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Hand holding cell phoneThere are lots of resources available to the people of Contra Costa County.  However, people don’t always know how to find them.  In any part of California, you can call 211 for information about lots of resources.  But, did you also know that Information & Assistance (1-800-510-2020) is a resource hotline especially for seniors?  Here’s what you need to know about the two numbers.

211 Contra Costa

The Contra Costa Crisis Center runs the 211 hotline.  That means that if you call 211 in Contra Costa County, you will be directed to a 24-hour hotline.  The people who answer are trained in crisis management, including if you are in a mental health crisis.  211 has no age or income limits.  They also know about a lot of resources for meeting basic needs, including:

  • Shelter and housing
  • Food assistance
  • Mental health
  • Family support
  • Health and dental care
  • Financial services
  • Legal Services
  • Education and job training
  • Seniors and disabled adults

Click here to check out the 211 database online.  Additionally, you can text “HOPE” to 20121 to get in touch with a Crisis Center counselor.  The Crisis Center also has a Mobile Grief Response Team for grief and crisis counseling at schools and businesses following a death or disaster.

Information & Assistance

The Information & Assistance helpline also provides referrals for many services in Contra Costa.  However, the services specifically are for seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.  Contra Costa’s Department of Employment & Human Services runs the helpline.  The main number for Information & Assistance is 1-800-510-2020, which is the Senior Information Line for all California through the Department of Aging.  You can call that number from anywhere in California to reach similar services.  The helpline operates Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Information & Assistance can help you find:

  • Support groups for caregivers of seniors or disabled adults
  • Information on health issues related to aging
  • Housing resource listings, including low-cost housing
  • Information on special transportation services
  • Emergency food resources and nutrition sites
  • Resources to help with utility payments
  • Employment and/or volunteer opportunities
  • Resources for hiring in-home help
  • Resources for Adult Day Care for caregiver respite
  • Medicare counseling referrals
  • Resources for emergency response systems and disaster preparedness
  • Resources for government and veterans’ benefits programs

To reach Information & Assistance:

  • Landlines in Contra Costa, call toll free (800) 510-2020
  • Cell phones or outside Contra Costa, call (925) 229-8434
  • TDD line for the hearing impaired, call (925) 602-4198
  • Email: infoandassist@ehsd.cccounty.us