities.
THE SALVATION ARMY
721 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-8365
214 Union Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-3922
Provides crisis/emergency aid, including food and clothing.
SENIOR CITIZENS LEGAL SERVICES
501 Soquel Avenue, Suite F, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 426-8824
114 E. Fifth Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
Free legal advice and representation. (See Legal and
Consumer Services).
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
1-800-772-1213 Toll free
169 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1-800-593-8523
180 Westgate Drive, Suite 301, Watsonville, CA 95076
1-800-521-3385
Call for office hours.
SPCA SANTA CRUZ
2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 465-5000
Several pet support programs available.
Blackie’s Senior Friends – Matches senior pets (over 6 years of age) with senior people (over 62 years of age) through adoption at a discounted rate as monies allow. Also provides veterinary care assistance to low-income seniors. Call for information and guidelines.
Heather’s Food Bank – Distributes food to economically challenged and senior dog and cat owners every Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. Proof of spay/neuter required. www.spcasc.org
TAX COLLECTOR
Santa Cruz County Tax Collector
701 Ocean Street, Room 150, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-2510
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Oakland Regional Office
of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
1301 Clay Street, Room 1400 North Tower, Oakland, CA 94612
1-800-827-1000
VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE Human Services Department
Mon – Thu 842 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-7276
Mon – Thu 18 West Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 763-8868
Advocates for veterans. Helps determine benefits and services. By appointment only. www.santacruzvets.com
VOLUNTEER TAX ASSISTANCE Project SCOUT
114 East Fifth Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 724-2606
Serving Santa Cruz County. Assisting with income tax returns for seniors, disabled, low income individuals, and families.