Home Start’s Communities in Action Program (CinA) helps San Diego families move toward safety, empowerment and connection by providing tools and increasing options for self-determination, financial independence, and healthy choices.
This program offers a hand up through support services designed to help move individuals and families towards self-sufficiency. Services are tailored to the client’s specific needs and each client is treated as a partner in the creation of individualized service plans.
Based inside the Jacobs Center in downtown San Diego, the Communities In Action Hub is the go-to resource center for a wide range of needs. Walk-ins are welcome and case managers are available to help visitors obtain all of the information and provisions available to them.
The Communities In Action continuum of care includes:
Hygienic Supplies
The CinA hub is a central location where essential hygienic supplies can be found for those in need. Diapers, toothbrushes, dry socks and other basic elements that provide a minimum level of comfort and integrity are made available. Most of these supplies are donated from businesses and individuals and are constantly in demand. Find out more about how you can help at the bottom of this page.
Financial Literacy
The financial literacy program has no income restrictions and includes individualized personal coaching on techniques for managing a budget, improving a credit score, consolidating education loans, and preparing and filing taxes. Financial planning is an important step in recovering one’s place in society and creating the building blocks to success.
Tax Assistance
Tax assistance is offered through an amazing partnership with the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). Our tax program assists an average of 1,800 people every year. Assistance is available year-round, including back-tax filing, for families with a household income under $52,000. Getting on top of taxes can provide a powerful sense of taking back control.
Job Readiness
Staff can assist in job searching and ensure resumes are up-to-date and HR ready. They can help sharpen interview skills and offer advice on conversations regarding promotions and pay increases. There is a group designed specifically to help those exiting the state prison system find employment. There is also opportunity to enroll in an in-depth workforce training program offered to small groups of twelve individuals who undergo four weeks of classroom learning followed by six weeks of on-the-job training at the Home Start Thrift Boutique. A great start toward full-time employment.
Resource Referrals
Providing direction toward available resources is another important way Communities In Action interacts with the broader range of services available in the city. They are able to guide those with specific needs toward partner agencies such as Cal Fresh, MediCal, vocational training, transportation, and work wardrobe through a partnership with Sharia’s Closet. San Diego offers so many great programs and the CinA hub helps users navigate the system and discover all of the resources available.
Eligibility Requirements:
Eligible families must be receiving Public Assistance, SSI, Low Income or No Income and live in one of the following communities: 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92134, 92136, 92139 or 92182.
How Can You Help?
Communities In Action is in constant need of the very basics that give people dignity and protect their well being. Please consider donating diapers and hygiene supplies.
Our Amazon Wishlist makes it easy to order and send supplies directly. Or, feel free to drop off in person during our operating hours.
Jacobs Center For Neighborhood Innovation
404 Euclid Avenue, Suite 328
San Diego, CA 92114
Phone (619) 229-3660
Office Hours (Monday – Friday)
8:30 A.M. – 12 P.M.
(closed for lunch)
12:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Spanish and English languages available. Se habla Español e Ingles.
Home Start’s Communities in Action Program is funded by the County of San Diego.
