Translate Website by Selecting Language Above
Welcome to our Community Resource Website:
We have compiled a resource guide containing valuable information for our community members.  Please take a few minutes to click around.  If you don't find what you are looking for, please call 2-1-1 or visit their website at  www.211sandiego.org.  East County Homeless Task Force also maintains a resource-rich website at www.ecassist.org.  
El Cajon Collaborative:
Visit us now on Facebook by clicking HERE or visit our website at www.elcajoncollaborative.org for more information about our programs, meetings and services. Council meetings are open to the public and meet the first Tuesday of each month at CVUSD Board Room at 12:30 p.m. Please join us.  El Cajon Collaborative also has Homeless Services and Community Health Work Groups addressing needs within the El Cajon Community.

El Cajon Collaborative  Meeting
​June 2019

covid-19 (coronavirus) assistance & information


Education and precautions are the strongest tools against infection. Get the latest facts by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 website. Continue to practice good health habits, refrain from handshakes or hugs as greetings, and wash hands and clean surfaces appropriate. We will strive to bring you a list and links to the most up-to-date information for resources and food pantries.  Things are changing daily so we appreciate your patience as we try to keep this site updated.

*****San Diego County and California public health officials have issued orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.                The County order is in effect until further notice. 
        San Diego County Public Health Order
         Arabic | Chinese | Karen | Korean | Somali | Spanish | Tagalog | Vietnamese

******San Diego is now in the ORANGE TIER as of April 7, 2021.
Here are some of the activities now allowed under the Orange Tier:
  • Restaurants: Indoor seating increases to 50% capacity or 200 people maximum. The 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew is also ending.
  • Gyms and Fitness Centers: 25% capacity indoors; indoor pools can open.
  • Wineries and Breweries: 25% or 100 people indoors maximum
  • Movie Theaters: 50% or 200 people maximum.
  • Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 50% capacity for indoor activities.
  • Places of Worship: 50% capacity indoor activities.
  • Bars with no food service: Open outdoors with modifications.
  • All retail: No capacity limits.
Many other restrictions will end April 15. You can see a complete list here. Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today that if current trends continue, the tier system California has been using will disappear June 15, allowing for the complete reopening of the state’s economy.

  • Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311 to get text alerts for COVID-19
  • County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Housing and Community Development (HCDS)--www.coronavirus-sd.com
  • COVID-19 Testing Sites–Health plans are required to cover COVID-19 tests at no cost to the enrollee. It is recommended that you first contact your healthcare provider for a COVID-19 test. If you are unable to get a test from your healthcare provider, the County of San Diego (County) has coordinated free diagnostic COVID-19 testing at many locations. These tests take about 5-10 minutes. Results generally come back in approximately 2-4 days. Click here for site locations.
  • COVID-19 Vaccines–COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to end the COVID-19 pandemic and reopen the economy. Vaccines are going to people in phases. See groups vaccinating now. You can get a vaccine at no cost to you.
  • Effective Disinfectant Guide--pdf guide
  • State of California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website--California launches a new, consumer-friendly website, www.covid19.ca.gov, that highlights critical steps people can take to stay healthy and resources available to Californians impacted by the outbreak, including paid sick leave and unemployment assistance.
  •  Refugee Support, Podcasts and COVID-19 Updates- Available in most languages  Click Here  For information on Resettling to the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic Fact Sheet- Click Here​
  •  ​COVID-19 Guidance for Immigrant Americans- Click Here– Available in several languages
  • What Everyone Can Do to Minimize the Chances of Getting COVID-19
    1. Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
    2. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available. It should contain at least 60% alcohol.
    3. Avoid touching  your eyes, nose and mouth
    4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and maintain a 6' social distance from people who are not family members.
    6. If you are sick, stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
    7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands.
    8. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, by physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
  • Health care and helping relatives- In most situations, visiting someone in a hospital or long-term care facility is no longer allowed. Exceptions may be made for family or friends to visit a patient in an end-of-life situation or to allow parents or guardians to visit a child who is a patient, for example. Non-essential medical care (eye exams, teeth cleaning, elective procedures) should be cancelled or rescheduled.  Check with your healthcare provider by calling or email to see what telemedicine services they offer or their recommendation.  If you are feeling sick with fever or cough or other symptoms, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, an urgent care center or 2-1-1. If you need to go to the hospital, call ahead so that they can arrange for your arrival.  If you need 9-1-1, tell the 9-1-1 operator the exact symptoms you are experiencing so the emergency medical providers can prepare to treat you safely. You can care for elderly or disabled parents if you are not feeling sick. Be sure to protect them and yourself by  following the guidelines. If you have early signs of a cold, please stay away from your older loved ones.
                                                       Access To Food In Your Neighborhood

Pantries are taking actions to limit the spread of the virus, including use of gloves, paper tickets, pre-packaged distributions, and social distancing at sites.  For a list of food pantries also visit the community FOOD RESOURCES pages on this website.
  • San Diego Hunger Coalition www.sdhunger.org/covid19
  • Feeding San Diego at (858) 452-3663  
  • Jacobs Cushman San Diego Food Bank at (858) 527-1419  
  • Call 2-1-1 for various food pantry locations  
  • San Diego County of Education- Known Countywide School Food Service Open During school closures for ages 2-18 years old at school sites  www.sdcoe.net  
  • Women, Infant & Children (WIC)- Beginning Wednesday, 3/18/2020, all San Diego WIC agencies will operate virturally. The majority of appointments and assistance will be provided over the telephone. Please see the updated contact information and websites for all WIC operating agencies across San Diego County. sandiegowic.org/contact-us
  • American Red Cross WIC    (800) 500-6411  
  • SDSU Research Foundation WIC    (888) 999-6897
  • North County Health Services WIC  (888) 477-6333  nchs-health.org/nchs-wic-registration
  • San Ysidro Health Center WIC   (888) 942-7942
  • Scripps WIC    (619) 260-3400
  • Clinica de Salud WIC    (877) 686-5468
  • CalFresh Application Assistance- You may qualify for maximum benefits. Call 2-1-1 or www.getcalfresh.org.
  • Shopping for elders or shut-ins- Call Milano Sliwa, Border Angels San Diego State University
    (619) 493-9315
  • Free Food East County--Facebook group with free food donations in La Mesa and El Cajon. Click on the page and ask to be invited to join page for updates on when food will be distributed and the location. Food is drive by and loaded into your trunk. You can also call Feeding the Flock at (619) 442-1789.  Comment on Facebook page for address.
                                                           County Assistance and Libraries
​
  • San Diego County Family Resource Centers, Housing and Community Development Service Offices- All offices are suspending in-person services until further notice.  Residents looking to apply for essential services, including food and housing assistance, medical coverage and other vital support programs, can apply for benefits online. They can also call 2-1-1 San Diego and a live representative can help with the application process by phone.  San Diegans who are already signed up for benefits, including CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal or General Relief benefits, can manage their case online. Existing customers can send required documents electronically via LaterDocs.  For those who are not able to submit forms electronically, a limited number of staff members will be available outside the County’s 13 Family Resource Centers. In addition, the Housing and Community Development Office in Kearny Mesa has a mailbox where residents drop off hard copies of documents if needed.
  • San Diego County Libraries- County library branches are going to curb-side pickup to help county residents practice social-distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus and still enjoy all the library books, digital magazines, music, movies and other fare they love.  You may now make an appointment at your local library to pick up books and materials. Watch for more information.
  • Health & Human Services Agency- General Relief--Due to the ongoing public health crisis, the General Relief Program will be extended until June 30, 2021 and cases are not to discontinue.  Call The San Diego Family Resource Center above for more information.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Homeless Services and Shelter

  • Home Start, Inc.- 333 E. Main St., El Cajon (619) 535-9356 Open by appointment at this time.  Call for information on assistance available.
  • 2-1-1-  Call for shelter openings throughout San Diego County.
  • Salvation Army- 1011 E. Main St., El Cajon (800) SAL-ARMY                  
                 Food Bank and Diaper Bank
                 Monday 1:00pm - 4:00pm
                 Wednesday: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
                 Friday: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
                 Homeless Services
                 Tuesday 9:00am - 12:00pm
                                                                   Mental Health Resources

  • American Psychological Association- www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network- Activities and hand-outs. www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/pandemic-resources
  • Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With COVID-19- Provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties.  Click here for .pdf version
  • Rady Children's Hospital Mental Health Urgent Care- Services during the COVID-19 Crisis -Click here for information

       Resources for Kids- Diapers, How to talk to kids about Coronavirus and Learning

  • Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus- www.kiro7.com/news/trending/coronavirus
  • Learning Resources for Kids Home from School- www.kiro7.com/new/trending/coronavirus
  • Bedtime Stories Streaming Series- Every Sunday at 8:00pm hear a princess read a bedtime story.  To gain access (did we mention it's FREE?!), simply request to join our group-  The Storybook Character Company VIP Group- Specials, events, and more!, and tune in on Sundays.
  • PBS Programming and Online Content to Keep Americans Informed and Support Families and Educators- Click here for resources
  • Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents--Offers activity ideas to parents and caregivers whose families are sheltering in place, social distancing, and homeschooling due to school closures amidst the COVID-19 outbreak--Click here for pdf. version
  • San Diego Food Bank Diaper Program--Click here for English pdf. version of locations of diaper banks.  Click here for Spanish .pdf version.
  • First Responder and Healthcare Provider Daycare--Santee School District is opening child care with Project SAFE and YALE during Spring Break.  Following orders of the San Diego Public Health Dept. all proper staffing and other preventative practices will be maintained.  Cajon Valley Union School District also has childcare available for essential workers by calling (619) 588-3000.
  • Computer Access and Internet Service- For low-cost refurbished computers contact San Diego Futures Foundation at (619) 269-1684 or click here.  Free Internet service available for persons who qualify can access free service for two months with Cox Cable by clicking here.  Must apply by May 15th for this service.  For additional providers and computers by calling 2-1-1 or click here.
    ​
                                                                   Senior Services and Information

  • SD County Aging & Independence Services-- Hotline (800) 339-4661 for assistance.  For frequently asked questions, Click here for pdf. version.
  • Live Well San Diego--Older Californians now have a one-stop shop to answer their non-emergency COVID-19 related questions. Call for assistance, like access to groceries and medication delivery. Call (833) 544-2374
  • Meals on Wheels--Senior Meal Delivery-- (619) 447-8782
  • Senior Meals for Pick Up & Delivery--
    Salvation Army-     1011 Main St., El Cajon  (619) 440-4683 10:00am-12:30pm  Meal delivery for clients only.
    Mountain Health Community Center--976 Sheridan Way, Campo  (619) 478-2384  Same schedule of congregate meals sites with frozen meals and sides to go.  Meal deliveries continue.  Serving Alpine, Descanso, Campo, Pine Valley, Dulzura, Potrero, Boulevard. Emergency pantry available.
    Jewish Family Services--(858) 637-3000 Call for meal delivery in El Cajon
    Serving Seniors--(619) 337-1425  Serving El Cajon, La Mesa, Spring Valley (site closed) and Lemon Grove
  • Additional senior meal programs can be found by Clicking here for pdf. version
  • Special Senior (over age 60) Shopping Hours- Also disabled and pregnant women
    1. Costco- Every Tuesday & Thursday   8:00-9:00 a.m.
    2. Smart & Final- Everyday from 7:30-8:00 a.m.
    3. Stater Brothers- 7:45 a.m. each morning
    4. Target- Wednesdays during the first hour
    5. Trader Joe's- Daily from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
    6. Von's and Albertsons- Mondays and Thursdays before 9:00 a.m.
    7. Walgreen- Tuesdays from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
    8. Walmart- Mondays & Thursdays before 9:00 a.m.
  • Protecting Seniors--Scams using the virus have been highlighted this week by the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/ftc-coronavirus-scams-part-2.  If you learn of any suspected Price Gouging within San Diego County, please report this activity to the San Diego District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit Hotline at 619-531-3507.

                                                     Financial, Labor & Workforce Assistance

  • California Labor & Workforce Development Agency--www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/
    Information about paid sick leave, family leave, disability and unemployment insurance.
  • Small Business Administration--www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19
    Guidance and loan resources for small businesses.
  • IRS and Tax Extensions--www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020
    Individuals: Income tax payment deadlines for individual returns, with a due date of April 15, 2020, are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020, for up to $1 million of their 2019 tax due. This payment relief applies to all individual returns, including self-employed individuals, and all entities other than C-Corporations, such as trusts or estates. IRS will automatically provide this relief to taxpayers. Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this relief.  All tax assistance centers are closed until further notice.
  • San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund- Simple and immediate financial assistance for utilities, rent or food and no-interest loans for nonprofits- Call 2-1-1 to apply or apply at United Way at https://uwsd.org/covid19/
  • Coronavirus Law and Policy Information-  www.changelabsolutions.org/blog/covid-19-resource
  • Rent Hardship- Tenants should send a hardship letter/email to their landlords as soon as possible. They also need to provide/collect documentation related to hardship (COVID-19).  If tenants do not notify their landlords, they may lose the protections under the "eviction moratorium."  This template is based on the strict requirements based on the local moratoriums. For a sample Inability to Pay letter to landlord, click here.  Letters must be sent within 7 days of rent due.
  • CSA San Diego- Landlord disputes, rental and housing assistance- 327 Van Houten, El Cajon or call (800) 954-0441.  Open Monday-Friday until 4:30 p.m. 
  • SDG&E Initiatives to help business customers during COVID-19 
    SDG&E recognizes the tremendous economic and human impact the coronavirus has had on our business community and we want all customers to know that SDG&E is here to help them through this crisis and support their energy needs. In recent weeks, they’ve taken several actions to support our region’s businesses.
    1.  SDG&E is temporarily waiving late payment fees for business customers whose finances have been affected by the coronavirus.
    2.  Recognizing the economic devastation caused by the pandemic, SDG&E has suspended service disconnections due to non-payment. This disconnection freeze will remain in place until further notice.
    3.  If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay their energy bill, please contact SDG&E to learn about assistance programs or to set up flexible payment arrangements at 1.800.411.7343.
    Many businesses are also trying to take care of their employees at this difficult time. SDG&E has bill discount programs to support customers year-round. Many people who previously did not qualify for these income-based programs may now be able to do so due to lost wages. Those who recently lost their job, even if they are receiving unemployment benefits, may be eligible for CARE and or FERA which can save customers up to 30% or more on their monthly energy bill. If you have a qualifying medical condition, customers may qualify for a bill discount with the Medical Baseline program. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded and helps low-income households with their energy bills. For more information on LIHEAP visit 211sandiego.org.
    Find out more about SDG&E’s bill discount programs at sdge.com/assistance.
  • Helix Water District- New Updates: A)
    Helix Water District- New updates from the Board of Directors: A) The board voted to freeze water rates through the end of 2020, and suspend late fees and water shutoffs related to nonpayment, B) Assure customers that their tap water is safe to drink, water service will continue, and customer service is available, C) Customer service remains available at (619) 466-0585, Monday-Friday during regular business hours, D) Our Ultimate Guide to Paying Your Water Bill Online shows customers how to pay their water bills during the governor's stay-at-home order, with step-by-step instructions and videos.​
    ​
                                                                     More General Information

CAJON VALLEY UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

Please visit their COVID-19 Information page at www.cajonvalley.net/covid19info for updates and information.
  • Cajon Valley Union School District Child Nutrition is offering a drive-thru/walk-up distribution of daily meals, from 11 am to 1 pm, at the following schools:
    Elementary
    Middle Schools
    Meals are free of charge and available to everyone 18 years and younger - no ID required.
    Parents are welcome to go to any school site that is convenient.
    All students in class will be offered meals at no charge every day.

    If you have any questions, please call: 619-588-3111 and continue to visit www.cajonvalley.net for updates on family services and support.

Now available: printable el cajon homeless services resource  guide

Picture
This guide is organized by the type of resource, including businesses, that benefit individuals who are experiencing homelessness. This list, originally compiled in summer 2018, is updated monthly and is subject to change.  If you have information regarding new resources, or if you are affiliated with any of these organizations and have updated information, please contact us at coordinator@elcajoncollaborative.org. 
For food pantries and meal programs see the Basic Needs-Food-Pantries page. 
Do you need health insurance or a family health provider?
​Call El Cajon Collaborative at (619) 447-4380 for more information
The El Cajon Resources website is maintained in part with the support of the
Cajon Valley Union School District (CVUSD)
Disclaimer: El Cajon Collaborative maintains the El Cajon Resources website as a service to families as a reference tool.  While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, we make no guarantee.  The inclusion of an organization or service does not imply an endorsement of the organization or service, nor does exclusion imply disapproval.  El Cajon Collaborative has provided external links to other websites, however some of these links may refer to information that no longer exists or has been moved to another site.  El Cajon Collaborative is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security practices of these sites.  

In order to better understand and serve our community, El Cajon Resources has implemented Google Analytics Advertising features which includes information about visitors’ age, gender and interests. This information is compiled using cookies from first and third-party identifiers. If you would like to keep this information private, feel free to opt-out by following these steps here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/.

Questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to El Cajon Collaborative at coordinator@elcajoncollaborative.org.
Website is updated frequently.
El Cajon Collaborative is located at Little House
131 Avocado Ave. El Cajon, CA 92020