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Resource Finder

Resources for California Newcomers

There are numerous resources out there, but finding the ones you need, when you need them can be a daunting task. We've curated a list of the most helpful links and resources for California newcomers, and the caseworkers and community members who support them.

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County/Location

211: Find Services in your Zip Code

Source:

2-1-1 and United Way

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need. 2-1-1 makes it easy to find food, housing, job training, after-school programs and much more.

Affordable Apartments by County

Source:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Best for:

Service Providers

Visit to find affordable housing options in your county. The list is updated quarterly.

Apply for I-94, View Travel History, and Check Compliance

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

Everyone

International travelers visiting the United States can apply for or retrieve their I-94 admission number/record (which is proof of legal visitor status), request travel history of their U.S. arrivals and departures, and check travel compliance.

Are you a California Resident for tax purposes?

Source:

California Franchise Tax Board

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Visit to learn more about California Residency as it applies to taxes. Proivdes answers to important questions on filing requirements.

Beauty Licensing Recognition in US

Source:

Community Member submitted resource

Best for:

Everyone

Agency provides guidance for those with licenses in the beauty and spa industries from other counties in getting their certificates recognized in the US. Could save thousands of dollars in fees. Site offered in Russian and English

Benefits Eligibilty of Humanitarian Parolees from Ukraine, All County Welfare Directors Letter

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

This letter provides guidance to County Welfare Departments (CWDs) in determining eligibility for federal benefits for specific Ukrainian populations and other non-Ukrainian individuals who arrived in the United States (U.S.) due to displacement from the war in Ukraine and related urgent humanitarian reasons (“Ukrainian arrivals”). This letter also includes guidance regarding state programs Ukrainian arrivals may be eligible for and supersedes All County Information Notice (ACIN) 1-40-22 and ACIN I-40-22 Erratum.

California Low Cost Internet Plans

Source:

California Public Utilities Commission

Best for:

Everyone

Visit to navigate the dashboard and find opportunities in your neighborhood for low cost internet plans.

California Public Benefits Fact Sheet

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Everyone

Learn more about public benefits in California, including MediCal, food stamps (CalFresh), and CalWORKS. Provides helpful links and a list of documents needed to apply online.

California Tenant Resources

Source:

Housing.ca.gov

Best for:

Everyone

Visit for tenant resources including Know Your Housing Rights Fact Sheets, a California Tenants Guide, and frequently asked questions.

California Tenants Rights & Responsibilities Guide

Source:

California Department of Real Estate

Best for:

Everyone

What should a tenant do if his or her apartment needs repairs? Can a landlord force a tenant to move? How many days' notice does a tenant have to give a landlord before moving out? Can a landlord raise a tenant’s rent? This guidebook answers these questions and many others and provides an overview of the California laws that govern the landlord-tenant relationship.

Commonly Used Immigration Documents

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Examples of commonly used immigration documents, including Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Refugee Travel Document, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and others.

Community Legal Aid in Southern California

Source:

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Best for:

Service Providers

Community Legal Aid SoCal provides free workshops and clinics on a variety of civil legal topics, including family law and eviction defense. Visit to learn more about their services, free workshops, and clincis.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

Everyone

CSBG agencies provide services ranging from food assistance to employment training, education services, housing assistance, emergency services, and more. Program eligibility is based on federal income guidelines and assistance may be provided to eligible low-income families and individuals that qualify. Visit to find an agency in your local area and apply for services.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) - Sacramento

Source:

Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA)

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

CSBG agencies provide services ranging from food assistance to employment training, education services, housing assistance, emergency services, and more. Program eligibility is based on federal income guidelines and assistance may be provided to eligible low-income families and individuals that qualify. Visit to find an agency in Sacramento and apply for services.

Correcting Info on I-94, CBP Deferred Inspection Sites

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

Everyone

Find your nearest Deferred Inspection Site. There are over 70 Deferred Inspections Sites throughout the United States and the outlying territories. These sites provide assistance to those individuals who at the time of entry into the United States were scheduled for a deferred inspection or believe that the documentation and corresponding endorsements issued at the port of entry require review and possible correction. The Deferred Inspection Site staff is also available to review and issue the necessary documents to remedy errors recorded on arrival documents issued at the time of entry to the United States.

Discounted Phone and Internet Services through Lifeline

Source:

California Public Utilities Commission

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

The California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) is a state program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households. Viist to learn more about the types of discounted services available and see if you qualify.

Drivers Education Materials

Source:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Access resources from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including the California Driver's Handbook, sample driver's license tests, and other helpful how-tos.

Eligibility of Ukrainian Nationals for Federal and State Benefits

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

ACIN I-40-22: This letter provides County Welfare Departments with information regarding the arrival of Ukrainian citizens and nationals and these individuals’ eligibility for federal and state benefits and services, including California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, Housing and Homelessness Programs, Refugee Cash Assistance, Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, CalFresh, and California Food Assistance Program.

Employment Authorized Document (EAD) for Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Nov. 21, 2022, USCIS announced that Ukrainian and Afghan parolees with certain classes of admission are employment authorized incident to their parole. Visit for more information and related forms.

Find Financial Assistance for Rent Hardship and other Housing Resources

Source:

Legal Help FAQs

Best for:

Service Providers

Find local resources for your housing issues in your state. You can find legal aid groups to call for help. You can see what rental assistance programs may help you. Or you can use tools to write letters or file court documents to protect yourself.

Find Free Tax Preparation

Source:

Inland Revenue Service

Best for:

Everyone

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Visit to find a provider nearby who can help you file your taxes for free.

Find Help by UC Davis Health

Source:

University of California - Davis, Health

Best for:

Everyone

Search and connect to support. Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help available.

Find Low Cost Auto Insurance

Source:

California Department of Insurance

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program helps you find more affordable car insurance policies. Visit to find out if you qualify and coverage options.

Find Resources for Common Housing Issues in California

Source:

LawHelpCA.org

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Provides resources for common housing issues, including evictions, homelessness, security deposits, and housing discrimination.

Find a Local Foodbank

Source:

California Association of Food Banks

Best for:

Everyone

Food banks work with their local communities to ensure that everyone has access to healthful foods. See a list of Food Banks throughout California, by county, who provide food assistance to eligible individuals and households.

Find a Local Foodbank (CDSS)

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Food banks work with their local communities to ensure that everyone has access to healthful foods. See a list of Food Banks throughout California, by county, who provide food assistance to eligible individuals and households.

Find a Local Foodbank - Sacramento

Source:

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services provides food assistance throughout the greater Sacramento area. Visit to use their map, enter in your address or zip code, and find locations near you.

Find out what Benefits You are Eligible For

Source:

Benefits.gov

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

This questionnaire can help find benefits you may be eligible to receive and where to apply. Visit to complete the questionnaire.

Food and Nutrition Assistance for Women with Children

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

The California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a food and nutrition program for growing families. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, benefits to buy healthy foods, and referrals to health care and other community services. Visit to learn more.

Free Tax Filiing in California with United Way

Source:

United Way

Best for:

Everyone

If your 2023 household income was less than $66,000, United Way can help you maximize your refund and save you an average of $200 in tax preparation fees – all through a safe and secure process. Visit to find out if you quality and get started filing.

Free phone & service plus 2 months of Amazon Prime

Source:

TruConnect

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Answer a few simple questions to see if you’re eligible for Lifeline and the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative to provide all Americans with broadband Internet service.

Frequently Asked Questions on Housing Rights

Source:

Central California Legal Services

Best for:

Service Providers

Central California Legal Services provides answers to commonly asked housing questions, including dealing with evictions, security deposits, and repairs.

Get Help Paying your Energy Bills

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance ​Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help you pay yo​​​ur energy bill. ​​​​LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. Visit to learn more about eligibility and contact your local LIHEAP agency.

Get Money for Food

Source:

CalFresh

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Online application for CalFresh--California's food stamps (SNAP) program. Apply online. Your county will call you within a week or two for an eligibility interview. If approved, you will get an EBT card for groceries within 10 days. EBT cards work in most food stores and farmers’ markets.

Google Translate

Source:

Google

Best for:

Everyone

Visit Google Translate to easily translate text from one language to another.

Household Water Assistance Program

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

The Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance to low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. This federally f​unded program helps low-income households pay down their residential water or wastewater bills. Visit for more information about how LIHWAP can help your household pay down your water or wastewater bills and how to apply.

Housing Assisstance for Ukrainians Program, RPB

Source:

CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB)

Best for:

Everyone

The Housing Assistance for Ukrainians (HAU) program was created to support the transition of recent Ukrainian arrivals and non-Ukrainian individuals displaced from Ukraine to long-term housing in California. HAU provides direct housing and utility assistance and housing support services to eligible households through partnerships with eight refugee-impacted county leads. Visit to learn more.

Housing Assistance for Ukrainians FAQ

Source:

CDSS' Refugee Programs Bureau

Best for:

Everyone, Government Staff

FAQ regarding HAU program overview, eligibility, and documentation

How to Change your Address - AR11

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

USCIS Guidance on how to complete a change of address

How to Recieve Free Health Screening

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

The Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP) is a free medical exam that includes tuberculous (TB) testing and vaccines. The exam also covers vaccines that are needed for green card applications. The exam is open to newly arrived refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and humanitarian parolees from Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, and Ukraine. Visit for more information and a list of clinics.

Introduction to Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Source:

Svitlo

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a card issued to you by USCIS. It allows you to work legally in the US during an authorized period. To apply for an EAD, you must fill out Form I-765 with USCIS. Visit to learn more about Employment Authorization, the documents you will need, and how to apply.

Introduction to Health Insurance

Source:

Nova Ukraine

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive; therefore, having health insurance is critical. Upon arrival in the U.S., you should obtain health insurance as soon as possible. This page describes health insurance options available to Ukrainians.

Introduction to Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Source:

Svitlo

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number assigned to every U.S. resident for life. Your identity and financial history in the U.S. are tied to this number. Visit to learn more about Social Security Numbers and how to apply.

Introduction to Transportation in the United States

Source:

Nova Ukraine

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Public transportation in the USA can be a challenge to navigate. Nova Ukraine provides an overview of transportation options and answers frequently asked questions.

Job Training and Employment Service Providers

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Service Providers

Visit for a list of Job Training and Employment Service Providers (including RSS), by county.

Learn about and apply for CalWORKS

Source:

BenefitsCal.com

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

CalWORKs helps with cash to pay for rent, housing, food, clothing, medical payments, and utilities for families with at least one child in the home. Visit for more information on eligibility and to apply online.

Letter Regarding Eligibility Date for Afghan Populations and Additional Acceptable Immigration Documentation Requirements

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

This letter provides County Welfare Departments with updated information regarding an extended eligibility date for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees and additional acceptable immigration documentation for Afghan arrivals.

Loans & Financial Education

Source:

Center for Economic Opportunity

Best for:

Everyone

The Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) offers financial coaching and small loans tailored to meet the practical needs of working families and new Americans. CEO specializes in making flexible, affordable consumer and microenterprise loans to borrowers with little access to traditional financing. Visit to learn more about CEO's loans, including auto, credit building, and immigration loans.

Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter No.: I 22-16

Source:

California Department of Health Care Services

Best for:

Government Staff

The purpose of this Medi-Cal Eligibility Division Information Letter (MEDIL) is to provide clarification regarding the documents typically provided to Ukrainians arriving in California, and the related Medi-Cal and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) eligibility for this population.

Online Translation

Source:

DeepL

Best for:

Everyone

DeepL provides online translation including type to translate, and translation of documents.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Alameda County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Alameda County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Contra Costa County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Contra Costa County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Los Angeles County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Los Angeles County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Sacramento County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Sacramento County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in San Diego County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in San Diego County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in San Francisco County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in San Francisco County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Santa Clara County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Santa Clara County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Overview of Services and Benefits in Stanislaus County

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

See a list of local service providers and benefits in Stanislaus County, including Resettlement Agencies.

Public Benefits for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs)

Source:

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Best for:

Everyone

Are you a Ukrainian individual, or non-Ukrainian individual who last habitually resided in Ukraine, who has been granted humanitarian parole? You may be eligible for federal “mainstream” (non-ORR funded) benefits, such as cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You may also be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services offered through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This document focuses on the benefits and services funded by ORR.

Public Housing Authorities by County

Source:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Best for:

Service Providers

Visit for a complete list of housing authorities in California, listed by county.

Re: Parole Process for Certain Afghan Parolees and the Extension of Parole Period for Certain Ukrainian Parolees: ACIN No. I-49-23

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

This letter provides County Welfare Departments (CWDs) with information on the extensions of parole for certain Afghan parolees and certain Ukrainian parolees.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

RCA is a cash assistance program for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid. RCA also includes employment and other social services to assist a refugee in becoming self-sufficient. Visit to find out more and apply online.

Refugee Health County Clinics

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Provides a list of all Refugee Health Clinics in California. The Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP) provides a free comprehensive health assessment to newly arrived refugees, asylees, victims of severe forms of human trafficking (federally certified), and other eligible entrants such as Special Immigrant Visa holders and those granted humanitarian parole from Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, and Ukraine.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies (RAs) assisting Uniting for Ukraine Arrivals in California

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Everyone

Visit for a complete list of Resettlement Agencies (RAs) assisting Uniting for Ukraine Arrivals in California. Agencies are listed by county and provide contact details.

Request a Fee Waiver for Immigration Forms (I-912)

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Use this form to request a fee waiver for certain immigration forms and services, based on a demonstrated inability to pay.

Requirements for a California Driver's License

Source:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

A California driver’s license (DL) is a card which grants permission to an individual to operate a motor vehicle. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides guidance on how to apply for, renew, or replace a driver's license.

Resolving Common Rent-Related Issues

Source:

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

This page has local legal information on residential renters’ issues including eviction notices, falling behind on rent, and challenges with landlords.

Resolving Landlord/ Tenant Issues in Orange County

Source:

Fair Housing Council of Orange County

Best for:

Service Providers

The Fair Housing Council of Orange County provides counseling concerning housing rights, obligations and laws, and answers questions about the rights and obligations of landlords or tenants. Visit for frequently asked questions, or to connect with a trained counselor to resolve any landlord/tenant disuptes.

Resource Guide for Ukrainian Newcomers - English

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

CDSS's Resource Guide provides a helpful overview for Ukrainian Newcomers, covering topics including Social Security, School Enrollment, Medical Care, Housing, Driver's License, Public Charge, Legal Aid, and Public Assistance Benefits.

Revision of All County Welfare Directors Letter

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

This erratum letter provides County Welfare Departments with a revision to Attachment B of the All County Welfare Director’s Letter dated July 6, 2022, regarding benefits eligibility for humanitarian parolees from Ukraine.

Russian-speaking Therapists

Source:

Psychology Today

Best for:

Everyone

A list of Russian-speaking therapists offering services throughout California. Visit for contact details to request services.

Sample Letter & Forms for Sacramento Renters

Source:

Renters Helpline

Best for:

Everyone

Sacramento Renters Helpline provides sample letters and forms for common situations, including evictions, rent increases, housing repairs, harassment, and security deposits.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

USCIS provides guidance on Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians, important dates, and details on how to apply.

Translation and Interpretation Services

Source:

Tajimly

Best for:

Everyone

Tajimly offers free and affordable remote interpretation and translation services to non-profit organisations, humanitarian volunteers, social workers, and direct to refugees and immigrants. Tarjimly's free mobile app connects multi-lingual volunteers direct to those in need of language assistance.

Troubleshooting: Extension Not yet received for Ukrainians Paroled into the US

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

For Ukrainians Paroled into the US who have not yet received their extention, complete this USCIS Form. Select Topic: “I-94/ Traveler Compliance” and Applicable Issue: “Ukrainians Paroled into US - Russia Invasion”.

Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees Eligible for ORR Benefits and Services: Policy Letter 22-13

Source:

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Best for:

Government Staff

The purpose of this policy letter (PL) is to inform ORR grantees that as of May 21, 2022, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (AUSAA) authorizes ORR to provide resettlement assistance and other benefits available for refugees to specific Ukrainian populations and other non-Ukrainian individuals in response to their displacement from Ukraine and entry into the United States.

Ukrainian-speaking Therapists

Source:

Psychology Today

Best for:

Everyone

A list of Ukrainian-speaking therapists offering services throughout California. Visit for contact details to request services.

Uniting for Ukraine

Source:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Best for:

Everyone

Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily for up to two years. Visit this page for more information on how to apply, eligibility requirements, and what to expect.

What to do about Housing Discrimination

Source:

CA Civil Rights Department

Best for:

Service Providers

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against or harass someone because of a protected characteristic, such as their gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. The law also requires reasonable accommodations for disabilities and prohibits retaliation against someone for exercising their rights. Visit to learn more about what discrimination looks like, available remedies, and the complaints process.

myMedi-Cal: How To Get the Health Care You Need (in Ukrainian)

Source:

California Department of Health Care Services

Best for:

UHPs & Sponsors

Online guidebook, in Urkainian. “My Medi-Cal: How to Get the Health Care You Need” tells Californians how to apply for Medi-Cal for no-cost or low-cost health insurance. You will learn what you must do to qualify. This guide also tells you how to use your Medi-Cal benefits. It tells you when to report changes.

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