This guide provides an in-depth look at free and low-cost resources available for seniors and individuals in need across San Diego County. It includes actionable steps, eligibility details, and contact information for accessing these services. 

1. Healthcare Services

San Diego County Aging & Independence Services (AIS)

AIS provides a wide range of healthcare resources and connects seniors to appropriate services.

• Programs Offered:
  • Health Promotion: Free wellness classes, chronic disease management workshops, and fall prevention programs.
  • Care Coordination: Connects seniors with local healthcare providers.
• Contact: (800) 339-4661 or visit AIS.

Neighborhood Healthcare Clinics

Neighborhood Healthcare operates throughout San Diego County, providing comprehensive, low-cost care for low-income families and seniors.

• Services Include:
  • Preventive care, chronic disease management, dental care, and behavioral health services.
• Contact: (833) 867-4642 or visit Neighborhood Healthcare.

Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) San Diego

VIM provides free healthcare services to uninsured adults in San Diego County.

• Eligibility: Uninsured individuals with low income.
• Contact: (619) 440-4591 or visit VIM San Diego.

VA San Diego Healthcare System

Veterans and their families can access free or low-cost medical, mental health, and dental services.

• Contact: (858) 552-8585 or visit San Diego VA.

Community Health Group (CHG)

Offers Medi-Cal and Medicare health plans, including specialized plans for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Contact: (800) 224-7766 or visit CHG.

2. Housing Assistance

San Diego Housing Federation

This nonprofit connects low-income seniors to affordable housing programs throughout San Diego.

• Services Offered:
  • Rental assistance programs
  • Housing directories for senior living
• Contact: (619) 239-6693 or visit San Diego Housing Federation.

San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH)

Provides emergency housing and homeless services for individuals at risk of homelessness.

• Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or visit RTFH.

Community HousingWorks (CHW)

CHW offers affordable housing with integrated services for low-income families and seniors, including financial literacy programs.

• Contact: (760) 432-6878 or visit CHW.

3. Nutrition and Food Programs

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

The Senior Food Program offers supplemental food boxes for low-income seniors aged 60 and above.

• Contact: (866) 350-3663 or visit San Diego Food Bank.

Feeding San Diego

Distributes fresh produce and groceries through mobile pantries and senior-specific food distributions.

• Contact: (858) 452-3663 or visit Feeding San Diego.

ElderHelp Grocery Assistance Program

Delivers groceries to homebound seniors who cannot shop for themselves.

• Contact: (619) 284-9281 or visit ElderHelp Grocery Program.

Senior Dining Centers

San Diego County operates Senior Dining Centers where seniors can enjoy free or low-cost meals.

• Contact AIS: (800) 510-2020 to locate a dining center near you.

4. Transportation Services

RideFACT (Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation)

Provides low-cost or free rides for essential trips, including medical appointments and grocery shopping.

• Contact: (888) 924-3228 or visit RideFACT.

Jewish Family Service “On the Go” Program

Specialized transportation services for older adults, including group shuttles and volunteer-driven rides.

• Contact: (858) 637-7320 or visit On the Go.

MTS Senior Discount Program

Seniors aged 65+ qualify for reduced fares on Metropolitan Transit System buses and trolleys.

• Contact: (619) 557-4555 or visit MTS Seniors.

Access to Independence Transportation Services

Focuses on helping seniors and disabled individuals access essential transportation services.

• Contact: (619) 293-3500 or visit Access to Independence.

5. Social and Emotional Support Services

San Diego Oasis

A nonprofit offering educational programs, wellness workshops, and social activities to seniors.

• Contact: (619) 881-6262 or visit San Diego Oasis.

Friendship Line California

A 24-hour hotline providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and regular check-ins for seniors.

• Contact: (888) 670-1360.

Alzheimer’s San Diego

Provides support groups, caregiver resources, and education for those impacted by dementia.

• Contact: (858) 492-4400 or visit Alzheimer’s San Diego.

Senior Community Centers

Locations such as the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center offer companionship programs, workshops, and meals.

• Contact: (619) 235-6572 or visit Serving Seniors.

6. Financial and Legal Assistance

Elder Law & Advocacy

Free and low-cost legal services, including wills, estate planning, tenant rights, and elder abuse prevention.

• Contact: (858) 565-1392 or visit Elder Law & Advocacy.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Helps seniors manage debt, avoid scams, and improve financial literacy.

• Contact: (877) 899-6199 or visit CCCS San Diego.

7. Mental Health Services

Access & Crisis Line

24/7 support for mental health crises and referrals.

• Contact: (888) 724-7240.

PEARLS Program (Program to Encourage Active Rewarding Lives for Seniors)

A free mental health program addressing depression in seniors.

• Contact: Through AIS at (800) 510-2020.

8. Educational Opportunities

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC San Diego

Offers affordable non-credit classes tailored to adults aged 50+.

• Contact: (858) 534-3400 or visit Osher at UCSD.

Adult Education at San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE)

Free classes on technology, art, and wellness for seniors.

• Contact: (619) 388-4956 or visit SDCE.