Santa Cruz County is a healthy, safe, and inclusive community.
 
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Santa Cruz County provides a variety of state and federal services to residents.
However, we do not act as an extension of federal law enforcement agencies.
This webpage contains key resources to support residents who are concerned about their ability to access critical health care or social safety net services to support their overall health, well-being, and ability to thrive.

On October 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced it would not be issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. SNAP, known as CalFresh in California, provides more than 30,000 low-income children, families, seniors and veterans in Santa Cruz County with monthly food assistance, helping those in need purchase nutritious food.

With this November benefits freeze, we anticipate approximately $6 million in November CalFresh benefits will be withheld from those enrolled in CalFresh locally. This not only hurts recipients in our county, it also hurts small businesses, grocers, and food retailers who in Santa Cruz County alone see over $6 million in monthly income from CalFresh participation at local food retail stores.

The County and our nonprofit partners are here to help.
Here are local resources that can provide your family with food assistance. 

  • Second Harvest Food Hotline: 831-622-0991 | Food Locator Map
  • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes: 831-722- 4144
    Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes operates a lunchtime hot meal program and a food pantry (no ID required) at 150 2nd St., Watsonville.
    Pantry: 9–11:30 a.m. & 1–3 p.m. (weekdays)
    Lunch: 12–1 p.m. (weekdays)
     
  • Grey Bears: 831-479-1055

    Residents of Santa Cruz County age 55 and older are eligible to receive a weekly grocery bag filled with fresh produce and healthy staples through the Healthy Food Bags program. Home deliveries available for home-bound seniors who are disabled and aged 50 or older. $50 per year, payment assistance for those with financial hardship. Visit the Grey Bears website to sign up.

    Grey Bears also offers an all-ages free weekday lunch program and free grocery distribution regardless of socioeconomic background. Both opportunities located at Grey Bears’ warehouse, 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Live Oak.

    Free weekday lunch: 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m
    Free grocery bag distribution: 11 a.m. weekdays.

  • Community Bridges: 831-688-8840 or communitybridges.org. 
    • Community Bridges Meals on Wheels provides delivered meals to adults 60 or older who are homebound and struggle to provide for their own nutritional needs. Sign up here.
    • Community Bridges also offers free weekday lunches for adults 60+ at four county sites.
      • Highlands Park Senior Center (Ben Lomond): 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
      • London Nelson Community Center (Santa Cruz): 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
      • Watsonville Senior Center (Watsonville): 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
      • Live Oak Senior Center (Santa Cruz): 12–1 p.m.
  • Santa Cruz Public Library Emergency Food List
  • Project Foodbox's Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) are complete, pre-frozen meals designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of individuals managing chronic health conditions. Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) members managing chronic or diet-sensitive conditions may be eligible. 949-673-0783
     
  • Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County
    Central Fire is running food donation collection (non-perishable foods) at all seven fire stations through December. Visit  centralfiresc.org for locations or contact (831) 479-6842.
     
  • Local Businesses Offering Free Meals
    • Chubbs Chicken Sandwiches — 766 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz
      Free meals Sat 5–9 p.m. for those impacted by CalFresh loss.
    • Cruise Coffee Co. — 246 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley
      Free lunch or breakfast on weekends (7 a.m.–3 p.m.) with EBT or CalFresh proof.

      Email publicinformationofficer@santacruzcountyca.gov to add your business.

Upcoming Community Food Distribution Events
Please stop by for a free bag of food. All are welcome. No ID needed. 

Date and Time
Location
 
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
1:00-2:30 p.m.		 1000 Emeline Avenue
Santa Cruz
   
Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
1:00-2:30 p.m.		 500 Westridge Drive
Watsonville

Community Partner Resources

Key CalFresh Facts

Even though November benefits will be delayed due to the federal shutdown, your CalFresh case will not close, and you will remain eligible once the federal government re-opens. Please continue fulfilling all required CalFresh reporting in November, including Semi-Annual Reports (SAR 7) and renewals, as well as submitting any necessary verifications so that benefits can resume as soon as possible once federal funding becomes available again.

If you’ve been considering applying for CalFresh or other assistance programs, don’t let the federal shutdown stop you from applying!

Anyone in need of support should apply regardless of the federal shutdown. People can apply for CalFresh or other public benefits by visiting BenefitsCal.com.

Do you have unspent CalFresh funds remaining on your EBT card from prior months?
If so, you will be able to use your EBT card in November to spend those remaining funds, there just will not be any new November CalFresh funds added until the federal shutdown is reconciled.

  • WIC
    Santa Cruz County’s Women, Infants & Children, or “WIC” food assistance program is administered by Community Bridges. Information about WIC on the CA Department of Public Health website indicates that WIC funding will not be impacted as a result of the federal shutdown, though WIC funds may become exhausted due to the federal shutdown in the future, and nation-wide some clinics could suspend benefits or services as a result.
  • Health Coverage
    Medi-Cal / Medicaid: Medicaid healthcare coverage, known as Medi-Cal in California, will continue during the federal shutdown, though it is possible reimbursements and oversight may slowdown, straining providers and creating some delays in reimbursements.
  • Housing and Homelessness
    Section 8 housing vouchers, Community Development Block Grant funded programs and other federally administered payments for existing obligations will continue temporarily during the shutdown, but new awards or renewals may be delayed—creating risks for tenants, landlords, and shelter providers. Learn more about these programs: 
    Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz
    Housing for Health Partnership
  • Jobs and Workforce
    The County administers the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), which oversees local job centers and training programs. These programs operate on prior funding allocations but could scale back services if the shutdown persists.

Santa Cruz County celebrates its long and rich history of immigrants who have shaped the local economy and emerged as leaders in agriculture, tourism, the military, education, business, healthcare, and other vital professions. Fostering a welcoming community is essential for a vibrant and inclusive Santa Cruz County that ensures immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers can access economic security, empowerment, civic engagement, safety, and protection from discrimination, oppression, and violence.

We are proud of our collaboration to help deliver basic services of public safety, education, health care and more. On May 18, 2018, Santa Cruz County joined 25 other jurisdictions representing 18 million Californians in defending Senate Bill 54 and attempting to stop the federal government from undermining public safety and civic participation.

What you need to know:

  • The County does not report immigrants to ICE.
  • In the unlikely event ICE agents present themselves at County offices to inquire about clients, County staff have been instructed to contact supervisors immediately. ICE agents are not permitted to enter non-public areas of County buildings without a judicial warrant.
  • Our Health Center providers and Human Services Department staff are dedicated to respecting and are required to comply with an individual’s right to privacy and confidentiality. We do not share any information about any individual’s immigration status or records with federal immigration authorities.
  • You have the right to apply for and secure housing without sharing your immigration status. California law prohibits housing providers from asking about your immigration status unless you are applying for federally funded affordable housing. Additionally, our Housing for Health case management staff are prohibited from sharing personally identifying information when assisting people with housing and will not share the documented status of an individual with law enforcement agents.
  • You have the right to apply for and access full scope Medi-Cal health benefits as eligible, as part of California’s Medi-Cal expansion to immigrants of all ages regardless of documented status, including In Home Support Services (IHSS) to those eligible. County staff are prohibited from sharing personally identifying information when helping people enroll in Medi-Cal or IHSS and will not share the documented status of an individual with law enforcement agents.

YARR Rapid Response Hotline    831-239-4289

Call the hotline to report immigration enforcement activity and receive referrals to services. Hotline is staffed 24/7.
More information: https://santacruzrapidresponse.org/

Find Legal Assistance

Please contact each organization or visit their website for a full description of services provided.
Santa Cruz County Immigration Project of the Community Action Board
(831) 724-5667		 Legal immigration services, advocacy, and community education.
SusDerechos.info Provides resources for immigration legal services and access to education and other essential services for individuals in the tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey
(831) 722-2675 ext. 4235		 Immigration attorney and Department of Justice Accredited staff assist people on a path to lawful permanent residency and citizenship.
Oasis Legal Services
Bay Area (510) 666-6687
Central Valley (559) 777-6786		 Oasis Legal Services provides legal and social services to low-income LGBTQ+ community members.
ImmigrationLawHelp.org Searchable online directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. Only nonprofits that are Department of Justice (DOJ) recognized or have attorneys on staff are included in the directory.
California Courts Self-Help Guide Immigration resources provided by the California Courts.
Office of the California Attorney General, Rob Bonta Resources for California’s immigrant communities, including ways to protect yourself from immigration scams and how to file a consumer complaint with the Department of Justice.
State Bar of California The attorney search tool helps verify an attorney’s credentials and whether they are allowed to practice law in the state of California.
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Roster of Recognized Organizations and Accredited Representatives Verify that a non-profit organization or individual is accredited and allowed to provide immigration legal services.
Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Cruz County
(831) 425-4755		 Local non-profit service certified by the State Bar of California that provides referrals to lawyers in various practice areas. Administration fee of $50 covers a 30-minute consultation with an attorney.
Immigrants Rising Immigration, higher education, entrepreneurship, and mental health resources for DACA recipients and undocumented youth.

Know Your Rights Resources

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator
 

Find a loved one that is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours. Please note that the Detainee Locator System cannot search for records for individuals under the age of 18.
Locator.ice.gov

Santa Cruz is a Sanctuary County for transgender, gender queer, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex people.

By declaring the County a sanctuary for these communities, we seek to ensure access to gender-affirming health care, safeguard individuals from out-of-state legal actions related to gender-affirming health care, and reinforce the county's commitment to equality and human rights.

Services Provided

Our County's Health Centers offer gender-affirming care, and our Health and Human Services Agencies partner with providers like the The Diversity Center, who serves both Santa Cruz and Monterey counties to support LGBTQ+ youth and adults with Behavioral Health needs and to prevent exploitation.

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Santa Cruz Health Center
1080 Emeline Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 454-4100

Watsonville Health Center
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. D
Watsonville, CA
(831) 763-8400		 Gender-affirming care
Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Behavioral Health Division
1400 Emeline Ave. Ste. K
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 454-4170

1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. F
Watsonville, CA
(831) 763-8200

(800) 952-2335
24-Hour Access Line / Mobile Crisis Response Team		 Supports LGBTQ+ youth and adults with Behavioral Health needs
Santa Cruz County Superior Court
Self-Help Center
1 Second Street, Room 301
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 786-7200 (option 4)		 Name Change/Gender Change

LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights (KYR) Pocket Guide

  • Download this bilingual pocket guide that includes helpful local resources and KYR information for LGBTQ+ community members. 

Additional resource information for members of the LGBTQIA2S communities can be found at:

HSA Health Centers support the reproductive health rights of our diverse community by offering comprehensive services, including reproductive health education for teens and adults, STI/HIV testing and treatment, family planning counseling, and access to contraception for individuals of all genders.

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Santa Cruz Health Center
1080 Emeline Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 454-4100

Watsonville Health Center
1430 Freedom Blvd. Ste. D
Watsonville, CA
(831) 763-8400
  • Annual PAP exams
  • Family planning counseling, information, and birth control.
  • Sterilization referral, low and no-cost service for eligible clients.
  • Emergency contraception available, no appointment needed, same day service.
  • Confidential examination and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Public Health Division
Teen Health Outreach

Santa Cruz County’s Health Services Agency and Human Services Department are here to ensure individuals and families receive the support they need. An effective way to stay connected with your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs benefits, or to receive Health Center medical consultations, is over the phone or online, from the comfort of your home or any other remote location.

County of Santa Cruz
Human Services Department

Call us by phone at: (888) 421-8080
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm
A Benefits Representative can help you apply for benefits or manage your existing case.

For online assistance, visit: www.BenefitsCal.com
With a BenefitsCal account, you can apply for or manage existing benefits, submit reports and renewals, and upload documents — all in one place.

CalFresh and CalWORKs recipients can track EBT usage, freeze/unfreeze your EBT card, change your EBT pin, and request an EBT replacement card-all remotely. Visit www.EBTedge.com, download the EBTedge app on your smartphone, or call (877) 328-9677 to manage your EBT card.
  • Apply for, renew or get assistance with Medi-Cal, CalFresh or CalWORKs benefits.
  • Our Benefits Call Center is available in English and Spanish for benefits related phone assistance.
  • Online Assistance can be accessed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
  • All residents have the right to apply for benefits and access those benefits you are deemed eligible for. County staff are prohibited from sharing personally identifying information when helping people apply for or enroll in benefits, and will not share the documented status of an individual with law enforcement agents.
Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency

All of our Health Center locations offer telehealth (phone or video) medical visits for our patients.

If we are currently not your primary care provider, please call Central California Alliance for Health at 800-700-3874 and request to change your primary care provider to Santa Cruz County Health Centers.		 Can’t make it to an in-office appointment?
Call our office to change your appointment to a phone or video call instead. There is no extra cost for choosing this option.
Our convenient telehealth services are designed to be secure and confidential, with proper safeguards in place to protect your health information. Give us a call to learn more about telehealth options or to schedule an appointment.

Santa Cruz Health Center:
(831) 454-4100

Homeless Persons’ Health Project:
831-454-2080

Watsonville Health Center:
(831) 763-8400

Share This Information

Post a flyer in your place of business, school or other public area where people who may benefit from this information will see it.

  • Download and print County flyer on remote access to benefits and telehealth

Changes to Medi-Cal are coming in January 1, 2026. Contact local community partners or the County of Santa Cruz Employment and Benefits Services Division at 888-421-8080 for enrollment support.

Santa Cruz County Immigration Coalition Resources:

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Resources:

In the face of unprecedented challenges, including severe threats to funding and policy shifts under the new administration, the County of Santa Cruz stands as a committed partner to our nonprofit community. While facing similar threats, we recognize the critical role that local service providers and community organizations play in supporting our residents and share your mission and commitment to the community. We are committed to advocating on your behalf during these difficult times and doing what we can to sustain vital services and explore alternative funding opportunities.

The following resources include comprehensive guidance to help nonprofits navigate the challenges posed by recent federal actions under the Trump administration. Resources include webinars on financial health and contingency planning, legal compliance in a challenging political environment, scenario planning guides, financial modeling tools, and advocacy materials to engage with elected officials. They also track executive orders and their expected impacts on nonprofits, a checklist for organizations facing federal grant or contract terminations, and information on ongoing litigation.

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