HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2025 HRC Agenda Packet
Human Relations Commission
AGENDA
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
The Human Relations Commission holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be
supported. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of
complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:
Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting):
Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401.
Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your
email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not
be read aloud during the meeting.
Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the
agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be
limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting.
*All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received
after the deadline may not be processed until the following day.
Public Comment during the meeting:
Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be
present at the meeting location.
Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy,
Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire
to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation must provide display-ready
material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's
Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114.
Pages
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kasprzak will call the Regular Meeting of the Human Relations
Commission to order.
2.OATH OF OFFICE
On July 15, 2025, the City Council approved the appointment to City Advisory
Bodies, which appointed Jenn Fields to a 2-year term on the Human Relations
Commission, commencing on August 6, 2025. City Clerk Teresa Purrington will
administer the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Commissioner.
3.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The public is encouraged to submit comments on any subject within the
jurisdiction of the Human Relations Commission that does not appear on this
agenda. Although the Commission will not take action on items presented during
the Public Comment Period, the Chair may direct staff to place an item on a
future agenda for discussion.
4.CONSENT
Matters appearing on the Consent Calendar are expected to be non-
controversial and will be acted upon at one time. A member of the public may
request the Human Relations Commission to pull an item for discussion. The
public may comment on any and all items on the Consent Agenda within the
three-minute time limit.
4.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JULY 9, 2025 HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Human Relations Commission Special Meeting Minutes
of July 9, 2025.
5.BUSINESS ITEMS
5.a SELECTION OF 2025-26 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT REVIEW
SUBCOMMITTEE
9
Recommendation:
Select up to three (3) Commissioners to participate in a subcommittee to
review the 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant applications and provide
preliminary funding recommendations to the full Human Relations
Commission.
5.b SELECTION OF THE COMMISSIONER LIAISON ROLES FOR 2025-
26 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT
11
Recommendation:
Designate and approve liaison assignments for each of the grant
recipients from the 2025-26 Human Services Grant program.
5.c UPDATE FROM THE AD HOC LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE 13
Recommendation:
Receive and file the update from the Human Relations Commission Ad
Hoc Learning Subcommittee on information received from the CA Civil
Rights Department’s Community Conflict Resolution Unit.
5.d INITIAL DISCUSSION OF THE HUMAN SERVICES GRANT FUNDING
PRIORITIES AND THE COMMUNITY NEEDS GRANT WORKSHOP
15
Recommendation:
Review and assess the current Human Services Grant funding priorities
in advance of the Community Needs Grant Workshop.
6.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Receive a brief update from DEI Manager Matt Pennon and DEI Admin
Specialist Sam Vethavanam.
7.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Human Relations Commission is scheduled for
September 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible
to the public. Upon request, this agenda will be made available in appropriate
alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a disability who
requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting
should direct such request to the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least
48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Human Relations
Commission are available for public inspection on the City’s website, under the
Public Meeting Agendas web page: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-
and-city-council/agendas-and-minutes. Meeting audio recordings can be found
on the City’s website:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=60981&dbid=0&repo=CityCl
erk
1
Human Relations Commission Minutes
July 9, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
SLO City/County Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Human Relations
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioner Vincent DeTurris, Commissioner Esmeralda
Parker (arrived at 5:09 p.m.), Commissioner Sierra Smith, Vice
Chair Catuih Campos, Chair Angie Kasprzak
Human Relations
Commissioners
Absent:
City Staff Present:
Commissioner Mason Ambrosio, Commissioner Stephanie
Carlotti
Deputy City Manager Greg Hermann, DEI Administrative
Specialist Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Manager Matt Pennon
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on July 9, 2025 at 5:04 p.m. in the Library Community Room, 995
Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Kasprzak.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - JUNE 4, 2025 HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION MINUTES
Motion By Commissioner DeTurris
Second By Commissioner Smith
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of June 4, 2025.
Page 5 of 24
2
Ayes (4): Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner Smith, Vice Chair
Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
Absent (3): Commissioner Ambrosio, Commissioner Carlotti, and
Commissioner Parker
CARRIED (4 to 0)
Commissioner Parker joined the meeting at 5:09 p.m.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a DEI STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
DEI Manager Matt Pennon provided an update on the implementation of
the DEI Strategic Plan and the Office of DEI's priority tasks over the next
two fiscal years.
Public Comment:
None
--End of Public Comment--
4.b 2025-26 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION WORKPLAN DISCUSSION
To approve the 2025-26 Human Relations Commission Workplan with the
following additions:
• Adding an update from the Ad Hoc Learning Subcommittee
• Adding an item on the Citywide Single Voting System outreach and
communications plan
• Adding a tentative item about youth-related programming
• Adding an update on the Responding to Hate Toolkit
• Moving the DEI High Impact Grant public hearing from November
to October
• Adding updates from various departments to the "Bike Rack"
Motion By Commissioner Smith
Second By Vice Chair Campos
Ayes (5): Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner Parker, Commissioner
Smith, Vice Chair Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
Absent (2): Commissioner Ambrosio, and Commissioner Carlotti
Page 6 of 24
3
CARRIED (5 to 0)
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Deputy City Manager Greg Hermann, DEI Manager Matt Pennon, and DEI
Admin Specialist Sam Vethavanam provided the following updates:
• The City released the annual State of the City on July 7th
• Reminded the Commission about upcoming grant report due dates
• First DEI SLO Business Grantee should be posted soon
• Office of DEI will begin tabling at the Monday Meet-Ups.
• Office of DEI recently met with SLO Swim Center to discuss DEI
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for August 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the
Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
_________________________
APPROVED BY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: XX/XX/2025
Page 7 of 24
Page 8 of 24
Item 5a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/6/2025
Item Number: 5a
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF 2025-26 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT REVIEW
SUBCOMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
Select up to three (3) Commissioners to participate in a subcommittee to review the 2025-
26 DEI High Impact Grant applications and provide preliminary funding recommendations
to the full Human Relations Commission.
BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is tasked with reviewing the applications for
the DEI High Impact Grant program and providing funding recommendations to City
Council. To ensure a comprehensive and equitable recommendation process, a
subcommittee of the full HRC is formed to review and discuss each application in depth.
The subcommittee then makes initial recommendations for f unding to the full HRC who
then deliberates during a public hearing before their final funding recommendations are
sent to City Council.
The DEI High Impact Grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations to
enhance the sense of belonging for all people in the community of San Luis Obispo. This
funding allocation is an effort to uplift and support local projects, programs, and initiatives
that contribute to creating a San Luis Obispo that is welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and
safe. The scope of equity and inclusion work is inherently broad and complex, and the
funding seeks to support initiatives that show an understanding of root cause issues and
intractable problems, can demonstrate measurable success, and will contribute to some
aspect of systemic change.
While funded projects may focus on specific underserved and underrepresented
communities, all projects, applications, and concepts must provide access to the entire
City of San Luis Obispo community-at-large.
Page 9 of 24
Page 10 of 24
Item 5b
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/6/2025
Item Number: 5b
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF THE COMMISSIONER LIAISON ROLES FOR 2025-26
HUMAN SERVICES GRANT
RECOMMENDATION
Designate and approve liaison assignments for each of the grant recipients from the
2025-26 Human Services Grant program.
BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is tasked with reviewing the applications for
the Human Services Grant program and providing funding recommendations to City
Council. HRC is also tasked with acting as liaisons to grant recipients, once selected,
during the period of the grant cycle to offer technical assistance and be a conduit between
the grantee and the City. This liaison role also affords the HRC the opportunity to work
and directly engage with various grant recipients doing work related to human services
and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Human Services Grant provides financial support to non -profit organizations that
promote the economic and social well-being of its citizens. For the 2025-26 Fiscal Year,
the main funding priority was “homelessness prevention including affordable, alternative,
transitional housing, and supportive services.” Secondary priorities, not listed in order of
importance included:
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized
communities, including access to language services.
These priorities were funded when and if qualified applicants under the main funding
priority received funding first.
Page 11 of 24
Item 5b
For the 2025-26 Human Services Grant, a total of twelve (12) organizations were awarded
funding. The recipients are as follows:
Organization Name Program/Project
1 Community Action Partnership SLO Homeless Prevention/Stable Housing
2 Housing Authority of SLO Housing Stability with Supportive Services
3 Long Term Care Ombudsman
Services of SLO County Ombudsman Services
4 Lumina Alliance Emergency Shelter for Sexual Assault and
Intimate Partner Violence Survivors
5 Meals that Connect Nutrition for Healthy Seniors
6 Mixteco Indigena Community
Organizing Project Housing/Wellness Navigator
7 People’s Self-Help Housing City of SLO Supportive Housing
8 Restorative Partners Opportunity to Fund
9 Shower the People Shower the People
10 SLO CASA General SLO CASA Program Support
11 SLO Legal Assistance Foundations Senior Homeless Prevention
12 United Way of SLO County 211 Homeless Intake and Homeless
Prevention Screening Services
Commissioners will designate and approve their liaison assignment roles for each of the
2025-26 Human Services Grant recipients listed above in preparation for the mid -year
report review.
Page 12 of 24
Item 5c
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/6/2025
Item Number: 5c
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: UPDATE FROM THE AD HOC LEARNING SUBCOMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the update from the Human Relations Commission Ad Hoc Learning
Subcommittee on information received from the CA Civil Rights Department’s Community
Conflict Resolution Unit.
BACKGROUND
On August 2, 2023, during the regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission
(HRC), a member of the public provided public comment requesting the HRC recommend
to the City Council to include a statement, as part of the DEI Strategic Plan, denouncing
hate incidents and to develop a Hate Incident Response Guideline geared toward
addressing the community’s needs.
Staff then conducted research and provided an update at the September 6, 2023 HRC
meeting on what a potential Hate Incident Response Guideline could look like. At this
meeting, the HRC recommended forming a subcommittee to help staff in the development
of the Guideline.
In early 2024, the Office of DEI engaged the CA Civil Rights Department’s Community
Conflict Resolution Unit (CCRU) to identify sources and information to help assist the
community during hate incidents. The HRC received a presentation from Mr. Marquez
Equalibria from the CCRU on the work of the CCRU and the support they can provide at
the April 3, 2024 HRC meeting.
At the July 10, 2024 Special Meeting of the HRC, Commissioners chose three (3)
members to be part of the Ad Hoc Learning Subcommittee to learn from the CCRU and
disseminate information to the remaining Commissioners. The Subcommittee members
were chosen as follows:
Vice Chair Catuih Campos
Commissioner Tarryn Warrecker (no longer on the HRC)
Commissioner Mason Ambrosio
Page 13 of 24
Item 5c
The Subcommittee then had a meeting, along with City staff, with members of the CCRU
on July 30, 2024, in which they discussed ideas surrounding how the City can be a
resource for the community as it relates to addressing and mitigating hate incidents. On
July 31, 2024, the CCRU responded with a follow up email with additional ideas and ways
they could support. This item will include a recap of this conversation and subsequent
recommendations.
Page 14 of 24
Item 5d
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/6/2025
Item Number: 5d
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: INITIAL DISCUSSION OF THE HUMAN SERVICES GRANT FUNDING
PRIORITIES AND THE COMMUNITY NEEDS GRANT WORKSHOP
RECOMMENDATION
Review and assess the current Human Services Grant funding priorities in advance of the
Community Needs Grant Workshop.
BACKGROUND
Every two years, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) will review the funding
priorities for the Human Services Grant. This process will begin with an initial review by
the HRC, followed by a Community Needs Grant Workshop public hearing. This current
item will be the initial review.
The purpose of the Human Services Grant is to provide financial support to non -profit
organizations that promote the economic and social well-being of its community
members. In 2025-26, the Human Services Grant had $150,000 total to distribute to local
nonprofits and the main funding priority was:
Homelessness prevention, including affordable, alternative, transitional
housing, and supportive services
To allow for maximum flexibility for applicants, the grant had additional secondary funding
priorities, which would only be funded if all qualified applicants who met the main priority
were allocated funding first. The secondary priorities include (not listed in order of
importance):
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized
communities, including access to language services.
To more completely align with the City Council’s primary funding priority—homelessness
Page 15 of 24
Item 5d
prevention—the Office of DEI has updated the Human Services Grant guidelines and
funding priorities. These revisions are being shared with the HRC for review ahead of the
upcoming Community Needs Grant Workshop. While homelessness prevention remains
a core focus, the updated guidelines expand eligible funding uses to include related
services such as street outreach, emergency shelter, and hygiene services. Through
these changes, the Office of DEI is working to ensure that Human Services Grant funding
directly supports efforts to address the ongoing homelessness crisis, while maintaining
flexibility for other grantees who address various human service needs.
Once these changes are finalized, they will go to City Council for approval and adoption.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2025-26 Human Services Grant Funding Information and Priorities
B - Revised Draft 2026-27 Human Services Grant Funding Information and Priorities
Page 16 of 24
2025-26 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information – Final
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant
(HSG) Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of its citizens.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
For the 2025-26 Fiscal Year, the main funding priority is:
Homelessness prevention including affordable, alternative, transitional housing, and
supportive services.
Secondary Funding Priorities:
The following secondary funding priorities areas are not listed in order of importance and may
receive funding if available:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services.
The Human Relations Commission will first fund all qualified applications that meet the
main funding priority. After qualified main priority applications are funded, the HRC will
consider applications for the secondary funding priorities.
FUNDING EXAMPLES
Examples of previous funded projects, programs, and activities include:
• Direct rental assistance and relocation stabilization housing services.
• Direct financial assistance to residents at risk of being evicted or need support securing
housing with first month’s rent or security deposit.
• Direct financial support to secure and maintain permanent housing for youth and
families.
• Funding support for transitional housing and incentives.
• Residential advocacy, facility monitoring visit, complaint investigations and resolution for
older adults in long term care facilities.
• Cover costs of relocation expenses to independent living conditions after treatment.
• Provide food, household supplies, rent, and transportation cost for the older adult
population.
• Provide access to showers, clothing, and shower items to individuals experiencing
homelessness.
• Direct rental assistance to individuals with various backgrounds, including mix-status
and undocumented individuals as member of at -large communities of SLO.
Page 17 of 24
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Applicants must submit a complete application package and within the deadline.
1.1 One-page DEI Statement that includes:
1.1.1 Applicant’s understanding and application of DEI concepts/values
1.1.2 Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging to all
community members.
1.1.3 Explain how the proposal will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
1.2 One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested
will be allocated.
1.3 Organizational chart
1.4 Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2 Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications will not
be considered.
3
Grant recipients must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment
within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of
race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or economic
status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
4 Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG funds,
located HERE.
5 Grant recipients must complete periodic reports and provide them timely.
6
Grant recipients must submit a final report at the end of the project/service or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients are expected to return unused
funds.
7
Grant-funded programs must be available to all City residents, without regard to the
resident’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental,
or economic status.
FUNDING APPLICANTS CRITERIA
1 Grants are made only to non-profit organizations.
2
Applications for a specific program, project, equipment need, or general operational
support will be considered if the organization’s mission falls under the main funding
priority.
3 Grants are primarily made to organizations serving residents in the City of San Luis
Obispo.
4 Agencies serving residents in neighboring communities, also serving a significant
number of City residents will be considered.
5 Organizations that received previous HSG funding must be in good standing and have
complied with all reporting requirements.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING INFORMATION
1 Applicants’ minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum request of $20,000.
2 A maximum of one (1) grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a
collaborative project).
3 Funding may be used for new (innovative) or existing projects, programs, concepts, or
initiatives that have proven success and/or utilize best practices or approaches.
Page 18 of 24
4 Projects, programs, concepts, and initiatives that leverage existing or other funding
sources to supplement proposal are highly encouraged.
5 Consideration may be provided to proposals who have matching grants secured.
6 Consideration may be provided to applicants whose ongoing fundraising and services
were severely impacted by COVID-19 and not recouped by other means.
7 Consideration may be provided to applicants who train or support service providers to
expand scope of services and/or increase the numbers of clients.
8 Consideration may be provided to applicants who initiate a new, ongoing funding source
for the organization.
9 Consideration may be provided to applicants who direct services efficiently to needy
residents with low overhead and administrative costs.
PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS
1 Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting political
causes, entities, ballot measures, or candidates.
2
Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting religious
causes, entities, individuals, or activities. Funding CANNOT be used of the purpose of
disseminating religious information.
3 Funds CANNOT be used for profit or personal gain.
FUNDING DECISIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will exercise discretion when developing
funding recommendations.
The HRC will review, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, all
applications (that are completed, timely submitted, and met the funding criteria) and develop
funding recommendations based on the answers and attestations provided in each application,
and guidance and direction from City Council. Please be as specific and detailed in your
applications. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Grants are
awarded by available funding for current grant cycle. Previous grant awards do not
guarantee continued funding. This is a competitive grant.
The HRC encourages organizations that take new, creative approaches to solving the
most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
Page 19 of 24
Page 20 of 24
2026-27 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information – Updated Draft – 7/30/25
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant (HSG)
Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic and
social well-being of its citizens.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Main Funding Priority:
For the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, the main funding for the City of San Luis Obispo will be preventing
and addressing homelessness. More specifically, the City will prioritize funding services that:
1) Provide permanent housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
2) Provide homelessness prevention activities that can prevent homelessness or serve
those experiencing homelessness
3) Provide interim housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
4) Provide non-housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
Category 1: Permanent Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Rapid Rehousing/Rental
Subsidies
Rental subsidies; landlord incentives (such as security
deposits, holding fees, funding for needed repairs, landlord
relationship management costs); and move-in expenses.
Operating Subsidies for
Permanent Housing
Operating subsidies in new and existing affordable or
supportive housing units serving people experiencing or at risk
of homelessness, new or existing residential care facilities.
Permanent Housing Services
and Services Coordination
Supportive services for people in Permanent Housing,
including, but not limited to, intensive case management;
coordination of mental health, substance use, or primary care
treatment; other evidence-based supportive services.
Category 2: Homelessness Prevention Activities
Eligible Use Category Examples
Prevention and Diversion
In addition to rapid rehousing and rental subsidies,
prevention programs that prioritize households with incomes
at or below 30% AMI; problem solving and diversion support
programs that prevent people at risk or recently experiencing
homelessness from entering homelessness (such as legal
aid).
Page 21 of 24
Category 3: Interim Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Interim Housing/Motel or
Hotel Vouchers
Operating expenses for congregate and non-congregate
shelters, emergency shelters, and transitional housing;
vouchers for motels or hotels for short-term stays for people
experiencing homelessness.
Interim Housing Services and
Services Coordination
Supportive services for people in Interim Housing, including,
but not limited to, intensive case management; housing
navigation; coordination of mental health, substance use, or
primary care treatment; other evidence-based supportive
services.
Category 4: Non-Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Services and services
coordination
Street outreach; engagement services; case management;
housing navigation; hygiene services; harm reduction
services; etc.
Operating or administrative
costs for organization
Includes costs incurred to administer homeless services to
City residents, such as salaries, office supplies, rent, etc.
Secondary Funding Priorities:
The following secondary funding priority areas are not listed in order of importance and may
receive funding if available:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans, and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services
The Human Relations Commission will first fund all qualified applications that meet the
main funding priority. After qualified main priority applications are funded, the HRC will
consider applications for the secondary funding priorities.
FUNDING EXAMPLES
Examples of previously funded projects, programs, and activities include:
• Direct rental assistance and relocation stabilization housing services.
• Direct financial assistance to residents at risk of being evicted or needing support to secure
housing with the first month’s rent or security deposit.
• Direct financial support to secure and maintain permanent housing for youth and families.
• Funding to support transitional housing and incentives.
• Providing access to showers, clothing, and shower items to individuals experiencing
homelessness.
Page 22 of 24
• Residential advocacy, facility monitoring visits, complaint investigations, and resolution for
individuals in long term care facilities.
• Covering costs of relocation expenses to independent living conditions after treatment.
• Providing food, household supplies, rent, and transportation cost services targeting the
older adult population.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Applicants must submit a complete application package within the deadline.
1.1 One-page DEI Statement that includes:
1.1.1 Applicant’s understanding and application of DEI concepts/values.
1.1.2 Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging to all
community members.
1.1.3 Explain how the proposal will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
1.2 One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested
will be allocated.
1.3 Organizational chart
1.4 Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2 Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications will
not be considered.
3
Grant recipients must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment
within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless
of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or
economic status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
4 Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG funds,
located HERE.
5 Grant recipients must complete periodic reports and provide them on a timely basis.
6
Grant recipients must submit a final report at the end of the project/service or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients are expected to return unused
funds.
7
Grant-funded programs must be available to all City residents, without regard to the
resident’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental,
or economic status.
8
Grant recipients must adhere to the following definitions when designing grant
applications:
1. People literally experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness
are defined under 24 CFR Section 578.3.
2. Supportive services are defined under 24 CFR Section 578.53.
FUNDING APPLICANT CRITERIA
1 Grants are made only to 501(c)3 organizations.
2 100% of the funded activities must occur in the City of San Luis Obispo.
3
Funded activities must primarily serve City residents. Applicants that provide services
to neighboring communities, but also serve a significant number of City residents, will be
considered.
4 Organizations that received previous HSG funding must be in good standing and have
complied with all reporting requirements.
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ADDITIONAL FUNDING INFORMATION
1 Applicants may submit a minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum request of
$20,000. If applying in a partnership, the maximum request amount will be $40,000.
2 A maximum of one (1) grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a
collaborative project).
3
If applying in a partnership, a lead organization must be identified in the application. The
lead organization must be an eligible entity and must act as the fiscal agent. All parties
must enter into the contract.
4 Projects, programs, concepts, and initiatives that leverage existing or other funding
sources to supplement proposal are highly encouraged.
5 Consideration may be provided to proposals who have matching grants secured.
6 Consideration may be provided to projects/programs that have low overhead and
administrative costs.
PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS
1 Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, campaigning, advocating, promoting, or
highlighting political entities, ballot measures/initiatives, or candidates.
2
Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting religious
causes, entities, individuals, or activities. Funding CANNOT be used for the purpose of
disseminating religious information in any form.
3 Funds CANNOT be used for profit or personal gain.
FUNDING DECISIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will exercise discretion when developing funding
recommendations.
The HRC will review, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, all applications
(that are completed, timely submitted, and meet the funding criteria) and develop funding
recommendations based on the answers and attestations provided in each application, with
guidance and direction from City Council. Please be as specific and detailed in your applications
as possible. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Final funding
decisions are at the sole discretion of the City Council. Grants are awarded by available funding
for current grant cycle. Previous grant awards do not guarantee continued funding. This is
a competitive grant process.
The HRC encourages organizations to take innovative, creative approaches to solving
the most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
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