Monterey County 211 is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service that connects people in Monterey County to essential community resources. Residents can get help with housing, food, health care, employment, disaster services, and more.

We provide former foster youth in California with Dependency Letters (also called Verification Letters or Ward of the Court Letters).

CalFresh is California’s food assistance program that helps individuals and families buy food. Eligible residents receive monthly benefits on an EBT card, which can be used at grocery stores. CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

Xfinity’s $15 Internet Essentials Plan is an affordable home internet service designed for eligible low-income households. For $15 per month, it offers reliable high-speed internet with no credit check, no contract, and free equipment.

TruConnect’s Lifeline Program offers free phone service including talk, text, and data to eligible low-income individuals through federal and state assistance programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and SSI.  No contracts, credit checks, or commitments required.

iFoster is a nonprofit that connects youth in foster care with free or discounted resources like technology, education, and essential services to help them succeed and thrive.

The Epicenter in Salinas is a youth-led resource center that provides support, services, and advocacy for young people ages 16–24. It offers help with housing, education, employment, mental health, and leadership opportunities in a safe, inclusive space.

Unity Care helps prevent homelessness among young adults ages 18–24 who are aging out of foster care by providing a Housing-First Continuum of Care. Their approach includes stable housing, education support, job readiness, mental and physical well-being, and unconditional care to guide youth toward independent, successful lives.

The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) for tax year 2024 provides up to $1,154 per eligible individual, or $2,308 for couples if both qualify. It offers cash back or reduces taxes owed. To qualify, individuals must be ages 18–25, have been in California foster care at age 13 or older, qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), and complete Form FTB 3514 with foster care verification.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights protects all youth in California foster care, including those on probation in out-of-home placements. It outlines over 40 rights designed to ensure safety, dignity, and support for youth living in foster homes, group homes, and licensed care facilities.

This promotional flyer provides an overview of CalKIDS, California’s college savings account program. CalKIDS provides up to $1,500 in free money for eligible public school students with experience in foster care or homelessness to save for college and career training.