Extreme Heat, Housing, Healthcare, Food & Financial Resources
July 2021
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
While we can’t escape the extreme heat, there are certain steps we can take to reduce its risks and protect our loved ones until the temperatures cool.
- As temperatures rise, utilities expenses often do as well. Click here to see if you qualify (and sign up for) a lower utility bill. Visit California Public Utilities Commission webpage to find out more about saving money on the extra energy costs associated with extreme weather.
- When hot weather pushes up energy demand to available capacity, we may experience flex alerts, and even rolling blackouts. Receiving notification of these makes them easier to navigate. Sign up for flex alert notifications, and track them on Facebook and Twitter.
- The splash pad at Rio de Los Angeles State Park can offer families with kids relief on hot days. Click here for a map of all the splash pads and pools where kids can go to stay cool.
- Last summer, some cooling centers were limited to use by the elderly and young children due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Since the June 15 statewide reopening, cooling centers have been available to all. Click shere for a map of the cooling centers near you.
- Since animals can’t tell us when something’s wrong, it’s important for pet owners to stay informed about the options available to help keep our four-legged family members healthy. The American Veterinary Medical Association, Humane Society and ASPCA are providing helpful information for protecting our pets during the summer via social media.
- Cars get very hot. Never leave children or pets in cars, and call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
- Beware of heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke, and call 911 if you see these symptoms: high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin.
- Keep cooling wraps around your home and vehicle, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated throughout the day.
- If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Avoid hard workouts if wearing face coverings/masks not intended for athletic purposes.
Thank you in advance for checking-in on those who have health conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, and vulnerable persons who live alone.
Here are some resources to support your family, friends, and neighbors this summer:
HOUSING RESOURCES
Behind on rent?
Visit my Housing is Key webpage to apply for rent and utilities relief.
Fighting eviction?
Check out tenant resources and landlord - tenant disputes to learn how to access legal services, tenants rights, and other advocacy groups.
Experiencing homelessness?
Visit the Homeless Shelters Directory webpage for information on the shelter(s) nearest you. You can also text your zip code to 898211.
HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
Covid-19
Check out my COVID-19 webpage for vaccine information.
County of Los Angeles COVID-19 webpage for testing information.
California COVID-19 Response webpage for updates.
Covered CA
Visit Covered CA to sign up for low cost health, vision, and dental insurance plans for as little as $1 per month through the Covered CA marketplace. Subsidies available for families making up to $154,000. Extended enrollment deadlines available.
Medi-Cal
Visit Medi-Cal to sign up for no-cost health, vision, and dental insurance under Medi-Cal. Low-income California children and youth under age 26 may apply regardless of immigration status. Low-income adults over age 26 with Social Security Numbers may also apply.
More options
County Medical Services Program offers no-cost CMSP health, vision, and dental plans for adults not able to sign up for Medi-Cal because of their age and immigration status. Visit Free Clinic Directory to find a free clinic near you, regardless of age, income, immigration status, etc.
FOOD RESOURCES
Baby food
Enroll in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program if you are pregnant or have a child under 5 years old. WIC has formula, food, breastfeeding help, healthcare, and other resources for pregnant women, new moms, babies, and infants.
Food banks
Visit Feeding America for information on the food bank(s) nearest you. You can also text your zip code to 800-548-6479.
School meals
Check out the CA Meals for Kids Mobile Application. Visit the Summer Meals Service Sites webpage to access SFSP and find meals for kids during holidays, vacations, over the weekend, and any other days that school meals are unavailable. You can also text FOOD to 877877 to find free summer meals near you.
Food for seniors
Visit California Department of Aging for nutrition sites and home-delivered meals.
Pay less for food
CalFresh also known as SNAP gives money to individuals and families for food from supermarkets, farmers markets, and more.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Not currently working
Access the Employment Development Department (EDD). EDD processes pandemic unemployment compensation, pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, pandemic unemployment assistance, unemployment insurance, paid family leave, and disability claims so you can get by without a paycheck.
Find a good job
CalJobs has job search and career coaching tools, as well as employment centers where you can get whatever you need in person.
Providing for kids
Sign up for CalWORKS also known as TANF, so you can access money for families who need help paying for housing and other basic needs. Enroll in Headstart, so you can access early childhood education centers, food programs, and other resources to support both kids and parents.
CalEITC, CA Young Child Tax Credit & Golden State Stimulus
Visit my CalEITC webpage to learn how to file your state income tax return for free and see if you qualify for up to $3,000 from CalEITC, up to $1,000 from the CA Young Child Tax Credit, up to $1,200 in Golden State Stimulus I, and up to $1,100 in Golden State Stimulus II.
65+ or disabled
SSI gives money to adults and kids with disabilities, as well as to seniors who need help paying for housing and other basic needs.
Save on utilities
CARE/FERA/CSD and other programs offer lower rates on nearly all utility, gas, and electrical power bills no matter where you live.
Home internet you can afford
Visit my webpage to find affordable broadband options and low-cost home internet plans.
Get a phone
California LifeLine offers discounted home telephone and/or cell phone plans so every person can make and receive calls.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
211 Los Angeles County
Visit the 211 LA website and access resources for persons experiencing homelessness, partners fleeing domestic violence, runaway teens, Californians displaced by wildfires, and more. You can also call 211 to speak with a specialist who can help you.
My office’s top priority is ensuring that you have access to the support you need. Please visit my website or call 213 483 5151 if you need assistance accessing resources for your family or business.
In service,
Wendy Carrillo
Assemblywoman, 51st District