With the federal government moving to cut nearly $1 trillion in health care spending and reduce food assistance for low-income people by 20 percent, many San Diego County families — including those in Santee and the East County — are bracing for gaps in services they rely on.
In response, 2-1-1 San Diego announced a new initiative Wednesday called "San Diegans Helping San Diegans," aimed at ensuring county residents know where to turn as federal programs tighten. The organization, which operates a free, 24/7 helpline, connected more than 400,000 San Diegans with essential services last year.
"Today, we're here with these rainstorms, and upstairs, we are navigating people to inclement weather shelters," said William York, CEO of 2-1-1 San Diego. "We must stay focused, informed and united to protect access to these services, and also direct services to fill the gaps that the federal changes create."
The 2-1-1 network links callers to more than 1,200 agencies providing food and housing assistance, help with utility bills, health care, child care, employment resources, and military and veteran services. CalFresh, the state's federal nutrition program, is among the benefits that 2-1-1 helps residents secure and maintain. Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, noted that 2-1-1 played a key role during the government shutdown last year by connecting families to the food bank when federal benefits were disrupted.
U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, whose 50th Congressional District includes parts of San Diego, attended the announcement and highlighted the breadth of services at stake. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua also noted that 2-1-1 has historically reduced pressure on 911 systems during disaster emergencies, including East County wildfires.
Santee and East County residents can reach 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone, available at no cost around the clock. According to York, the organization will track changes to federal programs in real time and help residents stay connected to the resources they qualify for. "2-1-1 is for everyone," he said. "It's not just economic agencies — it's for all ages and all types of communities."