El Centro
Ask about El Centro
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for El Centro and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in El Centro
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
Customer Service Division - Water Bill
1275 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Water and sewer bill helpCall or visit for help with city water and sewer bills.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Utilities · City office
Public Works Department
307 W. Brighton Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Report a public works issueReport problems such as potholes, street signs, small water leaks, or missed street sweeping.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Local office · City office
City Hall
1275 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- City government informationContact City Hall for help finding city government offices and services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Older adults · City office
El Centro Adult Center
385 S. 1st Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Adult and senior programsAdults and older residents can join fitness, arts, music, and social programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Jobs and training · State office
El Centro America's Job Center of California
1550 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Job search and workforce servicesJob seekers can get help finding work, training, and other employment services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on edd.ca.gov
State office
California DMV - El Centro Field Office
233 N Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Driver license and vehicle servicesApply for or renew a driver license or ID card and handle vehicle registration services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dmv.ca.gov
Library · City office
El Centro Library
1198 N. Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Library materials and programsResidents can use library materials, technology, and educational and community programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks & Recreation Division
375 S. 1st Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Parks and recreation programsResidents can find recreation, learning classes, and activities for children and adults.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofelcentro.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Nonprofits that serve El Centro
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
FIND Regional Food Bank
83775 Citrus Ave, Indio, CA 92201
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Campesinos Unidos, Inc.
P.O. Box 39, Brawley, CA 92227
Listed on csd.ca.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Imperial County
El Centro is in Imperial County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Imperial County Department of Social Services
2995 S 4th St, Suite 105, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and General ReliefApply for food, cash, and health coverage programs through the county.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on imperialcountysocialservices.org
Child support · County office
Imperial County Department of Child Support Services
2795 S 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Child support servicesApply for child support services or get help with an existing case.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on css.imperialcounty.org
Housing help · Regional office
Imperial Valley Housing Authority
1402 D St, Brawley, CA 92227
Help here
- Affordable housing assistanceAsk about affordable housing programs and application requirements.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ivha.org
Local office · Regional office
211 Imperial
Help here
- Community information and referralsCall any time to find local help with housing, food, health, and other needs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on 211sandiego.org
Public health · County office
Imperial County Public Health Department
935 Broadway St, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Public health servicesGet information about immunizations, disease prevention, family health, and other public health programs.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on icphd.org
Mental health and recovery · County office
Imperial County Behavioral Health Services
202 N 8th Street, Third Floor, El Centro, CA 92243
Help here
- Mental health and substance use servicesCall or visit to find mental health and substance use treatment and support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bhs.imperialcounty.org
California programs by kind of help
These are run by California and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Imperial
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-227-0997 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988