Advocacy & Referral Services

2-1-1 San Diego is a trusted, local nonprofit organization with connections to 6,000-plus community, health, disaster services and much more.

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.

AARP CA is one of AARP’s state offices and is located in Pasadena, California. By sharing practical resources, holding fun activities and events, AARP CA is providing opportunities to connect and help build an even stronger California for all ages to live, work and play.

Under the umbrella of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.

The Department contracts with the network of 33 Area Agencies on Aging, who directly manage a wide array of federal and state-funded services that provide meals, help finding employment; supportive services to assist older individuals as well as younger adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible; promote healthy aging and community involvement; and support family members in their vital care giving role.

CDA also contracts with 38 agencies that operate the Multipurpose Senior Services Program through the Medi-Cal home and community-based waiver for the elderly and certifies approximately 242 Adult Day Health Care Centers for participation in the Medi-Cal Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) Program.

To promote the Department’s goal of every Californian having the opportunity to enjoy wellness, longevity and quality of life in strong healthy communities, CDA actively collaborates with many other State departments (and other entities) on transportation, housing and accessibility, emergency preparedness and response, wellness and nutrition, falls and injury prevention, improving services to persons with dementia, reducing fraud and abuse and many other issues.

Community Resource Center is a non-profit organization that assists in securing healthy food, stable homes, and safe relationships in San Diego North County.

Offers free counsel and advice sessions on a wide variety of legal issues for seniors ages 60 and older. Those issues include financial elder abuse, landlord/tenant problems, real estate issues, debt problems, contract issues, social security and other benefits cases, and consumer problems. Also provides will forms and instructions on how to complete them but does not draft or notarize will forms. Assists with powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and various affidavits.

Elder Help of San Diego provides personalized information and services which help seniors remain independent and live with dignity in their homes. 

HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare. Volunteer counselors can help you understand your specific rights and health care options. HICAP also offers free educational presentations to groups of Medicare beneficiaries, their families and/or providers on a variety of Medicare and other health insurance related topics. 

JFS provides essential services to people regardless of religion, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ability, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation. Services for older adults include:

• Aging Care Services—Providing comprehensive assessment, consultation, planning, coordination of services, and advocacy in the realm of care management.

• Congregate Dining—In-person congregate dining is offered throughout San Diego for adults aged 60 years and older. All lunches are served kosher style.

• Friendly Visitors (Bikkur Holim)—Matches older adults with caring volunteers who offer companionship and a steady connection to the community through weekly in-home visits.

• Home Delivered Meals—A volunteer-supported delivery service, providing kosher-style meals and wellness checks for older adults and those who are homebound by disability.

• JFS Fix-it Service—Free minor home-safety repairs for low‑income older adults.

• On the Go: Transportation Solutions—Flexible individual and group transportation for riders ages 60+.

• Serving Our Survivors (SOS)—A comprehensive support service to help Holocaust Survivors maintain their health, independence, and connection to the community throughout San Diego and Orange County.

• Social & Wellness Centers—Social day programs providing education and enrichment activities, exercise, entertainment, and hot kosher lunch for adults ages 60+.

San Diego County's Aging and Independence Services agency offers assistance, information, and referrals to older adults, those with disabilities, and their family members. Our services and programs help people stay safe, healthy, and as independent as possible.

This senior services guide will help you find a wide variety of resources for people 55+. Find agencies, non-profit services, disabled services, and companies offering care, and products.

Serving Seniors is a nonprofit organization in San Diego, California, serving low-income older adults aged 60 and above. They help poor and homeless seniors thrive using an innovative model of whole-person, wraparound support including meals, housing, health and social services, and lifelong learning.

This comprehensive guide is intended for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Its purpose is to provide accurate information for those who need transportation. This guide has a broader reach than 211, DIAL A RIDE, FACT (FACILITATING ACCESS TO COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION), and ON THE GO, which can also be found on this website. It has been carefully compiled by Mr. Cole Neder, who is a Master of Public Administration and Senior Transit Planner for the Denver Regional Council of Governments.