Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness—including living temporarily with others, in motels, shelters, or unstable housing—have important rights and protections.
The Petaluma Family Resource Center at McDowell School (FRC) serves the many low-income and vulnerable families at McDowell Elementary School and is now expanding to support families throughout Petaluma City Schools.
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HomeFirst is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Sonoma County. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including emergency shelter, interim housing, street outreach, and case management. Their programs prioritize individuals and families with the greatest needs, connecting them to permanent housing solutions and supportive services.
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Keep People Housed is a countywide initiative aimed at preventing homelessness by offering temporary financial assistance and supportive services to residents at risk of losing their housing. The program provides aid for back rent, move-in costs, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. Priority is given to households facing the highest risk of homelessness, and participants engage in housing-focused services tailored to their needs.
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Una Vida is a grassroots nonprofit organization in Petaluma dedicated to empowering vulnerable families and fostering community connections. They combat hunger through regular food pantries and host biannual clothing giveaways to ensure families have access to essential resources. Additionally, Una Vida engages local gardeners in their Food Security Garden Network, distributing fresh produce to those in need. Their mission centers on building community, inspiring change, and promoting a lifestyle of service.
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The Keep People Housed – Sonoma County Homelessness Prevention Program provides temporary financial assistance and services to eligible Sonoma County residents at high risk of homelessness or housing loss. Assistance can include back rent, move-in costs, rental assistance, utilities, and other housing-related expenses. Households prioritized for assistance must be willing to engage in housing-focused services for up to six months or more, depending on the household's situation.
HomeFirst’s Petaluma Outreach Team supports people experiencing homelessness on the streets and in encampments in South Sonoma County. Call (707) 277-1407
Services:
At PPSC, we are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all individuals and families. Whether you're in need of fair housing assistance or searching for rental assistance opportunities, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Visit WebsiteUna Vida fights hunger by hosting food pantries for the community. Current times are: the first and third Tuesday of every month from 4:00-5:00pm at Hillside Church (2689 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma) and every Saturday at 11:30am at United Church of Christ (825 Middlefield Drive, Petaluma).
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The Redwood Empire Food Bank has many programs to help get food to Sonoma County families: the Food Connections Resource Center, Groceries to Go, Produce Pantry, the Food Connections Market, Food Distribution sites, and the Food for Independence program. There is also a Summer Lunch program, a Diaper Bank, and Senior Baskets.
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CalFresh (also known as SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps) is a nutrition assistance program which helps individuals and families purchase healthy foods. CalFresh benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card—like an ATM card. You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores, neighborhood stores and farmers’ markets.
Call us for assistance at 707-523-7903
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Petaluma Health Center patients are greeted with a weekly farm stand that operates June through October. Additionally, low-income patients are provided discounted prices (up to 50%) on all produce.
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Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:45-2:00, they provide free food to take home: 35 Liberty St, Petaluma
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Sonoma County Library cardholders have free online access to Tutor.com. Tutor.com’s expert tutors offer one-on-one, real-time tutoring in over 40 subjects and test preparation areas.
Connecting with an online tutor is easy and free. You just need a library card and a computer or mobile device with internet access.
Live one-to-one help is available 1-10 pm (Sunday to Saturday). SkillsCenter resources are available 24/7. (available for all students)
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Students get 1-on-1 tutoring for math and reading completely free. We help kids unlock their potential by connecting them with exceptional tutors online. (available for all students)
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Up to $1,500 scholarship award for eligible graduating seniors to help fund college and career training expenses.
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For 12th grade students who have experienced homelessness in the last 6 years and would like to succeed in higher education and/or the workforce. $2,500 scholarship award & monthly stipends of up to $100 throughout college!
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This guide can assist current and former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth in understanding the types of financial aid available for college, important steps to maximize the amount of aid received, and tips for maintaining aid eligibility once enrolled.
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Through collaborative efforts with community partners, advocacy for policy change, and the provision of supportive services, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive housing environment that empowers students to achieve academic success and pursue their personal and academic aspirations without the burden of housing insecurity.
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What kind of life do you want after high school? CaliforniaColleges.edu will help you figure it out and give you the tools to make it happen. (link to slides)
The PPSC RYSE program supports youth in obtaining long term, sustainable employment. Youth work with a Career and Education Specialist through an individualized plan to gain the necessary experience and skills needed for employment in the field of their choice.
As the PPSC RYSE program is federally funded, youth need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify (in school youth, ages 16-21 must have an IEP or 504 plan; out of school youth, ages 16-24, with barriers including being unhoused)
Visit WebsiteWe provide the following services for families in the Petaluma City Schools District: Liaison between parents and school; Referrals for health, employment, food, and housing; Referrals and Workshops for Immigration and Naturalization; Crafts and Conversation; Healthy Cooking and Nutrition Classes; Financial Literacy Classes; Mental Health referrals and support programs
Learn MorePPSC is dedicated to improving the social and economic health of our community by providing programs that strengthen the dignity and self-sufficiency of the individual.
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This Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) is committed to providing high-quality healthcare with access for all, regardless of their housing situation.
Visit WebsiteEvery Tuesday and Thursday from 12:45-2:00, they provide free food to take home, free clothes and sometimes gift cards as well.
Visit WebsiteThe following resources are available to unsheltered families in the Petaluma and Sonoma County area.
Please visit the California Department of Education website for resources related to homeless students' rights to enroll and participate fully in school.
Visit WebsiteLocal educational agencies (LEAs) must ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness are able to participate fully in school activities, and that barriers to identification, enrollment, and retention in school are identified and removed. Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:
This information has been created to help provide direct referrals to local agencies if the families you have called for the homeless point in time count are requesting assistance. This is not intended to be a complete and thorough list, however, it will provide basic information if you are asked during any phone calls collecting count data.
At risk of homelessness (those couch surfing or about to lose their place of residence)
Community Action Partnership (707) 544-6911 can provide rental assistance through the HCS fund and can help connect people with the Seasons of Sharing fund.
Homelessness Prevention Program 707-528-8712
Offers assistance and resources to help avoid entering the homeless system of care, credit and financial counseling.
707-575-8342 rental and Utility assistance
Application information: Applications are made by calling the Family Support Center at (707)542-5426. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm. Staff will contact applicants within 1 business day to begin the application process or to add the applicant to the waitlist.
Intake information/waitlist information: Call (707) 756-6530 extension 300 for a phone screening and to sign up for the waiting list. Additional information: Families must be vaccinated or in the process of getting vaccinated to qualify for admittance.
The Rose (Santa Rosa) for women with children, boys up to age 11. Intake information: 30 day clean and sober emergency shelter. Intakes done Monday-Friday 11am12pm and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. at 101 6th Street, Santa Rosa. For more information 707-573-0490 Spots are filled on a first come-first served basis.
Intake information: The Safe House provides refuge in a confidential location for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children fleeing domestic violence. Families seeking safety from domestic violence can call the hotline (707) 546-1234 to discuss options, including theYWCA’s residential program known as the Safe House.
System for additional referrals. Dial 2-1-1 or 800-325-9604
(707) 565-5500 provides temporary help for families with children who have little or no money. We also help adults caring for a child prepare for a job, then find and keep a job, so they can support their families.
Referral system for homeless housing projects in Sonoma County. Referral is not guaranteed due to high demand of housing needs in Sonoma County. If the family qualifies for enrollment, and a housing opportunity comes up they will be contacted through this system. Multiple access sites listed throughout the county.
Flyers Available Here
