Costa Mesa
Ask about Costa Mesa
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Costa Mesa and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Costa Mesa
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · City office
Costa Mesa Network for Homeless Solutions
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Help here
- Outreach and housing supportThe city outreach team connects people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with shelter, housing, and other services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
Human services · Nonprofit
2-1-1 Orange County
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 2-1-1 to find local help with housing, food, health care, and other needs.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211oc.org
Older adults · City office
Costa Mesa Senior Center
695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Help here
- Senior programs and supportAdults age 50 and older can get information about social services, meals, wellness programs, and transportation.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
Local office · City office
Costa Mesa City Hall and City Services Hotline
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Help here
- City information and service requestsCall City Hall for general city information or call the city hotline for services such as pothole repair, graffiti removal, and street parking issues.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
State office
Costa Mesa DMV Field Office
650 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Help here
- Driver and vehicle servicesResidents can visit the DMV for driver license, identification card, and vehicle registration services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dmv.ca.gov
Library · Regional office
Donald Dungan Library
1855 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
Help here
- Library servicesResidents can visit this Orange County Public Libraries branch to use library services and resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
Library · Regional office
Mesa Verde Library
2969 Mesa Verde Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Help here
- Library servicesResidents can visit this Orange County Public Libraries branch to use library services and resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Community Services Department
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Help here
- Recreation programs and park reservationsResidents can ask about recreation classes, youth and adult programs, and reserving city parks.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on costamesaca.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Costa Mesa first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
Sabil USA
2.7 miles from the center of Costa Mesa3230 S. Susan St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Hours
- Mon9 AM to 5 PM. Call ahead
- Tue9 AM to 5 PM. Call ahead
- Wed9 AM to 5 PM. Call ahead
- Thu9 AM to 5 PM. Call ahead
- Sun8 AM to 10 AM (3rd of the month)
Listed on feedoc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
FOCUS Orange County Food Pantry
FOCUS North America
3.1 miles from the center of Costa Mesa2737 S. Croddy Way, Suite D, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Hours
- Fri10 AM to 1 PM (3rd of the month)
- Sat10 AM to 1 PM (3rd of the month)
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on focusna.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Gospel Light Church of God in Christ
3.4 miles from the center of Costa Mesa3135 W Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Hours
- Sat10 AM to 1 PM (3rd of the month)
Listed on feedoc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Salvation Army Santa Ana Temple
The Salvation Army
4.4 miles from the center of Costa Mesa1710 W Edinger Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Hours
- Mon9 AM to 12 PM. Call ahead; by appointment; 1 PM to 3 PM. Call ahead; by appointment
- Tue9 AM to 12 PM. Call ahead; by appointment; 1 PM to 3 PM. Call ahead; by appointment
- Fri9 AM to 12 PM. Call ahead; by appointment; 1 PM to 3 PM. Call ahead; by appointment
What to bring: Call ahead. By appointment.
Listed on feedoc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Mobile pantry
Delhi Center
4.4 miles from the center of Costa Mesa505 E. Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Hours
- Mon10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Wed4 PM to 7 PM
Listed on feedoc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Southwest Community Center
Community Action Partnership of Orange County
5.7 miles from the center of Costa Mesa1601 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Hours
- Mon12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Tue12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Wed12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Thu12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Fri12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Sat12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch; 8 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast
- Sun12 PM to 1 PM. Lunch; 8 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast
Listed on capoc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Costa Mesa
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
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
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
Community Legal Aid SoCal
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
Community Action Partnership of Orange County
11870 Monarch Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Listed on csd.ca.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Orange County
Costa Mesa is in Orange County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Orange County Social Services Agency
Help here
- Food, cash, and health benefitsApply for CalFresh food benefits, CalWORKs cash aid, Medi-Cal, and other assistance at a regional office.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ssa.ocgov.com
Public health · County office
Orange County Health Care Agency WIC
2137 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim, CA 92806
Help here
- WIC food and nutrition supportWIC helps eligible families with young children and pregnant people get healthy food and nutrition support.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ochealthinfo.com
Child support · County office
Orange County Child Support Services
1055 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Help here
- Child support case helpGet help opening or managing a child support case and completing related forms.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on css.ocgov.com
Housing help · County office
Orange County Housing Authority
1501 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Help here
- Housing vouchers and rental assistanceThe housing authority helps eligible residents use rental assistance and housing vouchers.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on housingauthority.oc.gov
Local office · Nonprofit
211 Orange County
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 211 any time to get connected with local health, housing, food, and other support services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on 211oc.org
Public health · County office
Orange County Health Care Agency Public Health Services
1725 W. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Help here
- Public health clinicsGet information about county clinics, vaccines, testing, and other public health services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on ochealthinfo.com
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
- 2-1-1 Orange County
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 888-600-4357 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988