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Housing Insecurity

On and Off-Campus Housing Resources, Essential Resources (Clothing, Hygiene and Household) 

On-Campus Support

Cougar Care Network/Basic Needs: (760) 750-7627 or ccn@csusm.edu  Provides support, information, and connection to campus and off-campus resources. Please contact Cougar Care Network/Basic Needs if you have recently lost your stable housing, sleeping in your car, and/or can lose your home in the next 30 days.

Local Housing

  • CSUSM Off-Campus Housing Database: CSUSM run database to search for housing in the area 
  • CSUSM Facebook Housing Page: Search for “California State San Marcos (CSUSM) Housing, Sublets & Roommates,” answer a few questions to join then browse posts by other CSUSM students looking for sublets, people to rent or roommates in the area. 

On Campus Clothing and Household Resources 

  • CSUSM Pride Center Closet - CSUSM's Pride Center hosts a closet that all students can pick out clothing during any of their open business hours; M-Th 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-1pm.
  • Career Closet is stocked with gently used professional clothing FREE for all CSUSM students in need of proper attire for career-related event
  • CSUSM Safety and Sustainability - schedule a "Zero-Waste Pick-up" with the Safety and Sustainability office for free clothing and household items.
  • ASI Cougar Pantry | Associated Students, Inc. The pantry stocks limited toiletries, and other hygiene supplies.
  • University Student Union (USU) Bathrooms provide FREE menstrual hygiene products. CSUSM also provides stock menstrual cups in the WGEC USU room 3200 and the Administration Building room 4700.

Off-Campus Resources

Shelters & Safe Parking

  • Interfaith Community Services (Carlsbad, Oceanside & Escondido) Haven House Year-Round Shelter is located at their Escondido location. You can call or walk-in for assistance at any location. Call 760-644-4644 for adult shelter and 760-803-0877 for family shelter. 
  • YMCA - Tay Academy (215 Barnes St., Oceanside & 1050 North Broadway, Escondido) assists youth 18-24 years old with housing. A small number of beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis with check in between 4-6 pm every Wednesday. 
  • La Posada (Carlsbad) offers case management for men without housing. Resources for women and children can be requested as well. Some services include: utility assistance, pregnancy support, food, showers, child clothing, legal guidance, etc. 
  • Alpha Project - Casa Raphael (Vista) offers residential substance abuse treatment: (760) 630-9922.
  • Operation Hope in Vista:  A 60-day housing shelter for women and children in Vista which includes a case manager for support and finding housing once you are there. Call 760-536-3800 or apply at the above link.  
  • Community Resource Center (CRS - main office in Encinitas): Offers programs for assistance in preventing domestic violence (DV), integrated services for housing stability, individual & family counseling, and food & nutrition security. This also includes Carol’s House, an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 
  • San Diego Rescue Mission (120 Elm St) offers various services including a rehabilitation program & shelter for women & children.
    Shelter Office Hours: 3pm-7am. Call (619) 819-1844 for bed availability or just show up. 
  • Solutions for Change shelter and wrap around services for homeless families (Vista). Offers shelter, life skill courses, health referrals, counseling, childcare support, and job assistance. Call 760-941-6545 or complete an enrollment form at the above link.  
  • Unicorn Homes – Under the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, this aims to provide crisis and transitional housing to LGBTQ youth aged 14-24 who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. 
  • Dreams for Change and Jewish Family Services Safe Parking Program: Provides safe and secure parking lots to sleep overnight around San Diego County and other related case management services. 
  • Vista Safe Parking Program Provides a safe and secure parking lot to sleep overnight and other related case management services.  7 days a week. Call 858-637-3373 to enroll. 
  • 211 San Diego is a county resource and information hub that connects people with housing, utilities, food, health, and other resources.  Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a customer support representative who will help callers search for services and search here for resources.

Community Support Services, including Shower Access

  • Brother Benno’s in Oceanside provides FREE breakfast & lunch, food boxes, showers, clothing, & various services such as rental & utility assistance & more. 
  • SBSC in Chula Vista offers various services for homeless families and children in need. 
  • Interfaith Community Services in Escondido can help with housing, meals, showers, laundry & more. 
  • YMCA - Tay Academy (215 Barnes St., Oceanside & 1050 North Broadway, Escondido) assists youth 18-24 years old with housing, case management, and shower access.
  • Homeless Men Services (including La Posada in Carlsbad) offers case management for men without housing. Resources for women and children can be requested as well. Some services include: utility assistance, pregnancy support, food, showers, child clothing, legal guidance, etc.  
  • Homeless Response Center- Offers support services in San Diego for individuals and families experiencing homelessness such as benefits enrollment, DMV assistance, survivor services, legal aid, Veterans Affairs, employment programs, health and mental health referrals, and more. Walk-ins available Monday-Saturday or call 619-880-8810.  
  • 211 San Diego is a county resource and information hub that connects people with housing, utilities, food, health, and other resources.  Dial  2-1-1to speak with a customer support representative who will help callers search for services and search here for resources.
  • Dress for HOPE Shop - a small boutique inside of One Safe Place North County which provides free professional clothing and free emergency clothing for all sizes and ages.
  • Sharia's Closet - Provides free, emergency clothing and hygiene supplies to individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis. Walk in or complete their Emergency Clothing Request Form. Located in San Diego.

Rental & Mortgage Assistance

  • Call 2-1-1 for referrals to community agencies who can help with rental assistance and search here for resources.
  • For students aged 18-25 years, North County LifeLine and YMCA TAY are two separate programs that help with rental assistance such as funding your deposit on an apartment, 1st month’s rent, etc. To be considered, contact Cougar Care at (760) 750-7627 or ccn@csusm.edu  
  • Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP): Provides one-time payment assistance for renters unable to pay a security deposit.  
  • Mortgage Relief Program: Aids homeowners who have fallen behind on their payments. 
  • Interfaith Community Services (Carlsbad, Oceanside & Escondido) offer emergency rental or mortgage aid. You can call or walk-in for assistance.