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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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211: Find Services in your Zip Code
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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.

Source:

2-1-1 and United Way

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Affordable Apartments by County
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Visit to find affordable housing options in your county. The list is updated quarterly.

Source:

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

Best for:

Service Providers

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

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

Everyone

Are you a California Resident for tax purposes?
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Visit to learn more about California Residency as it applies to taxes. Proivdes answers to important questions on filing requirements.

Source:

California Franchise Tax Board

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Beauty Licensing Recognition in US
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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

Source:

Community Member submitted resource

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Everyone

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

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

California Immigrant Guide
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This guide features services with English language learning, workforce skill development, naturalization preparation, or legal assistance. 

Source:

State of California

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Everyone

California Low Cost Internet Plans
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Visit to navigate the dashboard and find opportunities in your neighborhood for low cost internet plans.

Source:

California Public Utilities Commission

Best for:

Everyone

California Public Benefits Fact Sheet
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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.

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Everyone

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

Source:

Housing.ca.gov

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Everyone

California Tenants Rights & Responsibilities Guide
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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.

Source:

California Department of Real Estate

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Everyone

Commonly Used Immigration Documents
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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.

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Community Legal Aid in Southern California
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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.

Source:

Community Legal Aid SoCal

Best for:

Service Providers

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
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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.

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

Everyone

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) - Sacramento
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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.

Source:

Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA)

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Correcting Info on I-94, CBP Deferred Inspection Sites
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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.

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

Everyone

Discounted Phone and Internet Services through Lifeline
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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.

Source:

California Public Utilities Commission

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Drivers Education Materials
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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.

Source:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Eligibility of Ukrainian Nationals for Federal and State Benefits
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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.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

Employment Authorized Document (EAD) for Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees
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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.

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Find Financial Assistance for Rent Hardship and other Housing Resources
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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.

Source:

Legal Help FAQs

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Service Providers

Find Free Tax Preparation
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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.

Source:

Inland Revenue Service

Best for:

Everyone

Find Help by UC Davis Health
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Search and connect to support. Financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help available.

Source:

University of California - Davis, Health

Best for:

Everyone

Find Low Cost Auto Insurance
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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.

Source:

California Department of Insurance

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Find Resources for Common Housing Issues in California
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Provides resources for common housing issues, including evictions, homelessness, security deposits, and housing discrimination.

Source:

LawHelpCA.org

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Find a Local Foodbank
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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.

Source:

California Association of Food Banks

Best for:

Everyone

Find a Local Foodbank (CDSS)
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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.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Find a Local Foodbank - Sacramento
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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.

Source:

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Find out what Benefits You are Eligible For
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This questionnaire can help find benefits you may be eligible to receive and where to apply. Visit to complete the questionnaire.

Source:

Benefits.gov

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Food and Nutrition Assistance for Women with Children
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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.

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Free Tax Filiing in California with United Way
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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.

Source:

United Way

Best for:

Everyone

Free phone & service plus 2 months of Amazon Prime
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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.

Source:

TruConnect

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Frequently Asked Questions on Housing Rights
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Central California Legal Services provides answers to commonly asked housing questions, including dealing with evictions, security deposits, and repairs.

Source:

Central California Legal Services

Best for:

Service Providers

Get Help Paying your Energy Bills
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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.

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Get Money for Food
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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.

Source:

CalFresh

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

Google

Best for:

Everyone

Household Water Assistance Program
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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.

Source:

California Department of Community Services and Development

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Housing Assisstance for Ukrainians Program, RPB
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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.

Source:

CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau (RPB)

Best for:

Everyone

Housing Assistance for Ukrainians FAQ
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FAQ regarding HAU program overview, eligibility, and documentation

Source:

CDSS' Refugee Programs Bureau

Best for:

Everyone, Government Staff

How to Change your Address - AR11
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USCIS Guidance on how to complete a change of address

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

How to Recieve Free Health Screening
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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.

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Introduction to Health Insurance
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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.

Source:

Nova Ukraine

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

Nova Ukraine

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Service Providers

Learn about and apply for CalWORKS
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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.

Source:

BenefitsCal.com

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

Loans & Financial Education
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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.

Source:

Center for Economic Opportunity

Best for:

Everyone

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

Source:

California Department of Health Care Services

Best for:

Government Staff

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

Source:

DeepL

Best for:

Everyone

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Public Benefits for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs)
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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.

Source:

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Best for:

Everyone

Public Housing Authorities by County
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Visit for a complete list of housing authorities in California, listed by county.

Source:

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

Best for:

Service Providers

Re: Parole Process for Certain Afghan Parolees and the Extension of Parole Period for Certain Ukrainian Parolees: ACIN No. I-49-23
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This letter provides County Welfare Departments (CWDs) with information on the extensions of parole for certain Afghan parolees and certain Ukrainian parolees.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
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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.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Refugee Health County Clinics
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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.

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

California Department of Public Health

Best for:

Everyone

Request a Fee Waiver for Immigration Forms (I-912)
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Use this form to request a fee waiver for certain immigration forms and services, based on a demonstrated inability to pay.

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Everyone

Requirements for a California Driver's License
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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.

Source:

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Resolving Common Rent-Related Issues
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This page has local legal information on residential renters’ issues including eviction notices, falling behind on rent, and challenges with landlords.

Source:

​

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Resolving Landlord/ Tenant Issues in Orange County
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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.

Source:

Fair Housing Council of Orange County

Best for:

Service Providers

Resource Guide for Ukrainian Newcomers - English
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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.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Revision of All County Welfare Directors Letter
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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.

Source:

California Department of Social Services

Best for:

Government Staff

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

Source:

Psychology Today

Best for:

Everyone

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

Source:

Renters Helpline

Best for:

Everyone

TAGS
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Source:

​

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

Translation and Interpretation Services
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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.

Source:

Tajimly

Best for:

Everyone

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

Source:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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

Source:

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Best for:

Government Staff

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

Source:

Psychology Today

Best for:

Everyone

Uniting for Ukraine
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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.

Source:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Best for:

Everyone

What to do about Housing Discrimination
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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.

Source:

CA Civil Rights Department

Best for:

Service Providers

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

Source:

California Department of Health Care Services

Best for:

Clients & Community Members

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