Chowchilla
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Local offices in Chowchilla
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Utilities · City office
City Finance Department, Utilities Division
130 S Second Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Help here
- Utility billing and payment helpStart or change city utility service, pay a bill, or ask about payment options.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofchowchilla.org
Older adults · City office
Chowchilla Senior Center
820 W Robertson Boulevard, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Help here
- Senior activities and lunch programArea seniors can join drop-in and organized activities and register for a daily lunch program.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofchowchilla.org
Library · County office
Chowchilla Branch Library
300 Kings Avenue, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the library to borrow materials and use local library services.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
Local office · City office
Chowchilla City Hall
130 S Second Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Help here
- City services and informationVisit City Hall for help finding city services, staff, and public information.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofchowchilla.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Edward Ray Community Center
625 N 15th Street, Chowchilla, CA 93610
Help here
- Community center rentalReserve the community center for a local gathering or activity.Apply online
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on cityofchowchilla.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Chowchilla first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Free meals
Pinedale
City of Fresno PARCS
31 miles from the center of Chowchilla7170 N. San Pablo Ave, Fresno, CA 93650
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Serving Time: 11:15 A.M.
Who can come: Anyone 60 years and older. Anyone under 60 can buy a meal for $7.38.
What to bring: Complete an FMAAA registration form on site the first day. Make a reservation at the senior site in person or by phone by 11:30 AM the day before.
Listed on fresno.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Fresno Christian Reformed Church Food Distribution
Fresno Christian Reformed Church
33 miles from the center of Chowchilla1639 W. Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93705
Hours
- Fri10 AM to 12 PM (last of the month)
Listed on fresnocrc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Food Pantry (Drive-Thru)
Hope Lutheran Church
33 miles from the center of Chowchilla5435 N Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93710
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Every Tuesday | Sunrise to 7:00 am
Listed on hopelutheranfresno.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Food Distribution
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
34 miles from the center of Chowchilla2101 N. Fruit Ave, Fresno, CA 93705
Hours
- Mon1 PM to 3 PM (1st of the month). If a holiday, the distribution is the following Monday
Listed on oursavioursfresno.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Paul “Cap” Caprioglio Center
City of Fresno PARCS
34 miles from the center of Chowchilla5191 N 6th St, Fresno, CA 93710
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Serving Time: 11:15 A.M.
Who can come: Anyone 60 years and older. Anyone under 60 can buy a meal for $7.38.
What to bring: Complete an FMAAA registration form on site the first day. Make a reservation at the senior site in person or by phone by 11:30 AM the day before.
Listed on fresno.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Free grocery market
First Fruits Market
City Center
34 miles from the center of Chowchilla2025 E. Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93726
Hours
- Wed8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Fri8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- Sat8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Listed on citycenterfresno.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Chowchilla
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Central California Food Bank
4010 E. Amendola Ave., Fresno, CA 93725
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Central Valley Opportunity Center, Incorporated
P.O. Box 1389, Winton, CA 95388
Listed on csd.ca.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofit
Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Inc.
1225 Gill Avenue, Madera, CA 93637
Listed on csd.ca.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Job help near Chowchilla
American Job Centers are free. They help you look for work, write a resume, find training and apply for unemployment benefits. You can ask for an interpreter.
CareerOneStop lists no American Job Center in Chowchilla. These are the closest.
American Job Center
Madera Workforce Assistance Center
Also helps young people and people leaving jail or prison
13 miles away
2037 West Cleveland Avenue, P.O. Box 1205, Madera, CA 93639, Madera, CA 93637
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm, Computers Available Monday - Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm, Friday - varies
Updated by CareerOneStop on October 9, 2026
American Job Center
EDD Merced WSB / Merced County Worknet
Also helps young people and people leaving jail or prison
19 miles away
1205 West 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Hours: Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; First Thursday of every month 8:00 am - 7:00 pm.
Updated by CareerOneStop on October 9, 2026
American Job Center · Affiliate center
FRS Mendota-Workforce Connection
Also helps young people and people leaving jail or prison
26 miles away
655 Quince Street, Suite C, Mendota, CA 93640
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM- 5:00PM
Updated by CareerOneStop on September 17, 2026
Unemployment benefits in California
If you lost your job or your hours were cut, you may be able to get unemployment insurance. You apply with the state, and the state decides who qualifies.
Workforce board for this area
The workforce board plans the job and training programs here and funds the job centers. Go to a job center for help; call the board with questions about its programs.
Workforce board
Madera County Workforce Development Board
2037 W. Cleveland Avenue, P.O. Box 1205, Madera, CA 93639 (mailing), Madera, CA 93637
Workforce board
California Workforce Development Board
1416 9th Street, Floor 14, Sacramento, CA 95814
Job center and program listings from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Checked on October 10, 2026.
Offices for all of Madera County
Chowchilla is in Madera County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Madera County Department of Social Services
1620 Sunrise Ave, Madera, CA 93638
Help here
- Public assistanceApply for CalFresh food benefits and other public assistance.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
Public health · County office
Madera County WIC Program
1604 Sunrise Ave, Madera, CA 93638
Help here
- WIC nutrition supportEligible pregnant people, new parents, and young children can get nutrition support and food benefits.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
Child support · County office
Madera County Department of Child Support Services
120 N. Lake St, Madera, CA 93638
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help establishing parentage and child support orders or collecting support payments.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
Housing help · City office
Housing Authority of the City of Madera
205 N. G St, Madera, CA 93637
Help here
- Housing assistanceContact the housing authority about its public housing and housing assistance programs.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderaha.org
Public health · County office
Madera County Department of Public Health
1604 Sunrise Ave, Madera, CA 93638
Help here
- Public health clinicGet vaccines, tuberculosis testing, STI testing, and family planning services.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
Mental health and recovery · County office
Madera County Behavioral Health Services
209 E. 7th St, Madera, CA 93638
Help here
- Mental health and substance use servicesContact the department to get mental health and substance use services or find a local program.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on maderacounty.com
California programs by kind of help
These are run by California and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Madera County
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988