If you are facing financial hardship, food insecurity, or a housing crisis in Riverside County, there are several local faith-based organizations and church networks that provide emergency support. Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, and The Salvation Army are the primary networks offering direct financial assistance (for rent or utility payments) and comprehensive care throughout the region.
Since financial assistance depends largely on current funding cycles, we recommend calling these organizations directly to confirm availability and schedule an appointment.
Major church-based networks in the county
These organizations operate various programs and offices throughout Riverside County, offering everything from immediate food aid to assistance with rent payments.
Catholic Charities (San Bernardino and Riverside Counties)
The Catholic Charities “Center of Hope” in Riverside serves as the central hub for family services and crisis support in the western part of Riverside County.
Address: 3020 Madison St, Riverside, CA 92504
Phone: (951) 689-1803
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays).
Key programs available
Housing and rental assistance: Provides case management and financial aid to prevent evictions or facilitate rapid rehousing, subject to the availability of emergency funds.
Utility payment assistance: Manages assistance programs for utility bills (including Southern California Edison and SoCalGas) to help prevent the disconnection of services. Food and clothing distribution: The organization maintains an emergency pantry on-site, providing boxes of food to low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Immigration and citizenship: Services include low-cost legal assistance, enrollment in citizenship classes, and help with documentation for families navigating the immigration system.
Funds allocated for rent and utility assistance vary throughout the month. It is highly recommended to call right at opening time—8:30 a.m.—to check for available appointments. More information on the Catholic Charities Get Help Portal.
Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC)
The Riverside office of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) focuses primarily on rapid rehousing, housing sustainability, and crisis stabilization for low-income individuals, families, and residents who lack a place to live.
Address: 6857 Indiana Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 689-8447
Office hours: Monday through Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays).
Email contact: rcinfo@lsssc.org
Available programs and specialized support
Housing navigation and community supports (CalAIM): Offers structured case management—lasting 6 to 12 months—designed for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless, or have a history of incarceration. Case managers provide direct assistance with rental deposits, the payment of accumulated debt, and housing searches.
Emergency aid: Provides immediate stabilization assistance, including access to food banks, emergency clothing, hygiene kits, and transportation support (via fuel vouchers or bus passes).
Benefits and document management: Assists individuals in applying for public benefits (such as CalFresh) and obtaining vital documents—such as birth certificates or replacement identification—which are necessary for securing permanent housing.
Collaboration with “The Shower of Hope”: In partnership with Trinity Church, mobile shower facilities are provided, alongside workforce development teams that offer outreach services and resources for job placement.
HOPWA Program: Administers specialized housing assistance—including short-term rent, mortgage payments, and utility assistance—for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Applications are handled confidentially via hopwareferrals-rivco@lsssc.org.
Because some grant-funded programs (such as those for rapid rehousing or utility assistance) depend on state and county allocations that may fluctuate, we recommend calling (951) 689-8447 for an initial telephone assessment before visiting us.
The Salvation Army – Coachella Valley Regional Center
This branch of The Salvation Army, which serves the entire Coachella Valley region, provides emergency assistance for families, disaster relief, and support for basic needs to low-income residents and families facing immediate housing crises.
Address: 30400 Landau Blvd, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Phone: (760) 324-2275
Administrative and Social Services Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.; closed on Saturdays and Sundays).
Family programs and services are available.
Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance: Provides essential emergency financial aid to cover past-due rent or security deposits, helping to ensure stability for individuals and families at risk of eviction.
Utility Assistance: Coordinates directly with local utility companies to provide financial support for overdue energy and gas bills, helping to prevent service interruptions.
On-site Food Pantry: Provides groceries and emergency food packages directly to households facing food insecurity. Food distribution generally takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the morning hours.
Seasonal and Youth Programs: Offers community programs for youth, recreational sports activities, back-to-school backpack drives, and meal assistance during the holiday season.
How to Proceed
Schedule an appointment in advance: The allocation of funds for rent and utility payments is handled strictly by appointment. Please call (760) 324-2275 ahead of time to verify whether funding cycles are open and to complete an initial eligibility assessment.
Note regarding donations: If you wish to donate clothing or other items rather than requesting services, please contact the office first; this center is primarily dedicated to managing social programs and does not function as a donation collection site (like a thrift store).
Food and medical care programs at local churches
If you are in immediate need of hot meals, groceries, or basic medical check-ups—without having to go through lengthy application processes—the following churches offer weekly or monthly programs:
Calvary Presbyterian Church (Riverside)
Located in downtown Riverside, right next to Riverside Community Hospital, Calvary Presbyterian Church serves as a vital resource for immediate assistance. Unlike large social service networks, Calvary focuses its efforts on providing direct humanitarian aid, such as food, clothing, and basic hygiene supplies.
Address: 4495 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Main church phone number: (951) 686-0761
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (closed on Saturdays).
First Congregational Church (Downtown Riverside)
The First Congregational Church of Riverside (FCCR) is a progressive, community-oriented church located in the heart of downtown Riverside. Rather than managing financial assistance programs, they specialize in providing direct and accessible care; Each week, they transform their facilities into a large dining hall and medical care center for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Address: 3504 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 (located at the corner of Mission Inn Ave and Lemon St).
Office Phone: (951) 684-2494
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church (Hemet)
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, which serves the entire Hemet area and the San Jacinto Valley, plays a vital role in the fight against food insecurity in the region. This parish focuses its direct community outreach primarily on large-scale food distribution events—carried out in coordination with regional food banks—rather than providing daily financial assistance to walk-in individuals.
Address: 780 S State St, Hemet, CA 92543
Office Phone: (951) 929-6131
General office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays).
Quick tips for getting help:
- Call 211 first: Before heading to a church, dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211 Riverside County). They maintain an accurate record of which churches still have funds available for rent or utility bill assistance in your specific ZIP code.
- Gather your documents: To receive financial assistance, churches will almost always ask for a valid form of identification, a copy of your lease agreement, a “pay or quit” (three-day) notice, or your most recent utility bill showing an outstanding balance.
