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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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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

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Service Providers

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

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Service Providers

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

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Service Providers

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

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)

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Service Providers

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Service Providers

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)

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Service Providers

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:

Legal Help FAQs

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Clients & Community

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

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Service Providers

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

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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

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Government Staff

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

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Government Staff

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

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Government Staff

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)

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Government Staff

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

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Government Staff

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

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Government Staff

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

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Government Staff

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

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Clients & Community

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

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Clients & Community

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