The City of Encinitas is engaged with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and local charitable organizations to help protect residents experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Emergency Shelter during COVID-19

Those experiencing homelessness are some of the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak because they do not have access to a safe place to stay at home per the Governor’s order, nor do unsheltered people have a place to self-isolate if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Cities and Counties across the State are looking into providing temporary shelter to “high-risk” individuals that are not experiencing symptoms and who are unable to self-isolate. “High-risk” is defined by FEMA as individuals that are 65 years and older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

In addition, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency has secured hotel rooms for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to self-isolate. If an unsheltered person in Encinitas is identified as having symptoms, they can call 2-1-1 for information and access to resources.

Community Resource Center continues to provide food assistance and wrap-around services to assist low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness. Jewish Family Service also continues to operate the Safe Parking Lot Program.

Other steps being taken by the City include:

• Handwashing stations are in place throughout the City
• Coordinating with the County to provide hygiene kits to unsheltered individuals
• Providing educational and awareness information about COVID-19

Programs & Services

2-1-1 as a Resource for COVID-19
2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 confidential phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of the County. If you need assistance finding food, paying housing, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, you can call 2-1-1 for help or visit their Community Resources website.

St. Andrews Church Food Pantry
Every Thursday from 3-4 p.m., St. Andrews Church sets up a supermarket-style food pantry to serve the community. Fresh produce, meat, canned goods, rice, beans, baby food, etc. is available to anyone who needs it. No proof of need is required. .

Community Resource Center (CRC)
The CRC offers many services, including food assistance and wrap-around services to assist low-income residents and those experiencing homelessness.

CRC is continuing to provide services in their Food and Nutrition Center (FNC), Integrative Services (IS), and Domestic Violence departments.

The current hours are as follows:

• Food & Nutrition Center: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Integrative Services: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Those in need of assistance outside of these hours, can email CRC intake desk at intake@crcncc.org or call (760) 300-3238. Those in need of Domestic Violence resources can call CRC 24-hour hotline at (877) 633-1112.

North County Shelters

The Alliance for Regional Solutions (ARS)

ARS is a coalition of North San Diego County Cities and social service agencies working together to create practical solutions to emerging community needs. View a list of shelters in North County.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) operates Safe Parking Programs in San Diego and one lot in Encinitas. For more information on their program, visit the JFSSD website or call (858) 637-3373.

VA San Diego Healthcare System Resource Guide

The Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System has published a Resource Guide with resources available to veterans. Contact the San Diego Disabled Veterans hotline, (888) 385-4657 for daily bed availability at various shelters and other local resources.

How to Help

Contact local homeless service providers to see if they need donations or volunteers.