Your First Steps Checklist
Concrete actions to take in your first 3 days. San Diego-specific locations and resources to get you started immediately.
Get Your California ID
📍 MTS Transit Store (1255 Imperial Ave) or local DMV
- →Bring discharge papers or DPO letter
- →Birth certificate (request from Vital Records if needed)
- →Social Security card or proof
- →CA ID fee: ~$30 (ask about fee waiver with DPO letter)
💡 Reentry Tip: Ask probation for fee waiver letter - many DMVs honor it
Get PRONTO Card for Transit
📍 Any Trolley station or MTS Transit Store
- →One-time $2 card purchase
- →Load with cash, card, or benefits
- →Register at ridepronto.com for lost card protection
- →Discounted fares available for low-income (ORCA)
💡 Reentry Tip: Save $40+/month vs. Uber - essential for job hunting
Apply for Food Assistance (CalFresh)
📍 DHHS offices or online at GetCalFresh.org
- →Up to $281/month for groceries
- →Apply same day as release (emergency 3-day approval)
- →Need: CA ID, proof of address, income docs
- →Use EBT card at most stores & farmers markets
💡 Reentry Tip: Emergency CalFresh approved in 3 days if homeless or $0 income
Get a Phone Number (619 or 858)
📍 Free apps or prepaid stores
- →Google Voice: Free 619/858 number (needs wifi)
- →TextNow: Free calling/texting with ads
- →Metro/Cricket: $30-40/month prepaid plans
- →Library computers have free wifi for setup
💡 Reentry Tip: Employers NEED to call you - get this done Day 1
Find Temporary Housing
📍 Transitional housing & emergency shelters
- →Call 211 for shelter bed availability (24/7)
- →Rachel's Women Center (women only, downtown)
- →Father Joe's Villages (men/women/families)
- →Transitional housing: PATH, Veteran programs, Alpha Project
💡 Reentry Tip: Stable address = easier job search. Use shelter address if needed.
Apply for Your First Job or Day Labor
📍 Dolly, Instacart, or temp agencies
- →Day labor: Cash same-day at Labor Ready, PeopleReady
- →Dolly: Moving gigs (need truck access or partner up)
- →Instacart/DoorDash: Grocery delivery (bike/car)
- →Second-chance employers: NK Towing, Vons, FedEx (see below)
💡 Reentry Tip: Day labor = immediate income while applying for real jobs
⏱️ Your 72-Hour Priority Timeline
- ✓Get CA ID paperwork started
- ✓Get phone number (Google Voice if no money)
- ✓Call 211 for shelter bed
- ✓Apply for emergency CalFresh
- ✓Get PRONTO card for transit
- ✓Visit library for wifi/computer access
- ✓Register for day labor agencies
- ✓Check in with probation officer
- ✓Apply to 5-10 second-chance employers
- ✓Show up at day labor sites (6am-7am)
- ✓Connect with reentry services (Father Joe's, PATH)
- ✓Get CalFresh EBT card (if approved)
🚨 Emergency Resources (24/7)