I want to be independent, but there are some missing parts, where do I start?
We know it’s hard to even think about a job when you need things like a roof over your head, or a hot meal or even how to get to work when you find a job. Here are a few resources for additional help—housing, health, transportation & food to name a few.
Housing
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Learn about what transitional housing options are available.
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Need emergency housing? This is a contact list of the organizations that can assist you.
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If you are a foster child that has turned 18, you can still receive services and support until you are 21.
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Are you currently homeless or are facing homelessness within 21 days? Get help here.
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Homeless? RAIN is a transitional housing program located in Camarillo and helps homeless families help themselves.
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Many Mansions provides affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in Ventura County. Family Housing and Supportive Housing are also offered.
Health
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Learn what healthcare benefits are available if you are a foster youth within six months of emancipation or you have turned 18 while still in foster care.
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Health coverage for former foster youth, click for guide and form to sign up.
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Need healthcare but you’re uninsured? Visit this site for programs, requirements and availability.
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Medi-Cal is California’s public health insurance program and provides needed health care services for low-income individuals, families with children, seniors, children in foster care, and pregnant women.
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Public health clinics provide services such as immunizations, children’s dental care, pregnancy testing, TB skin testing and Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) testing & treatment.
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Provide developmental screenings, parent education, and health education services to children 0-5 years of age, their families and caregivers.
Transportation
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Find information on resources, driver’s license and transportation assistance options.
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Secure transportation to an interview or a job and find schedules for available public transportation.
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Check out available Dial-a-Ride services for the city you’re in, call for details, requirements and to make reservations.
Food
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The CalFresh program, helps people who have little or no income to buy nutritious groceries.
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WIC provides federally-funded temporary assistance for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently had a baby; and Infants and Children under five years of age.
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Find free food or a meal for those in need via pantries, meal providers and/or farmer’s markets.
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Contact MANNA if you are in the Conejo Valley, hungry, and in need of direct food or grocery assistance.
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Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) provides a multitude of resources and assistance to help keep your beloved pet with you. VCAS offers low-cost vaccination clinics, pet food assistance, behavioral recommendations, and so much more.
General Support
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The CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids) program provides cash assistance to families with children. Must meet eligibility requirements.
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Provides services to youth who have aged out of the foster care system but yet are still in need of various assistance.
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Provides victims of family violence with the means to help them escape their life of abuse.
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Provide direct assistance and educational programs to the underserved Latino Community. Primary services include immigration services and youth leadership and development.
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Are you a runaway, homeless or couch surfing youth, ages 12-21? Get assistance, guidance & support.
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Provides links to available youth services in Ventura County, for example, youth programs, prevention & intervention and teen pregnancy.
If you need further helpful resources please click here, where you can find a complete countywide listing of available services & providers.
