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Loan Closet

A loan closet is a program that allows service members, families, and loved ones to borrow durable equipment or resources especially as they are awaiting their household goods.  This program varies by service so check out the below information to see what is offered at this installation.

Items Available

If you arrive in San Diego and need a basic kitchen or household items, we offer Lending Locker items for temporary loans. Lending Locker packs are available on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis. Naval Base Coronado Fleet and Family Support Center Lending Locker packs consist of a Tupperware container filled with basic kitchen necessities. In addition to the full kit, coffee pots, toasters, sleep mats, irons, and ironing boards are available for loan. Typically, these items are available for a two-week checkout period.

NB Coronado FFSC’s Lending Locker does not have furniture or major appliances. In the event such items are needed, a Work & Family Life Consultant will provide you with a number of community agencies that may be able to provide those items at no cost.

Contact NB Coronado FFSC by telephone at 619-545-6071 for more information.

 

Employment

It’s likely that employment will change when a move occurs, especially for military spouses. The information below will provide you with employment assistance information and resources available such as SECO, MyCAA, and MSEP Portals.

Employment Opportunities

The San Diego job market offers a wide variety of employment opportunities but is highly competitive. The minimum wage for the state of California is $14-$15 per hour, depending on the size of the business (effective January 1, 2022).

For federal employment opportunities on military installations in the area, visit the USAJOBS website. The Non-Appropriated Funds Human Resources Department also has opportunities on area bases. To apply for NAF job openings call 619-556-8406, visit the USAJOBS website, or email [email protected]  for more information.

Commander Navy Region Southwest Fleet and Family Support Centers

FFSC offers the Family Employment Readiness Program. FFSC career consultants provide information on the California Employment Development Department, local vacancies, employment resource library, job fair information, mock interviews, resume writing, information on home-based businesses, and military spouse preference. Computer labs, copiers, and fax machines are also available.

For more information, please visit the  FFSC Career Services website or call the FFSC Naval Base San Diego at 619-556-7404.

Commander Navy Region Southwest FFSC classes include:

• Resume writing
• Winning interviewing techniques
• Finding federal employment
• Insights into starting a home-based business
• A spouse employment, empowerment, and development workshop

Military Spouse Preference in Employment

As a military spouse, you are likely to move many times, which means that finding a job and building a career can be a challenge. Fortunately, several programs and organizations exist to help military spouses seeking employment. The Military Spouse Preference program, established under the Military Family Act of 1985, offers employment placement preference in Department of Defense civilian personnel positions to military spouses who meet certain criteria. The program applies to DOD vacancies only, and there are variations and exceptions that allow local hiring authorities to tailor their policies to meet their requirements.

To be eligible for the MSP program, you should:

• Be the spouse of an active-duty member of the U.S. military services, including the Coast Guard or full-time National Guard
• Be relocating (not for separation or retirement) to accompany your military sponsor under a permanent change of station move to an active-duty assignment; you may apply for MSP as early as 30 days prior to your reporting date at the new duty station
• Have been married to the military sponsor prior to the sponsor’s reporting date at the new assignment
• Apply for a position within commuting distance of the sponsor’s permanent new duty station
• Rank among the best-qualified candidates for the position

For more information, please contact your nearest FFSC Career Services Center or visit Military OneSource

Transition Assistance Program

Commander, Navy Region Southwest Fleet and Family Support Centers

Fleet and Family Support Centers offer services for both the Transition Assistance Program and the Family Employment Readiness Program. FFSC career consultants provide extensive information to spouses and transitioning service members by providing workshops and individualized consultations on topics such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies and more. Our CNRSW FFSC career consultants also host career fairs every year. Additionally, there is a computer lab in our career center along with copiers, fax machines, printers and scanners.

CNRSW FFSC’s classes include:

• TAP (for all personnel separating or retiring)**
• Capstone
• Resume writing
• Winning interviewing techniques
• Finding federal employment
• Insights to starting a home-based business
• Spouse Employment, Empowerment, and Development Workshops

For more information, please contact the FFSC on Naval Base Coronado at 619-545-6071.

**Retirees may attend classes up to 24 months prior to retirement and separating personnel may attend classes 12 months prior to separating. Spouses are also encouraged to attend. For enrollment, contact your command career counselor.

Tuition Assistance Program

Military-affiliated students can take courses during their off-duty hours at or near military installations. Contact the local Command, Navy Region Southwest voluntary education region advisor at 619-556-3254 for more information. Please visit the Navy College Program online for more information.

Some colleges and universities extend in-state tuition rates to non-resident military spouses. For more information, contact your preferred school. Visit the National Military Family Association for information on scholarships. Scholarships are also offered through the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the Defense Commissary Agency.

The San Diego County Regional Occupational Program offers occupational training programs to students who are at least 16 years of age. Teachers are credentialed and the program is accredited.

Unemployment Benefits

Separating or retiring military personnel and military spouses may be eligible for unemployment benefits in the state of California. Because not every state offers unemployment benefits to military spouses, check with the state you are relocating from to determine your eligibility. The Unemployment Insurance Program provides weekly payments for workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. The amount varies by state. Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website for more information.

Other

For employment opportunities, the following resources are available:

Fleet and Family Support Center Career Center – The FFSC provides service members and their spouses with employment assistance, including resume writing, job search, and interview techniques. The organization maintains updated job postings from around the world. To access these job postings, visit the Career Center or join the FFSC job distribution email list by emailing [email protected]. Use the subject line: Add.

Navy Life Southwest posts jobs in connection with Southern California naval bases. This site has positions listed as open continuous, meaning always accepting applications; it also lists San Diego openings, meaning accepting applications for only short amounts of time.

San Diego Military Family Collaborative offers military families access to resources throughout San Diego County. One of the resources available to military families is the job board. SDMFC collects job postings from military-friendly employers and posts them. You can access it by signing up for the organization’s email tree or by visiting the job board.

 

New Parent Support Program

You may be expecting your first baby or busy with a toddler. That probably means you have your hands full and may have questions. Thankfully, help is at hand.

The New Parent Support Program is a free service that helps military parents, including expectant parents, transition successfully into parenthood and provides a nurturing environment for their children. Services vary but may include home visits, parenting classes, playgroups, or prenatal classes.

 

 

General Program Description

The New Parent Support Program is a team made up of nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists who offer support and guidance by helping parents:

• Build strong, healthy bonds with their infants and toddlers that will lay the foundation for their social and emotional development
• Manage the demands of parenting, especially when impacted by deployments and other military operations
• Remain flexible and responsive when navigating daily life
• Build a strong support network
• Respond to infant and toddler behavior sensitively and be attuned to their developmental needs
• Find services in the local community in time of need

Learn more about the New Parent Support Program and contact your installation New Parent Support Program office to find out what’s available at your installation.

Staff Qualifications

New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses, clinical social workers, and para-professionals trained in the delivery and practice of established home visiting models. The program is supervised and monitored at the installation level by the Family Advocacy program manager.

Eligibility

The program is available to military families who are expecting a baby or have children aged 3 or younger. Marine Corps eligibility includes families with at least one child under 5.

Enrollment

Contact your installation New Parent Support Program office or Family Advocacy Program office.

Other

All New Parent Support services are free and part of your Navy benefits for parents with newborn children up to the age of 3. All expecting and new parents are eligible, even if this is not your first baby. First priority is given to families with deployed active-duty members as well as single active-duty members.

To enroll or access more information, contact the office at 619-556-8809 and ask for an NPS consultant.

NPS provides information, resource referrals, education, and home visiting services. Ask the Naval Base San Diego NPS program about the availability of a baby shower for your newest family addition.

Healthy Start Military Family Cluster and Social Advocates for Youth San Diego offer Dads Corps, a program for military fathers with newborn children up to age 5. Sessions last for six to eight weeks. Free dinner is always provided as well as free personal visits, screenings, free gas cards, free movies, and free child care if needed. Groups fill up fast, call 858-565-4148 for more information.

The Command Naval Region Southwest Fleet and Family Support Center at NB San Diego provides various workshops and information for new parents. The Effective Parenting class includes building positive communication skills, teaching how and when to use effective discipline techniques, and encouraging your child to develop responsible and healthy attitudes. Additionally, the Active-Duty Pregnancy Resource Workshop, designed for pregnant active duty members, explains rights and responsibilities under the pertaining Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Instruction guideline and provides the opportunity to learn about available resources and basic financial management. Call your F&FSC for details.

Naval Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Department provides the following workshops for new parents: Boot Camp for New Dads, Mom’s Survival Training and Newborn Care, and a sibling class for new sisters and brothers. For more information, contact the pediatrics department at Naval Medical Center by calling 619-881-9165.

 

Financial Assistance

Resources are available to help you understand and manage your finances, including one-on-one financial counseling to assist you and your family with financial readiness. Services are designed to focus on money management issues throughout your active-duty lifecycle and into retirement.  Financial readiness educational opportunities range from basic planning to long-term investing. Check out the information below to see what’s available at your installation.

Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)

The Commander, Navy Region Southwest Fleet and Family Support Center’s Personal Financial Management Program goals are to:

• Assist Navy personnel in establishing and maintaining sound money management practices
• Empower service members and their families to better manage financial resources and meet financial goals by developing their skills and increasing their knowledge
• Provide a continuum of training, information, and counseling services

To assist you and your family in being financially prepared, the CNRSW FFSC offers workshops and consultations on topics including, basic money management, investing, home buying, credit card management, car buying, consumer awareness, and more. For more information please visit the San Diego Navy Life Southwest, website or contact your local FFSC Navy Base Coronado at 619-545-6071.

Protect your financial health. It is important to you and your career. Need help with finances? Military and community resources can help.

• Talk to your command financial specialist, they have tools to help and will respect your privacy.
• Visit CNRSW Fleet and Family Support Centers for valuable and confidential advice and assistance. Call our nearest location to schedule an appointment.
• Banks and credit unions on military bases are tasked to help you. Let them work for you!
• The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers budget counseling and emergency financial assistance. Visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website for contact information for all locations.
• Visit Military OneSource or call 800-342-9647 for advice and assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year.

To help prepare for a move, stop by your local Fleet and Family Support Center and ask about the following travel entitlements: Advance Pay, Per Diem, Temporary Lodging Allowance for travel outside the continental United States, Temporary Lodging Expense for travel within the continental U.S., Mileage in Lieu of Transportation, and most importantly Dislocation Allowance.

Keep in mind that if Advance Pay is taken, repayment starts immediately over a twelve-month period. We suggest consulting your command financial specialist or one of FFSC’s personal financial managers if you believe that taking Advance Pay might cause financial hardship.

Cost of Living

The cost of living depends on various factors. The cost of living in San Diego is comparatively high. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego ranges from $1500 – $3500. Two-bedroom apartments range from $3500 – $5500. Pet policies vary. Some rentals charge a pet deposit that varies based on breed, size, and number of pets.

Military Housing is another option for housing in the San Diego area. Please see the Housing Overview article in Plan My Move for more information.

Utilities

San Diego Gas & Electric is committed to providing you with safe, reliable energy and exceptional customer service. For more information on programs and services, contact SDG&E at 800-411-7343.

Energy Bill Discounts:

• Based on your income and the number of people living in your home, you may qualify to receive a 20% discount on your monthly energy bills.
• Households with three or more persons, who do not qualify for the 20% discount, may be eligible for a discount on electricity costs once energy usage reaches certain levels. Income requirements must be met.
• SDG&E can come to your home and provide a FREE screening that will educate you on being more energy efficient, and provide information on average costs for different areas.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

Minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles (California Insurance Code §11580.1b):

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
• $5,000 for damage to property

Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policy holder for personal injury or property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements. Check your policy or talk to your agent or broker to verify.

California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program information is available on the Department of Insurance website.

Things to Keep in Mind While Transferring

When traveling, emergencies happen. Here are some resources that can assist you.

For vehicle emergencies:

• In the event of a financial emergency while in transit to your new duty station, call the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337. They may assist eligible members and families on behalf of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Once you arrive in the greater San Diego area, for information and assistance call NMCRS Navy Base San Diego at 619-767-6800, NB Coronado at 619-545-4477, Marine Corps Recruit Depot at 619-524-5734, and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at 858-577-1807.
• If there is no military installation listed for the area, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.
• Dial 2-1-1 from any landline phone for a hospital, road service, or another emergency. 2-1-1 is not nationwide; however, it is available in most areas.
• Alert your new command.

In case of a medical emergency involving loss of life, limb, or eye sight, go to the nearest hospital. Call TRICARE within 24 hours for authorization. For other medical care, call TRICARE before seeking medical assistance and TRICARE will assist you in locating a provider. For more information, visit their website or call your previous TRICARE region.

TRICARE West Region (HealthNet Federal Services) 844-866-WEST or 844-866-9378 or visit www.tricare-west.com for medical care concerns and enrollment questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Deployment Support

Deployment can be a challenging phase of the military lifecycle, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. The military provides a variety of resources and support programs — ranging from educational briefings to morale calls — for your loved ones, children, and service members to ease the stress of deployment. Military members may be assigned to a specific installation but support may come from local communities, Yellow Ribbon events, or the installation itself.

Family Deployment Support

Commander, Navy Region Southwest San Diego, and the Fleet and Family Support Center offer programs to heighten deployment preparedness and support families and commands throughout each phase of the deployment cycle. FFSC deployment consultants offer deployment readiness briefs and checklists to assist sailors and families preparing for deployment. For more information, visit the  Deployment Support website or contact Naval Base Coronado’s FFSC at 619-545-6071.

Deployment support programs are tailored to meet the needs of an individual command.

Ombudsman program:

Navy family ombudsmen are communication links, information, and referral resources and advocates for command family members. Appointed by the commanding officer, command ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. As an official command representative, the ombudsman is a confidential point of contact for all family members connected to the command, including spouses, parents and extended family members. The CNRSW FFSC ombudsman coordinator maintains a roster of all area ombudsmen. Contact your nearest FFSC to obtain the contact information for your command ombudsman.

Individual Augmentees:

The Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center offers a hotline for active-duty and reserve families experiencing an Individual Augmentee Deployment, Contact the ECRC at 877-364-4302. For local IA resources, call 619-556-7404.

There are several organizations that offer services for spouses and children of deployed service members.

Military OneSource:

Military OneSource offers materials and consultations on topics such as preparing for deployment, returning reservists, and challenges faced during deployment. For children, Military OneSource offers videos designed to help military families with children ages 3-18 cope with feelings, challenges, and concerns experienced during various phases of deployment. For more information, call 800-342-9647 or visit the Military OneSource website.

Armed Services YMCA:

Armed Services YMCA provides free kid comfort quilts for children of deployed service members. For more information, call 858-751-5755 or visit the Armed Services YMCA website

Navy Services FamilyLine:

The Navy Services FamilyLine focuses on the delivery of quality-of-life information and services to active and reserve sailors, Marines, and family members. The organization offers free articles and information on various topics as well as links to numerous other sites. You can find more information by visiting the Navy Services FamilyLine  website.

American Red Cross:

Both active duty and reservists can count on the American Red Cross to provide emergency communications to link with their families back home. The Red Cross can also provide access to financial assistance and counseling. Call 877-272-7337 or visit the Red Cross website for more information.

United Through Reading:

United Through Reading, a quality-of-life program for military families, helps keep service members and children connected during deployment. Through the medium of reading aloud on video, this program can be utilized by all deployed personnel. Some even choose to read aloud to a younger brother or sister, a grandchild, or a child they are mentoring.

Command Family Readiness Groups:

Family Readiness Groups are command-sponsored organizations that plan and conduct social, informational, and morale-building activities to enhance family readiness. Contact your gaining command for more information.

Families Overcoming Under Stress:

FOCUS provides resiliency training designed to teach military families practical skills to assist in meeting the challenges of military life. The program includes the whole family, and the training is offered in various formats (i.e., family consultations, family-level training, small group training, and workshops). For more information, contact FOCUS San Diego at 619-556-6075 or visit the FOCUS  website.

Service providers are available with support both before and after a PCS move. Learn more about how to put the military’s relocation assistance program to work for you. See below for an overview of Military and Family Support Center Relocation Assistance services. Services vary by installation, so check the “Other” section below to see what other services are available at your location.

Programs and Services

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this is your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offers 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics and download this fact sheet 7 Steps to Make Your Household Goods Move a Smart Move. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log-in details, visit Moving Your Personal Property.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets, and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometime emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Other

Welcome to San Diego! Commander Navy Region Southwest’s Fleet and Family Support Center San Diego Relocation Assistance Program provides a number of services for qualified personnel moving to San Diego. If you have not yet received a Welcome Aboard package from your sponsor, contact our RAP staff to request a free package by mail.

CNRSW FFSC also offers Lending Lockers at Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base San Diego, and Naval Base Point Loma. Kits contain basic kitchen items. Coffee pots, toasters, sleeping mats and irons, and ironing boards are also available when in stock. FFSC Lending Lockers do not include furniture, but RAP staff can offer referrals to organizations that provide free furniture. Kits can be checked out for a maximum of two weeks. FFSC San Diego also offers one-on-one consultations introducing you to area resources.

For more information, visit the FFSC relocation website or contact the NBC FFSC at 619-545-6071.

Additional San Diego resources:

Support the Enlisted Project: STEP provides emergency financial and transition assistance grants to active-duty and recently discharged enlisted military and their families. Contact 858-695-6810 or
866-424-5210 for more information.

San Diego Military Outreach Ministries: The available services include free furniture and household items, strollers, playpens, highchairs, clothing, formula and diapers, weekly food and bread distribution in various military housing communities, and much more. Some restrictions may apply and hours of operation do vary. For more information, contact 619-461-4164.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: NMCRS provides financial counseling, thrift shops, a Budget for Baby workshop, the Visiting Nurse program, scholarships, and financial assistance to qualifying individuals. Appointments are encouraged. Contact the NMCRS on Naval Air Station North Island at 619-545-4477.

Armed Services YMCA: The ASYMCA provides in-home social work visits, in-home counseling, emergency food, free transportation to and from medical appointments and a variety of other services. Call
858-751-5755.

School liaison officers: SLOs are in place to serve as a point of contact between Naval Region Southwest commands and the school system. SLOs specializes in serving military students and parents and offer a wide spectrum of services, enabling families to become more involved in their child’s educational experience. Contact your local FFSC to receive contact information for the SLO in your area.