Families that experience events or transitions that threaten to destabilize the family’s health, safety, or emotional stability may be in crisis. Some factors that place a family or individuals in crisis can be:

• Sudden homelessness
• Divorce or separation
• Depression or emotional instability
• Domestic violence

 There are support services for families or individuals experiencing a crisis. If you or your family is in need, it is important that you reach out for help before the situation worsens. Below are several resources available for a variety of situations. Many of the resources are not only for crisis situations, but ongoing support as well.

Emergency Hotlines are among the most important resources available. Hotlines are staffed with trained individuals who can access a specific group of resources that are set-up for emergency situations.

• Emergency Service dial 911 from any phone
  • Police, Fire Department, Emergency Medical
• SLO Hotline (800) 549-4499
  • 24 hour service for suicide prevention and mental health crisis
• SLO Woman’s Shelter 24 hour Hotline (805) 781-6400
• North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center (805) 461-1338
• National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.SAFE (7233)

There are emergency homeless shelters available in San Luis County for families or individuals in need.

El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) is an Atascadero-based organization that provides shelter, showers and meals for those experiencing homelessness.

• Serving North County
• Homeless Families
• Homeless Individuals
• Call: (805) 462-3663

Maxine Lewis Shelter offers meals; showers; mail, phone and message services; information and referrals; specialized health screenings, and access to case management.

• Serving South County
• Homeless families, individuals
• Call: (805) 781-3993

Domestic Violence

 Woman’s Resource Centers are a leading source of information, resources and support for woman and children who are facing domestic and/or intimate partner violence. The Resource Centers provide confidential emergency shelter, counseling support, legal support, and case management. Contact the Center/Shelter nearest you.

North County Woman’s Shelter & Resource Center (805) 461-1338 24 Hr.

1030 Vine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Serving abused woman & children          

• Confidential Shelter
• Legal Support
• Counseling
• Housing
• Case Management

Woman’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo (805) 781-6400 24 Hr.

San Luis Obispo, CA

• Serving abused woman & children
• Confidential Shelter
• Legal Support
• Counseling
• Housing
• Case Management