Choose the Right Food, Housing, Safety, Counseling, Donation or Store Path
Community Resource Center in Encinitas helps North County San Diego residents with healthy food, stable housing, domestic violence safety, counseling, donations and resale-store support.
This page is built for quick action. Pick what you need, check the correct hours and phone number, then open the official page beside that task.
Quick Answer: Address, Phone, Hours and Safety Hotline
This guide is for the Encinitas / North County San Diego Community Resource Center, not other similarly named centers in Mamaroneck, Nashville, Denver, Muskegon or other cities.
650 2nd Street
Use 650 2nd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 for Social Services, Food & Nutrition and Administration.
(760) 753-8300
Main Social Services and Food & Nutrition phone. Email for housing/food intake: intake@crcncc.org.
Mon–Fri 10:30–1:30
Food & Nutrition Center public hours are listed Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
1-877-633-1112
CRC’s domestic violence hotline is available 24 hours. If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911.
I Need Help With… Use the Correct CRC Contact
CRC’s contact page says people needing program services should use direct program emails or phone numbers instead of the general website message form. Use the path below.
Food pantry or nutrition help
Call (760) 753-8300 or email intake@crcncc.org. Ask whether you need First Light, Client Choice Pantry or USDA Commodities.
Official Food Help PageHousing or homelessness help
Call (760) 300-3238 or email housingnavigation@crcncc.org. If you need immediate housing/shelter resources, call 2-1-1 San Diego.
Official Housing PageDomestic violence support
Call 1-877-633-1112 for 24-hour confidential hotline help. CRC says trained staff can answer questions, check openings and refer to available services.
Official DV Services PageCounseling or trauma support
Call (760) 536-5302 or email CounselingInfo@crcncc.org. Priority is given to clients who have experienced domestic violence or abuse.
Official Counseling PageDonate food or needed items
Use the office/back-alley donation rules for food, personal-care and shelter items. Use resale-store rules for resale items.
Official Donate Items PageShop or donate at resale stores
Encinitas and San Marcos resale stores have their own shopping and donation hours. Donation windows may close early during high volume.
Official Resale Stores PageCommunity Resource Center Hours and Phone Numbers by Department
The biggest mistake is using one “Community Resource Center hours” answer for everything. Food, Social Services, Administration, hotline, counseling and resale stores all use different contacts.
| Need | Official contact / hours | Use this when |
|---|---|---|
| Social Services | 650 2nd Street, Encinitas. Phone: (760) 753-8300. Email: intake@crcncc.org. Mon–Thu 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | You need service intake, food or housing direction and are not in immediate danger. |
| Food & Nutrition Center | 650 2nd Street, Encinitas. Phone: (760) 753-8300. Email: intake@crcncc.org. Mon–Fri 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | You need food pantry access, daily assistance, monthly pantry appointment or USDA Commodities information. |
| Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-877-633-1112. Available 24 hours. Confidential. Spanish available. | You need domestic violence safety help, shelter/program openings, safety planning or referrals. |
| Legal Advocacy | Phone: 1-877-633-1112. | You need DV-related legal advocacy routing or safety-related next steps. |
| Counseling Services | Phone: (760) 536-5302. Email: CounselingInfo@crcncc.org. | You need counseling, trauma recovery, support group or child/adolescent support information. |
| Administration | 650 2nd Street, Encinitas. Phone: (760) 753-1156. Email: info@crcncc.org. Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Fri 8:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | You need administration, organization or non-urgent general information. |
| Donor Coordinator | Phone: (760) 230-6307. Email: development@crcncc.org. | You need tax receipt help, donor questions or development-team contact. |
| Encinitas Resale Store | 1331 Encinitas Blvd. Phone: (760) 753-8222. Shopping Mon–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; donations Wed–Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | You want to shop or donate resale-store items. |
| San Marcos Resale Store | 210 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Phone: (760) 734-3872. Shopping Mon–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; donations currently directed to Encinitas store. | You want to shop at the San Marcos store; confirm donation status before carrying items there. |
Food & Nutrition Services: Pick the Correct Pantry Option
CRC describes its Food & Nutrition Center as a client-choice pantry in North County. The right next step depends on whether you need daily ready-to-eat help, a monthly pantry appointment or USDA Commodities.
First Light daily assistance
For low-income individuals and families who need light, ready-to-eat items, especially if cooking access is limited.
- Available 1 time per day.
- New participants complete enrollment forms at CRC offices.
- Ticketing time: 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
- Selection time: 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
- Same-day Client Choice Pantry access is not available if you receive First Light that day.
Client Choice Pantry
Monthly pantry access by appointment, allowing participants to choose food that fits their household needs.
- Once-a-month access.
- Appointment only.
- Items may include frozen meat, eggs, dairy, produce and canned goods.
- New participants can complete enrollment at CRC offices or by emailing intake@crcncc.org.
- Arriving 5 minutes or more late may require rescheduling or receiving a prepackaged staple selection.
USDA Commodities
CRC is listed as a designated emergency site for USDA Commodities with pre-bagged basic food items.
- Participants must meet EFAP income guidelines.
- Participants may live in Encinitas or another city.
- New participants should ask about EFAP Commodities at CRC offices.
Call or email intake before your first visit
Use (760) 753-8300 or intake@crcncc.org. Ask which food option fits your situation and whether forms should be completed before arrival.
Ask whether an appointment is required
First Light has ticketing and selection windows; Client Choice Pantry is appointment-only. Do not assume every food option is walk-in.
Arrive early if timing matters
For daily assistance, ticketing starts before selection. For pantry appointments, being late can change what help is available that day.
Housing and Homelessness Help: What CRC Says to Do First
CRC provides housing-focused case management and helps participants work toward stability. Some programs use Coordinated Entry or partner referrals, while Carlsbad Prevention may accept self-referrals when open.
CRC housing contact
For housing, shelter or rental assistance questions, CRC lists (760) 300-3238 and housingnavigation@crcncc.org.
- Ask whether your city and situation fit a CRC program.
- Ask whether Coordinated Entry is required.
- Ask whether rental or utility arrears support is currently open.
- Ask what documents to prepare before follow-up.
If you need help now
CRC says people experiencing homelessness or needing immediate housing assistance should call 2-1-1 San Diego or review Coordinated Entry Access Sites.
- Call 2-1-1 for local housing, shelter and community resources.
- Use Coordinated Entry Access Sites when referral pathways are needed.
- For immediate danger, call or text 911.
- For crisis support, call or text 988.
- For domestic violence support, call 1-877-633-1112.
| Program area | What CRC says | Practical user step |
|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Prevention | Can provide limited rental and utility arrear assistance to eligible Carlsbad residents; online applications are paused, but people may contact CRC. | Do not search for an old form only. Call (760) 300-3238 and ask whether applications are open. |
| Carlsbad Rapid ReHousing | Provides case management, housing navigation, rental and deposit assistance; referrals primarily come through Coordinated Entry and community partners. | Ask whether your referral must come through Coordinated Entry, outreach partners, or another agency. |
| County Wide Rapid ReHousing | Provides housing navigation and support; referrals come directly from Coordinated Entry. | Use 2-1-1 or Coordinated Entry Access Sites if you are not already connected. |
| Supportive services | May include case management, employment/benefits help, transportation support, utilities support, moving expenses, vital documents and employment-related costs. | Ask exactly which supportive service applies and what proof is required. |
Domestic Violence Services: Safety, Shelter, Legal Advocacy and Support
For domestic violence help, use direct safety contacts instead of a general message form. CRC says trained staff are available 24/7 by hotline to answer questions, provide resources, check openings and connect callers to services.
Immediate danger
If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911. If it is safe to contact CRC, call the confidential 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-877-633-1112.
Carol’s House emergency shelter
CRC describes Carol’s House as a 24-bed emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, offering a safe home for 45 to 60 days.
Legal advocacy
Legal advocacy is listed through the domestic violence program. Call the hotline for routing and safe next steps.
Therapeutic Children’s Center
The TCC supports children in domestic violence or counseling programs who are recovering from the effects of domestic violence.
Housing and financial assistance
CRC says help may include rapid re-housing, rental assistance, moving expenses, deposits, utilities, car repair and individualized support.
Elder abuse services
CRC helps people age 60+ or dependent adult victims of crime with crisis intervention, safety planning, case management and advocacy.
Latino advocacy services
Advocacy is available for Latino survivors and victims of crime, including intimate partner violence, assault, child abuse and elder abuse.
Official PDF Details Most Visitors Miss
The flyers and PDFs add practical details that ordinary directory pages usually miss. Use these notes before donating items, asking about re-housing, or joining a support group.
| Official source | Useful detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Food Drive Wish List PDF | Most-needed food items include rice, peanut butter, dried or canned beans, canned protein and oil 24 oz or smaller. Personal-care items should be full size, not travel size. | Avoid unsealed/home-packaged food, perishable/frozen food and vitamins/supplements. For a food drive, contact info@crcncc.org or (760) 300-3238. |
| Resale items not accepted PDF | CRC may close donations early due to volume and recommends calling the Encinitas store first at (760) 753-8222. | Do not bring mattresses, appliances/electronics, medical equipment, medicines, hazardous materials, stuffed animals, books or unsellable furniture. |
| DV Rapid Re-Housing flyer | Support can include subsidized rent and security deposit for six-plus months, credit report fees, application fees, utility deposits, furnishings, legal advocacy, transportation, budgeting and employment help. | Call the hotline for DV resources. For flyer contact, CRC lists Karina Castro at (760) 501-0108 and kcastro@crcncc.org. |
| Domestic Violence Support Group flyer | CRC provides a confidential and free virtual/online support group, listed Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Contact Lisa O’Connor Riddle at (760) 546-2404 or lriddle@crcncc.org before joining. |
| Men’s Support Group flyer | For men age 17+ who have experienced domestic/family violence, sexual assault or trafficking; online group is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Email lcanseco@crcncc.org to RSVP and receive the meeting link. |
| Trauma Recovery Center flyer | Services include trauma-focused mental health treatment, medication management, clinical case management, connections to resources and advocacy services. Appointments are required. | Call (760) 536-5302 or email counselinginfo@crcncc.org for TRC information. |
Counseling, Support Groups and Trauma Recovery
CRC counseling is not a general walk-in therapy directory. CRC states priority is given to clients who have experienced domestic violence or abuse, and several groups or programs have specific eligibility and contact steps.
Individual counseling
One-on-one support with a trained mental health clinician in a safe, caring and confidential environment.
DV support group
Confidential free virtual/online group for people who are or were in an abusive relationship. The flyer lists Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Men’s survivor support
For men age 17+ who experienced domestic/family violence, sexual assault or trafficking. RSVP by email for the online meeting link.
Child and adolescent support
CASS services support children under 18 and caregivers affected by crime, abuse, neglect, domestic violence exposure or related trauma.
Trauma Recovery Center
TRC serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, battery, physical assault, vehicular assault or community violence in listed North County areas.
How to begin
Call (760) 536-5302 or email CounselingInfo@crcncc.org. Ask whether the service is available, whether an appointment is required and which location applies.
Donate Items or Host a Drive Without Using the Wrong Drop-Off
Donation pages create confusion because office/back-alley donations and resale-store donations are different. CRC specifically says these are not the resale-store donation hours and asks people not to drop resale-store items at the office or back alley.
Office/back-alley donations
Donations of listed food, personal care, shelter household items and office supplies may be dropped in the alley behind the CRC building Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Use this only for listed items.
- Do not drop resale-store items here.
- For a food or item drive, contact CRC first.
- For shelter items, ask CRC for greatest current needs.
Most-needed food-drive items
The official 2026 food-drive flyer lists shelf-stable foods and full-size personal-care items.
- Rice, peanut butter, dried/canned beans.
- Canned protein such as tuna or chicken.
- Oil, 24 oz or smaller.
- Full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes and period products.
- No unsealed/home-packaged food, perishable/frozen food, vitamins or supplements.
Resale Stores: Shopping, Donation Hours and Items Not Accepted
CRC resale stores support the mission, but they are not the same as Social Services or the Food & Nutrition Center. Donation hours and accepted items can change, and the official PDF says CRC may close donations early due to high volume.
| Store / rule | Official detail | Practical step |
|---|---|---|
| Encinitas Resale Store | 1331 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024. Phone: (760) 753-8222. Shopping Mon–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; donations Wed–Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Call first before loading large items because donations may close early. |
| San Marcos Resale Store | 210 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd., San Marcos, CA 92078. Phone: (760) 734-3872. Shopping Mon–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; donations currently directed to Encinitas. | Use San Marcos for shopping; confirm donation status before bringing items. |
| Cannot accept examples | Baby equipment, stuffed animals, books, undergarments, mattresses, unsellable furniture, linens, oversized furniture, appliances/electronics, computers/printers, hazardous materials, firearms/ammunition/explosives, alcohol, medications and medical equipment. | Review the official PDF before donating; do not leave items outside closed donation hours. |
Map and Location Help
Use the main Encinitas address for CRC services and food help. Use the Encinitas Resale Store address only for store shopping or resale-store donation hours.
Main services
650 2nd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024. Use for Social Services, Food & Nutrition and Administration.
Encinitas Resale Store
1331 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024. Use for resale shopping and accepted resale donations.
Appointment locations
CRC states it also has offices in San Marcos and Carlsbad, with some services available by appointment. Call first before going to another location.
Checklist Before Leaving Home
For food help
- Decide if you need First Light, Client Choice Pantry or USDA Commodities.
- Email intake@crcncc.org if you are new.
- Call (760) 753-8300 if timing or enrollment is unclear.
- Arrive before ticketing/appointment time.
- Ask what information or forms to bring.
For housing help
- Call (760) 300-3238 or email housingnavigation@crcncc.org.
- Call 2-1-1 San Diego if you need immediate housing/shelter resources.
- Ask if Coordinated Entry is required.
- Prepare rent, utility, household and income details if available.
- Keep your phone on for follow-up.
For safety help
- If in immediate danger, call or text 911.
- Call 1-877-633-1112 if safe to contact CRC.
- Use a safer device if your phone or browser may be monitored.
- Ask about shelter openings, legal advocacy and safety planning.
- Do not use a general contact form for urgent DV help.
Phone and Email Scripts
Use these short scripts so you ask the right question quickly. For domestic violence situations, only leave messages or send email if it is safe.
Food intake script
“Hi, I’m new to CRC and need food assistance. Should I start with First Light, Client Choice Pantry or USDA Commodities? What forms, appointment or information do I need before I come in?”
Housing help script
“Hi, I’m experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing. Can CRC help directly, do I need Coordinated Entry, and what documents should I prepare?”
Donation script
“Hi, I want to donate items or host a drive. Can you confirm what items are most needed, the right drop-off location, the hours and whether I should use the office or resale store?”
Common Mistakes That Waste a Trip
Using one hours answer
Food, Social Services, Administration, donation drop-off, hotline and resale stores all have different hours and contacts.
Using the message form for service help
CRC says people needing program services should use direct program emails or phone numbers instead of the general message form.
Arriving late for pantry appointment
CRC says being 5 minutes or more late may require rescheduling or receiving a prepackaged staple selection.
Dropping resale items at the office
Resale-store donations must follow resale-store rules. Do not drop resale items at the office or back alley.
Bringing items CRC cannot accept
The resale PDF lists several unacceptable categories, including mattresses, electronics, medicines, medical equipment and hazardous materials.
Confusing CRC Encinitas with another CRC
This page is for the North County San Diego organization at crcncc.org, not similarly named centers in other states or cities.
Official Links for Final Verification
Use these official links after you know your task. Each link supports a direct action: contact, food intake, housing, safety, counseling, donations, resale, city food resources or map directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Community Resource Center is this guide about?
This guide is about Community Resource Center in Encinitas, California, serving North County San Diego through the official website crcncc.org.
Where is Community Resource Center in Encinitas located?
The main Social Services, Food & Nutrition and Administration location is 650 2nd Street, Encinitas, CA 92024.
What is the Community Resource Center phone number?
For Social Services and Food & Nutrition, call (760) 753-8300. For the domestic violence hotline, call 1-877-633-1112.
What are CRC Social Services hours?
Social Services hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What are Food & Nutrition Center hours?
The Food & Nutrition Center hours are Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
How do I get food help from CRC?
Call (760) 753-8300 or email intake@crcncc.org. Ask whether you should use First Light daily assistance, monthly Client Choice Pantry or USDA Commodities.
What is First Light food assistance?
First Light is daily assistance with light, ready-to-eat items for participants with limited access to cooking facilities. Ticketing is 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with selection 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
What is Client Choice Pantry?
Client Choice Pantry is monthly food pantry access by appointment. It may include items such as frozen meat, eggs, dairy, produce and canned goods.
Does CRC offer housing help?
Yes. CRC provides housing-focused case management. For housing information, call (760) 300-3238 or email housingnavigation@crcncc.org.
What should I do if I need immediate housing or shelter help?
CRC says people experiencing homelessness or needing immediate housing assistance should call 2-1-1 San Diego or use Coordinated Entry Access Sites.
What is CRC’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline?
The hotline is 1-877-633-1112. CRC says trained staff are available 24/7, calls are confidential and Spanish is available.
Does CRC have emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors?
CRC describes Carol’s House as a 24-bed emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, offering a safe home for 45 to 60 days.
Does CRC offer counseling?
Yes. Call (760) 536-5302 or email CounselingInfo@crcncc.org. CRC says priority is given to clients who have experienced domestic violence or abuse.
Where can I donate food or personal care items?
Listed food, personal care, shelter and office-supply donations may be dropped in the alley behind CRC’s building Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where should resale-store donations go?
Use the resale-store donation hours and rules. The Encinitas Resale Store accepts donations Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but CRC recommends calling first because donations may close early.
What items can CRC resale stores not accept?
The official PDF lists examples such as mattresses, box springs, appliances, electronics, computers, printers, medical equipment, medications, hazardous materials, stuffed animals, books and unsellable furniture.
Should I use the general contact form if I need services?
No. CRC’s contact page says people needing program services and assistance should use direct program emails or phone numbers instead of the message form.
What should I do if I am in immediate danger?
Call or text 911. If it is safe to contact CRC, call the confidential 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-877-633-1112.