Frequently Asked Questions

New clients are asked to arrive by 11:30 AM so staff have enough time to:

• Set up your client account
• Review your application
• Explain available programs and services

For more information, please visit the Get Help page.

Monument Crisis Center serves low-income households and uses the following guidelines:

• Primary qualification: Based on CDBG income guidelines (updated annually)
• Geographic requirement: Not restricted to Contra Costa County
• Program-specific requirements:
• Some programs (such as USDA/TEFAP) have separate income guidelines

For current eligibility details, please visit the Get Help page.

Yes. Monument Crisis Center serves families regardless of location.

• Services are income-based, not location-based
• Each household is supported on a case-by-case basis

For more information, please visit the Get Help page.

Yes. All services are free for qualified families.

• There are no fees for receiving assistance
• Partner organizations are also coordinated to provide free or no-cost services whenever possible

If you know someone who needs assistance, they can:

• Visit the Get Help page for instructions
• Speak directly with a Monument Crisis Center staff member

Please note:

• Delivery services are not available at this time

While delivery services are not currently available, you still have options:

• Contact a Monument Crisis Center staff member
• Get help identifying programs you may qualify for
• Be connected with partner agencies in the community

For more information, please visit the Get Help page.

Food Distribution hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Important for new clients:

• Please arrive before 11:30 AM to allow time for registration and program review.

No. Receiving services will not affect your status.

• Monument Crisis Center is an independent nonprofit organization
• Services do not impact benefits, immigration status, or household standing

Additional support includes:

• Help with applying for Medi-Cal
• Assistance with CalFresh
• Access to immigration resources through trusted partners

If any legal or policy changes occur, clients will be informed promptly.

Yes, you are welcome to return.

• If it has been more than 1 year, you may need to:
• Update your information
• Reconfirm eligibility

Please visit the Get Help page for more details.

Monument Crisis Center is located at:

• 1990 Market Street, Concord, CA 94520

Drop-off options:

• During Food Distribution hours (Mon–Wed, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
• Visit the MCC Tent located outside
• At other times:
• Go to the roll-up gate or
• Use either set of glass entry doors for assistance

For more information, visit the In-Kind Donation page.

We accept a variety of food and essential items, including:

• Healthy, nutritious, non-expired food
• Non-food essentials (based on current needs)

To see the most needed items and current donation drives:

• Visit the In-Kind Donation page
• Check the current drives page for updated needs

No. We cannot accept expired items.

• All donations are checked for expiration dates
• This ensures food safety and quality for the families we serve

We appreciate your understanding and support.

No. For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept opened or used items, including:

• Food
• Toiletries
• Diapers
• Feminine hygiene products

All donated items must be new and unopened.

Yes! We gladly accept fresh, homegrown produce.

• All items are reviewed to ensure they meet safety standards
• Please deliver perishable items on:
• Monday or Tuesday (to ensure timely distribution)

For more information, visit the In-Kind Donation page.

No. Due to health and safety regulations, we cannot accept:

• Homemade meals
• Cooked food not prepared in a commercial kitchen

To host a donation drive:

• Contact our team at website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name, organization (if applicable), and details about your drive

You will be connected with the appropriate staff member. For more details, visit the Host a Drive page.

Yes. We can coordinate a pickup from your:

• Business
• Church
• Organization or event location

To schedule a pickup:

• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name, location, and pickup details

Visit the Host a Drive page for more information.

Yes! After your drive:

• Donations are weighed
• We can provide:
• Total donation weight
• Photos (if requested)

To request details:

• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name and drive information

We welcome bulk and large-scale donations.

To coordinate:

• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name, business name, and donation details

Our team will follow up to assist with logistics.
For more details, visit the In-Kind Donation page.

For any updates to your recurring donation:

• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name and request details

Your request will be routed to the appropriate team member.

For more information, visit the Support Us page.

To manage your mailing preferences:

• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org
• Include your name and request details

For more information, visit the Support Us page.

There is no penalty if you are unable to attend every week.

• Food Distribution is available as needed for eligible households
• If you do not receive services for over 1 year, your file will be marked inactive

You are always welcome to return:

• Update your information
• Resume receiving services

For more information, visit the Get Help page.

We are unable to guarantee specific items during your visit.

• Inventory changes throughout the day and week
• Each food cart and distribution is different
• Items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis

While we aim to provide a variety of nutritious items, availability will vary.

Yes, we offer limited baby supplies, including:

• Diapers (Newborn through Pull-Ups, up to age 3)
• Baby food and formula (limited availability)

Please note:

• Items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis
• Availability depends on the current supply

Yes. If you are unable to visit due to transportation, mobility, or other challenges:

• You may assign a designated alternate pickup person
• Such as a trusted friend or family member
• This requires completing a pickup authorization form

Your designated person can:

• Pick up your groceries
• Submit documents to update your file

For assistance with this process:

• Speak with a staff member during your visit, or
• Email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org with your name and request details

Yes! We understand students often have extracurricular activities, so attending once a week is perfectly fine.

• Variety of programs.
• No regular weekend on-site volunteer opportunities.
• Consider hosting a drive.

No, no onsite weekend volunteering opportunities. Refer to drives.

• For on-site Food Pantry volunteer opportunities, the minimum age for volunteers is 14+ with adult supervision.
• For questions, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator at (925) 825-7751 Extension 103.

• Yes, Monument Crisis Center is able to verify community service hours as part of a school, university, or education program on a case-by-case basis.
• Please make sure when filling out your volunteer information or during your initial conversation, to mention and note if you need hours verified, so that it can be taken into account before you begin volunteering.

• No, unfortunately, Monument Crisis Center is not able to approve or verify court-ordered/court-mandated community service hours.
• To complete these hours, please contact the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano at https://volunteer.foodbankccs.org/court .

• If you would like to volunteer as an individual or with your organization to teach a class or host a workshop, please call:
• (925) 825 – 7751 Extension 125 to reach our Resource and Referral team
• (925) 825 – 7751 Extension 109 to reach our Youth Enrichment team

All volunteers must sign up in advance — we do not accept walk-in volunteers.

To get started:

• Complete the Volunteer Form on our website
• Select the appropriate option:
• Individual volunteer
• Group / team / company volunteer
• Wait for confirmation and scheduling from our team

Please note:

• All volunteers must be scheduled in advance
• You are required to check in for each shift

For group volunteering:

• Please reach out at least 2 months in advance
• Group spots fill up quickly

If you need assistance, email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org with your name and request details.

Volunteer opportunities vary depending on program needs.

• Most opportunities take place during weekday hours
• There are no regular on-site weekend volunteer opportunities

Alternative ways to help:

• Host a donation drive
• Support off-site initiatives

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities based on current programs and needs.

• Food distribution support
• Program assistance
• Special events or seasonal needs

Opportunities may vary, so check the Volunteer Form or contact us for current availability.

No, we do not offer regular on-site weekend volunteer opportunities.

If you are unavailable during weekdays, consider:

• Hosting a donation drive
• Supporting community-based initiatives

For on-site Food Pantry volunteering:

• Minimum age is 14 years old
• Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult supervisor

For questions, contact:

• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Phone: (925) 825-7751 ext. 103

Yes, we can verify community service hours for:

• Schools
• Universities
• Educational programs

Please note:

• Approval is handled on a case-by-case basis
• You must inform staff in advance when signing up or during your initial communication

No. Monument Crisis Center does not accept or verify court-ordered community service hours.

For these requirements, please contact:

• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
• https://volunteer.foodbankccs.org/court

If you are interested in leading a class or workshop:

Please call:

• Resource & Referral Team: (925) 825-7751 ext. 125
• Youth Enrichment Team: (925) 825-7751 ext. 109

You may also email website@monumentcrisiscenter.org with your name and details, and your request will be directed to the appropriate team.

The Senior Moments Program is available for adults ages 55 and older.

Please visit our Contact Page and contact Lydia Alvarado Lugo for newsletter requests or updates.

Our name reflects our history and roots in the community.

• Monument Crisis Center was founded on Monument Boulevard
• The name represents our early work serving individuals and families in crisis in that area

To learn more about our history, visit the About Us – Timeline page.

Monument Crisis Center is not hiring at this time.

• Please visit our website to learn more about our organization
• Check back for future opportunities