Home Start programs offer families practical, educational and therapeutic services. Parents are taught accurate expectations of their children, how to interact with them and use positive, appropriate discipline. As a result, families are less isolated, more nurturing and cohesive. Parents are strengthened and are better able to protect their children in the future.

Maternity Shelter Program (MSP)
The Maternity Shelter Program gives homeless, or at-risk for homelessness, young women, who are pregnant or parenting, a safe and supportive environment. They and their children are also at increased risk of developing physical or emotional health and safety problems including those related to substance abuse, child maltreatment, domestic violence, and becoming chronically dependent on the social service system. Not only do we give them a place to call home but Home Start’s educational programs help to give these young women the tools they will need to rise above these obstacles.

Contact: Lisa Birdine 619.692.0727 ext. 109

Healthcare Access Outreach (HAO)
HAO is for lower income children and pregnant women who lack adequate health insurance. Regular health care is important for a child’s well-being and physical development. We help families access public health insurance which is available at little to no-cost:

• Medi-cal:  no-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage for children and pregnant women.
• Healthy Families: low-cost health, dental and vision coverage for children who are not eligible for Medi-Cal. 
• Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM): health insurance for uninsured pregnant women who are not eligible for Medi-cal
  

Contact: Silvia Garcia 619.422.9208 ext. 5413

Community Services for Families (CSF)
The goal of CSF is to help children maintain their placement in safe, nurturing and stable homes.  We accomplish this through:

• Intensive Case Management Services
• Linking families with Community Resources
• Parent Education
• Community Leadership/Advocacy
• Parent, Kinship and Foster Care Support Groups

Although priority is given to families who are currently involved with Child Welfare Services, any family in need may refer themselves for assistance.  CSF services are offered in several regions by Home Start and partner agencies and are free of charge.

Contact:

• Central Region: (619) 692-0727 x 117
  
• East Region: (619) 401-3738
  
• North Inland (760) 726-4900 x 285
  
• North Coastal (760) 726-4900 x 285