Local Community Resources
October 2025: Assistance Available for Food, Housing, and Other Needs
LA County is mobilizing resources to support residents affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. While wildfire survivors may be especially vulnerable, assistance is available for all Los Angeles County residents.
FREE Meal Programs at LA County Parks
LA County Parks offer FREE nutritious meals at park sites across Los Angeles County –available to all, regardless of income.
Youth Snack Program
48 parks | Ages 17 & under | Mon–Fri | 3–4 p.m.
Teen Supper Program
16 parks | Ages 12–18 | Mon–Fri | 7 p.m. | Registration required
Senior Nutrition Program
9 parks | Ages 60+ | Mon–Fri | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Pre-registration required
For info and locations, click here.
You can also support and expand these programs by donating to the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation.
Additional Food Assistance
LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Food is available now for anyone who needs it and supplies will be increased for the month of November. For food assistance, people can visit their local food pantry or find one near them by checking here or calling 2-1-1.
- Wise & Healthy Aging, a community-based, nonprofit organization, advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services.
WISE & Healthy Aging - Medicare and SilverSneakers: Several of the Medicare insurance programs have a free benefit called SilverSneakers, anonline exercise, nutrition and balance exercise resource. To check your eligibility, click here
- The City of Santa Monica offers a wide variety of community programs for older adults to live and thrive within the City, including affordable housing, transportation, supportive services, safety net services, and social/recreational activities. santamonica.gov – Senior Living
- American Red Cross Blood Donations The American Red Cross holds blood drives throughout the year. Click here for more info and to sign up.
- The People Concern provides essential, integrated services to thousands of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. Download their Help from Home list. View their Helpful Resources list here, and list of Santa Monica local laws.
- Meals on Wheels: mealsonwheelswest.org
- Santa Monica Transportation Service (MODE): Mobility On-Demand Every Day Program – Big Blue Bus
What is MODE? MODE (Mobility on Demand Every Day) which is an affordable travel option for seniors and adults with disabilities, has expanded its hours of operation. The service is available Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please note that you must register with Big Blue Bus to use this service. You can apply online at: bigbluebus.com/mode or call 310-458-6633 for more information.
For more information or questions, contact Anne Premer: a.premer@santamonica.umc.org.
Senior Care and Caregiver Resource
Caring.com: Free and informative resource to help families who are looking for either a senior living community or help with in-home care.
Bereavement Community Resources
St. Monica Catholic Church: Santa Monica: Ongoing, dedicated 10 week bereavement support group open to the community: (310) 566-1500
WISE and Healthy Aging: Santa Monica
Bereavement support groups for senior citizens
Contact WISE at (310) 394-9871, extension 373
Cancer Support Community: West Los Angeles : Bereavement support groups for family and friends impacted by cancer: (310)314-2555
Tranquil Hospice Bereavement Support Groups: Santa Monica
Ongoing bereavement support groups open to the community: (310) 264-8413
Grief Haven: Pacific Palisades
Resources and support groups for parents who have lost a child of any age
www.griefhaven.org: (310) 459-1789
Always feel free to contact our Congregation Care Associate, Anne Premer at (310)393-8258 ext 103, if you have questions or would like further information.