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This is a detailed, user-friendly list of all free services available in Stanislaus County.
It's organized into easy-to-navigate categories, so you can quickly find no-cost assistance for various needs.
Click the links above for detailed information regarding the resources available for that category.
Access resources for food, clothing, shelter, utility assistance, and essential items to meet your basic living needs.
Groceries (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins)
Canned goods and non-perishable items
Baby formula and baby food
Snacks and meal replacements
Nutritional supplements (protein powders, vitamins)
Food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, food pantries)
Meal delivery services (Meals on Wheels, food banks)
School lunch programs
Emergency food supplies (MREs, bulk food packs)
Water and bottled drinks
Rent or mortgage payments
Temporary shelters (emergency housing, transitional housing)
Affordable housing programs (Section 8, HUD housing)
Home repair and maintenance
Homeless shelters and services
Property insurance and renters insurance
Security deposits for rental units
Housing assistance programs (rent subsidies, relocation aid)
Accessible housing for people with disabilities
Eviction prevention programs
First-time homebuyer programs
Electricity (bills and assistance programs)
Gas (heating, cooking)
Water and sewage services
Trash and recycling services
Internet and Wi-Fi (especially for job searches, education)
Phone services (cellphone, landline, emergency phones)
Utility assistance programs (LIHEAP for heating/cooling)
Solar energy assistance (subsidized or free solar panels)
Public transportation (bus, subway passes, fare assistance)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap)
Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons)
Laundry detergent
Dish soap and cleaning supplies
Toilet paper and paper towels
Diapers and baby wipes
First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic)
Razors and shaving cream
Basic clothing (socks, underwear, coats)
Bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows)
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Masks and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Support for your physical and mental health, including medical care, counseling, dental services, and disability needs.
Primary care visits (checkups, vaccinations)
Specialist consultations (cardiologist, endocrinologist)
Preventive care (screenings, blood tests)
Emergency care services
Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension)
Women's health services (gynecology, prenatal care)
Men's health services (prostate exams, sexual health)
Pediatric care (immunizations, well-child visits)
Prescription medications
Surgery (elective and emergency)
Rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy)
Urgent care services
Telemedicine consultations
Preventive health education (nutrition, exercise)
Annual wellness checkups
Weight management programs
Smoking cessation programs
Wellness screenings (cholesterol, blood pressure)
Counseling services (individual, couples, family therapy)
Psychiatric services (medication management, evaluations)
Substance use treatment (inpatient, outpatient rehab)
Support groups (AA, NA, group therapy)
Peer support programs
Crisis intervention services (hotlines, mobile crisis units)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medication-assisted treatment for addiction (e.g., Suboxone, methadone)
Trauma and PTSD therapy
Stress management and mindfulness programs
Dual diagnosis treatment (mental illness and substance abuse)
Suicide prevention programs
Case management for mental health conditions
Mindfulness and stress reduction programs
Self-care education (relaxation techniques, time management)
Mental wellness workshops (emotional intelligence, resilience training)
Preventive education on oral hygiene (flossing, brushing)
Nutritional guidance for dental health (diet's impact on teeth)
Stress-related dental care (managing teeth grinding or TMJ)
Regular wellness checkups (preventing gum disease)
Restorative care (fillings, crowns, bridges)
Oral surgery (wisdom teeth extraction, gum surgery)
Orthodontics (braces, aligners)
Periodontal care (treatment for gum disease)
Pediatric dental care
Emergency dental services (toothaches, broken teeth)
Cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers)
Dentures and implants
Dental care education (hygiene, cavity prevention)
TMJ treatment (jaw pain relief)
Assistive devices (wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics)
Home health care services
Disability accommodations in the workplace (ergonomics, adaptive technology)
Disability benefits and insurance assistance
Physical therapy for mobility and function
Vocational rehabilitation services
Speech therapy for communication disabilities
Personal care assistants (help with daily living tasks)
Access to disability-related resources (legal aid, advocacy groups)
Social services and case management for people with disabilities
Mental health support for individuals with disabilities
Specialized care for developmental disabilities (Autism, Down syndrome)
Adaptive physical wellness programs (accessible fitness routines)
Occupational therapy focused on wellness and life balance
Mental wellness for individuals with disabilities (self-esteem, stress management)
Wellness programs for caregivers of people with disabilities
Receive help on financial and legal concerns, covering assistance, legal aid, benefits navigation, and debt management.
Emergency financial aid (rent, utilities, food assistance)
Housing assistance (subsidies, vouchers, down payment aid)
Scholarships and educational grants
Low-income assistance programs (SNAP, WIC, TANF)
Unemployment benefits
Childcare assistance and subsidies
Disaster relief financial support
Medical bill assistance programs
Veterans' financial assistance programs
Utility assistance programs (LIHEAP for energy bills)
Nonprofit and charity grants (local and national programs)
Pro bono legal services (free or reduced-cost legal help)
Tenant-landlord dispute resolution
Legal assistance for domestic violence survivors
Employment discrimination legal support
Immigration legal services (visa applications, asylum cases)
Disability rights legal aid
Legal support for criminal defense (public defenders, nonprofits)
Family law services (divorce, child custody, guardianship)
Elder law services (estate planning, guardianship)
Consumer protection legal services
Legal help for expungement or sealing criminal records
Social Security (SSI/SSDI) application assistance
Medicare and Medicaid enrollment support
Veterans' benefits navigation (VA health care, pensions)
Health insurance navigation (Affordable Care Act, private plans)
Disability benefits application and advocacy
SNAP (food stamps) application and renewal help
Retirement benefits (pension and 401k access)
Unemployment benefits claims and appeals support
Assistance with childcare subsidies and tax credits
Student loan repayment plan advice (income-driven repayment plans)
Credit counseling services
Debt consolidation programs
Student loan debt relief options
Mortgage foreclosure prevention and counseling
Bankruptcy counseling and legal services
Credit repair assistance
Medical debt relief programs
Negotiating with creditors for reduced payments
Budgeting and financial literacy programs
Debt relief advocacy organizations
Legal representation in debt collection cases
Wage garnishment prevention and resolution assistance
Advance your career and education with job search, skill development, and youth services to empower your future success.
Job boards and listings (online and local)
Resume writing services and workshops
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Career counseling and guidance
Job fairs and networking events
Job placement services
Internships and apprenticeship opportunities
Career assessment tools (personality and skill assessments)
Cover letter writing assistance
LinkedIn profile optimization
Application tracking systems and software
Salary negotiation tips and coaching
Job search for people with disabilities (specialized resources)
GED programs and high school equivalency preparation
College and university degree programs
Adult education courses (continuing education)
Online learning platforms (Coursera, edX, etc.)
Financial aid and scholarship guidance
Trade school and vocational education programs
Literacy programs (reading, writing, math skills)
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
Higher education entrance exam preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE)
Dual enrollment programs (high school and college credit)
Education counseling and academic advising
Specialized education programs (STEM, arts, liberal arts)
Workforce development programs
Technical and trade skills training (plumbing, electrical, etc.)
Computer literacy courses (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
Professional certifications (PMP, Six Sigma, etc.)
Communication and soft skills training
Leadership development and management training
Workshops on financial literacy (budgeting, investing)
Customer service and sales training programs
Entrepreneurship and business start-up courses
Freelance and gig economy skill building (digital skills, marketing)
Public speaking and presentation skills development
Time management and productivity workshops
Remote work skills training (online collaboration tools)
Summer job programs for youth
Youth mentoring programs (career and academic guidance)
After-school education and tutoring programs
Job shadowing and career exploration opportunities
Youth internship programs
Scholarships and grants for youth education
Youth entrepreneurship programs (business startup resources)
Leadership training for young adults
Vocational training for teens (carpentry, welding, etc.)
Youth volunteer and community service opportunities
Life skills training (budgeting, cooking, personal development)
College and career readiness programs
Youth employment rights education (labor laws, work permits)
Stay mobile with public transit, medical transit, vehicle services, and accessible options for those with disabilities.
City buses (local routes, express services)
Trains and subways (commuter rail, metro systems)
Trams and light rail systems
Ferry services (water transportation)
Ride-share programs (carpooling, vanpools)
Shuttle services (airport, university, or corporate shuttles)
Bicycle-sharing programs (city bike rentals)
Public transit apps and fare cards (digital ticketing, schedule tracking)
Park-and-ride facilities (designated lots for transit users)
Electric scooter rentals
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
Ambulance services (emergency transport)
Medical escort services (for elderly or disabled patients)
Wheelchair-accessible vans for medical appointments
Volunteer driver programs (rides to medical appointments)
Hospital transport services (between facilities or to/from home)
Medicaid transportation services (for eligible patients)
Dialysis and chemotherapy transportation
Air ambulances (for critical long-distance travel)
Paratransit services for medical needs
Car maintenance and repairs (oil changes, tire rotations, brake services)
Towing and roadside assistance (jump starts, flat tire fixes)
Vehicle registration and inspection services
Car rentals (short- or long-term)
Carpooling and ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft)
Gas station services (fueling, vehicle charging)
Car insurance (coverage plans and claims)
Auto loan services (financing for purchasing vehicles)
Parking services (valet, metered parking, parking garages)
Vehicle storage (long-term parking, secure facilities)
Paratransit services (door-to-door transport for disabled individuals)
Wheelchair-accessible taxis and ride-shares
School buses with disability accommodations (lifts, ramps)
Transportation for elderly individuals (senior shuttle programs)
Adaptive driving programs (vehicle modifications for disabled drivers)
Accessible airport transport (wheelchair assistance, boarding services)
Volunteer drivers for special needs transportation (community services)
Companion-assisted transportation (for individuals requiring help during transit)
Accessible public transit vehicles (low-floor buses, ramps)
Specialized transport for individuals with cognitive disabilities (safe and secure transit)
Tap into resources offering underserved, senior care, veteran support, and family guidance to build up our community.
groups
Unhoused / Homeless access to shelter, food, healthcare, and job assistance for stability.
Living with Mental Illness therapy, medication management, and peer support resources.
Neurodivergent / Learning Difficulty
education, employment, and social support
Poor Physical Health / Disabled healthcare, caregiving, and accessibility resources.
Poverty Level / Low Income housing assistance, food aid, and financial support
Underemployed / Unemployed job training, career placement, and income assistance.
Substance Dependence treatment, recovery programs, and harm reduction.
Formerly Incarcerated reintegration support, job resources, and housing aid.
Racial / Ethnic Minority (BIPOC) health, education, housing, and legal support.
Immigrants / Farmworkers legal aid, healthcare, and language assistance.
Spanish-Speaking Only bilingual services and translation support.
LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare, employment, and community resources.
Senior centers (social activities, educational programs)
Meals on Wheels and other food assistance
Home healthcare and caregiving services
Senior transportation programs (shuttles, ride assistance)
Assisted living and nursing home placement support
Medicare and Medicaid assistance programs
Legal aid for seniors (wills, powers of attorney, elder law)
Adult day care services
Support groups for caregivers of seniors
Fall prevention and mobility assistance programs
Prescription drug discount programs
Senior fitness and wellness programs
VA healthcare services (medical, dental, mental health)
Veteran housing programs and transitional housing
VA disability benefits and pension assistance
Job training and employment services for veterans
Counseling services (PTSD, substance use, trauma)
GI Bill education benefits and vocational training
Veteran support groups and peer networks
Assistance with VA claims and appeals
Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan programs
Veterans service organizations (VFW, American Legion)
Legal assistance for veterans (benefits claims, discharge upgrades)
Veteran crisis hotlines and emergency assistance
Food pantries and meal programs
Childcare services and early childhood education
Family counseling and mental health services
Domestic violence shelters and support hotlines
Parenting education and support groups
Affordable housing programs and rent assistance
Utility assistance programs (heating, electricity, water)
Job training and employment services for parents
Financial literacy and budgeting programs
Adoption and foster care services
Youth and afterschool programs (mentorship, tutoring)
Legal aid for family matters (custody, child support, divorce)
Know where to go when experiencing a crisis from natural disaster, physical danger, mental/behavior or financial/economic.
Emergency shelters and temporary housing
Food and water distribution centers
Disaster relief funds and financial assistance programs
Emergency medical services (field hospitals, mobile units)
Crisis counseling and mental health support
Debris removal and cleanup assistance
Clothing, blankets, and supply distribution
Volunteer organizations for disaster response (Red Cross, FEMA)
Disaster preparedness education and training
Mobile charging stations and communication resources
Recovery and rebuilding grants and loans (FEMA, SBA)
Local emergency hotlines and contact centers
Emergency hotlines and law enforcement: Contact local emergency numbers (911 in the U.S.) for immediate help.
Safe shelters and protective services: Access emergency shelters, safe houses, and protective services for crisis housing and security.
Medical assistance: Emergency rooms and urgent care clinics provide immediate medical attention for injuries.
Self-defense resources: Information on self-defense classes and personal safety apps for future preparedness.
Community support organizations: Contact organizations that provide support for victims of violence or abuse.
Crisis counseling and mental health hotlines: Contact 24/7 hotlines for immediate emotional support (e.g., National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
Peer support groups and crisis counseling: Support groups for mental health, addiction, and crisis recovery.
Behavioral health centers: Immediate assessment, intervention, and referral to specialists if needed.
Mobile crisis units: On-site response teams for individuals experiencing severe mental health episodes.
Substance abuse treatment programs: Access to detox services, rehabilitation programs, and support groups for addiction recovery.
ECONOMIC
Emergency financial assistance programs: Access government and nonprofit programs that offer immediate cash assistance, rental aid, and utility relief.
Unemployment support services: Apply for unemployment benefits, job placement assistance, and retraining programs.
Food banks and nutrition programs: Locate food distribution centers, food stamps (SNAP), and emergency meal programs.
Debt counseling and budgeting assistance: Credit counseling services for debt management and financial planning support.
Economic recovery grants and low-interest loans: Disaster loans, small business grants, and financial aid programs to rebuild stability.
Community action agencies: Local resources for housing, job training, and economic support tailored to specific regional needs.