Finding Stability: Connecting Justin to CalFresh Benefits

Justin is a 34-year-old man living outdoors in Clearlake Oaks. With no income, he relies on food from Catholic Charities Lake County distribution sites and local drop-in centers. I meet him at Big Oak Peer Support Center when a staff member suggests he talk with me about applying for food stamps.

I introduce myself, explain the services I provide, and ask if he would like to discuss potential resources for support. After grabbing a piece of pizza and coffee from the kitchen, Justin says, “I had food stamps, but I’m not really sure why there’s no money for me anymore.” When I ask if he has his EBT card, he explains that all his belongings disappeared last November after police cleared his campsite. As he shares his experience, I notice his morale is low. This becomes the turning point that motivates me to find a solution.

I call the Lake County Department of Social Services to get information about his case. His worker explains that Justin missed completing a SAR 7 form, which caused his benefits to be canceled.

With clarity on his benefits status, I focus on a customized plan to help him regain access. First, I help him establish a mailing address. Luckily, the post office is in the same strip mall as Big Oak, so I encourage him to sign up for General Delivery immediately. He returns in 30 minutes with verification, and we complete a new CalFresh application together. I walk him through the next steps and explain what to expect.

Having a local space in Lake County to serve clients proves invaluable for connecting people to CalFresh benefits. Justin’s journey demonstrates how targeted support and advocacy can transform a difficult situation into a success story, giving hope and stability to someone who needs it most.