Find resources

Free and low-cost help in Hillcrest and central San Diego for young people who need a safe place to stay, food, health care, and support. LGBTQ+ youth are welcome here. Tap a phone number to call.

Need help right now?

Free and private (U.S.). Open 24/7 unless noted.

Crisis support988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 LGBTQ+ youth crisis lineThe Trevor Project1-866-488-7386 Prefer to text? TrevorSend the word START678-678 Runaway and homeless youthNational Runaway Safeline1-800-786-2929 Trans peer supportTrans Lifeline · weekdays 10am-6pm Pacific1-877-565-8860 Local shelter, food, and health211 helpline211

LGBTQ+ safe and affirming

Hillcrest Youth Center Ages 10-24 · Drop-in space run by The San Diego LGBT Community Center · Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm · 514 Pennsylvania Ave 619-692-2077 ext. 626
Our Safe Place Drop-In LGBTQ+ youth up to age 21 · Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 4pm-8pm · 2220 Broadway 619-232-8126
Safe STAY Wellness Center LGBTQ+-affirming shelter · Up to 43 beds · Ages 18-24 · Meals, showers, laundry 619-694-6182

Shelter

Storefront Youth Emergency Shelter Ages 12-17 · Night shelter with a 24-hour crisis line · Phone screening first 619-325-3527
Urban Street Angels Ages 18-24 · Shelter, rapid rehousing, and job programs · 1404 Fifth Ave 619-415-6616
TAY Academy Drop-In Center Ages 14-25 · Food, showers, laundry · Tue-Sat 11am-4:30pm · 2220 Broadway 619-232-8126

Food

StandUp for Kids Ages 12-24 · Street outreach, food, and housing help · 6161 El Cajon Blvd 619-237-5437
Free food near you Search by zip code for pantries and meal sites · Feeding San Diego Open the food map

Health

Family Health Centers of San Diego Medical, dental, and mental health care · Low-cost for people without insurance · Care for people experiencing homelessness at every clinic 619-515-2477
SDYS Youth Mental Health Therapy and psychiatry · Ages 12-25 who are homeless or have run away 619-232-8126
Our Safe Place Mental Health Clinic Therapy and psychiatry for LGBTQ+ youth up to 21 and their families · Mon-Fri 9am-6pm · 3427 4th Ave 619-232-8126

School, jobs, and ID

Urban Corps of San Diego County Ages 18-26 · Earn your high school diploma and a paycheck · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · 3127 Jefferson St 619-235-6884
San Diego Workforce Partnership Career centers, paid training, and youth job programs 619-228-2900

Information last checked September 20, 2026, from each program's website and the County of San Diego youth resource list. Hours and phone numbers change, so it is a good idea to call before you go. Not sure where to start? Call 211.