HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-2026 HRC Agenda Package
Human Relations Commission
AGENDA
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 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.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.
3.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.
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - MARCH 4, 2026 HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
5
Recommendation:
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of March 4,
2026.
4.PUBLIC HEARINGS
Note: Administrative decisions by the Human Relations Commission may be
appealed to the City Council in accordance with the appeal procedure set forth
in Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
4.a REVIEW OF THE 2026-27 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT
SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDE A
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL
9
Recommendation:
Review the preliminary recommendations from the Human Services
Grant Review Subcommittee and provide a recommendation to the City
Council for final approval.
5.BUSINESS ITEMS
5.a 2025-26 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT REPORT REVIEWER
SELECTION
25
Recommendation:
Designate and approve Grant Report Reviewer assignment roles for
each of the grant recipients of the 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant.
5.b REVIEW 2026-27 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT FUNDING PRIORITIES 27
Recommendation:
Review and provide feedback as necessary on the proposed 2026-27
DEI High Impact Grant funding priorities.
6.COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Receive a brief update from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Matt Pennon and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Admin Specialist Sam
Vethavanam.
7.ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the Human Relations Commission is scheduled for
May 6, 2026 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
March 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Human Relations
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioner Stephanie Carlotti, Commissioner Jennifer
Chassman Browne, Commissioner Vincent DeTurris,
Commissioner Fields, Vice Chair Catuih Campos, Chair Angie
Kasprzak
Human Relations
Commissioners
Absent:
Commissioner Esmeralda Parker
City Staff Present: DEI Manager Matt Pennon, DEI Administrative Specialist
Samantha Vethavanam
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on March 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at
City Hall, 990 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 - FEBRUARY 18, 2026 HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Motion By Commissioner Carlotti
Second By Commissioner Browne
To approve the Human Relations Commission Special Meeting Minutes of
February 18, 2026.
Page 5 of 30
2
Ayes (6): Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner Browne, Commissioner
DeTurris, Commissioner Fields, Vice Chair Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
Absent (1): Commissioner Parker
CARRIED (6 to 0)
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a OVERVIEW OF PEOPLE'S SELF-HELP HOUSING'S AND THE
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO'S
HOUSING PROGRAMS
Chair Kasprzak opened public comment.
Public Comment:
None.
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Kasprzak closed public comment.
Action: By consensus, the Commission agreed to continue this item to a
date uncertain.
4.b REVIEW OF THE 2024-25 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT YEAR-END
REPORTS
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon presented the staff
report and responded to Commission inquiries.
Chair Kasprzak opened public comment.
Public Comment:
None.
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Kasprzak closed public comment.
Action: By consensus, the Commission received and filed the 2024-25
DEI High Impact Grant year-end reports.
5. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
5.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Page 6 of 30
3
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon and Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion Admin Specialist Sam Vethavanam provided the
following update of upcoming projects:
• 2026-27 Human Services Grant Update
o April 1st will be the Public Hearing
The Commissioners provided the following updates:
• Advisory Body applications are due by March 29th
• The Belonging Project event from last week
• Belonging Icon
• GALA Strategic Priorities Session on March 26th
• Heightened Security Film Screening on March 29th
• Trans Day of Visibility on March 31st
• SLO Earth Fest on April 18th
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026 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/2026
Page 7 of 30
Page 8 of 30
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Human Relations Commission
Staff Agenda Correspondence
DATE: April 1, 2026
TO: Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Administrative
Specialist
VIA: Matt Pennon, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager
SUBJECT: Item #4a – Review of the 2026-27 Human Services Grant Subcommittee
Recommendations and Provide a Recommendations to Council for
Approval
The Human Services Grant Subcommittee has created the attached funding
recommendations worksheet to help guide the funding recommendations conversation
for the 2026-27 Human Services Grant under Item 4a.
The worksheet includes the applicant’s request, the Subcommittee’s recommendation,
and their reasoning for such recommendation.
Page 9 of 30
Page 10 of 30
Human Relations Subcommittee
Human Services Grant 26-27 Funding Recommendations
Our subcommittee approached this review process with clear intention and care. In developing our funding recommendations, we
focused on organizations that strongly align with the City’s primary funding priorities, demonstrate a direct and meaningful impact on
specific populations within the City of San Luis Obispo, and have shown a consistent ability to provide positive value to the
community members they serve.
We also considered each organization’s track record, the clarity of their proposed outcomes, and how their work contributes to the
broader well-being of our community.
With that context, we are pleased to share a summary of our funding recommendations below:
Organization Program Description Req.
Amount
Rec.
Amount Reasoning
CAPSLO
Homeless
Prevention/Stable
Housing Project
This program will provide emergency
financial assistance to City of SLO
households that are at risk of being evicted
and need assistance with a rental payment,
or who need financial assistance to secure
housing. The program will also provide
case management for 6 months. Funds will
be used for financial assistance payments,
case manager salary, and some indirect
expenses.
$20,000 $10,000
CAPSLO continues to demonstrate
a strong and consistent commitment
to serving community members
through programs that provide
meaningful and measurable impact.
The subcommittee recognized the
organization’s ongoing ability to
deliver positive value to the
populations they serve, along with
their established presence and
trusted role within the community.
CASA
Preventing
Homelessness
for Vulnerable
Foster Youth
This project will support partial rent for
CASA’s office, a hub for homelessness
prevention services. CASA volunteers rely
on secure internet access, private office
space, and on-site technology to attend
court hearings alongside their youth at the
CASA office. The office also serves as the
primary location for volunteer trainings,
youth meetings, and coordination with
housing providers, mental health services,
and community resources. Funds will go to
rent for their office in SLO City.
$20,000 $10,000
CASA of SLO County is
recommended for funding due to its
continued impact in supporting
youth in foster care with an
increased risk of housing instability.
CASA plays a critical role in
providing stability and advocacy and
their work helps create pathways
toward long-term well-being and
prevents future experiences of
homelessness.
Page 11 of 30
Human Relations Subcommittee
Human Services Grant 26-27 Funding Recommendations
Family Care
Network,
Inc.
Pathways to
Stability
This program will provide eviction
prevention and shelter diversion services
for transitional age youth who are at
imminent risk of homelessness and
ineligible for existing housing services. The
program will include short-term, financial
support for eviction prevention, landlord
mediation, and intensive housing
stabilization services. Funds would support
direct costs for the participants, such as
rent and utility assistance and security
deposits.
$20,000 $14,000
Family Care Network, Inc., is
recommended for funding for
providing essential support to
Transitional Aged Youth, a
population that is historically at high
risk of becoming unhoused. FCNI’s
approach includes direct financial
assistance, such as eviction
prevention, combined with
coordinated supportive services.
This program’s layered support
model is impactful and aligns with
the goals of the grant.
Food Bank
No-Cook Bags
for Residents
Experiencing
Homelessness
This program provides bags of portable
foods designed for homeless residents who
do not have access to a kitchen and so
cannot benefit from typical Food Bank
distribution items. No-Cook Bags are
distributed by community partners who
work directly with people experiencing
homelessness, including nonprofits, faith-
based organizations, law enforcement
agencies, and social service providers.
Funds would support the purchase of food
for 30,000 bags.
$15,000 $15,000
The Food Bank Coalition of SLO
County provides direct and
immediate support to individuals
and families experiencing food
insecurity. Food Bank’s ability to
deliver measurable results and a
fundamental need within the
community has a clear and tangible
impact on the well-being of City
residents.
HASLO
Housing Stability
with Supportive
Services
This program prevents homelessness and
strengthens tenancy outcomes for residents
in HASLO housing, with emphasis on
people exiting homelessness, medically
vulnerable residents, seniors, families, and
people with disabilities. Grant funds will
provide targeted, flexible, assistance,
including rental and utility gap support,
move‑in essentials, transportation, and
short‑term food support.
$20,000 $15,000
HASLO was recommended for its
strong alignment with the purpose of
the grant, particularly its focus on
early intervention and housing
stability. HASLO’s ability to support
individuals and families before they
experience homelessness was
recognized as having a significant
and preventative impact within the
community.
Page 12 of 30
Human Relations Subcommittee
Human Services Grant 26-27 Funding Recommendations
Jewish
Family
Services
SLO City
Emergency
Homelessness
Prevention &
Support Program
This program will provide financial
assistance to individuals experiencing
homelessness or at imminent risk within the
City of SLO. Through referrals from
established City-serving agencies JFS
distributes targeted micro-grants (up to
$200) to remove immediate barriers to
housing stability. Funds would support
services like deposit support, rent gap
funding, gas for Safe Parking participants,
vehicle repairs needed for employment,
storage fees, and others.
$10,000 $10,000
Jewish Family Services of SLO
demonstrated strong alignment with
the City’s funding priorities,
particularly through a clear and
compelling connection to belonging
and community support. The
subcommittee also recognizes the
organization’s collaborative
approach and ability to provide
direct financial assistance to
populations in need.
LTC
Ombudsman
Services of
SLO County
Ombudsman
Services
This program includes resident centered
advocacy, resident empowerment,
information and assistance/referrals,
systemic advocacy, complaint
investigations and resolutions, facility
monitoring visits, eviction prevention,
community education, facility staff trainings,
and witnessing advanced health care
directives for residents in skilled nursing
facilities. Funds would support staff
salaries.
$5,000 $5,000
LTC Ombudsman Services is
recommended for its focused work
supporting older adults, particularly
those at risk of housing instability or
residing in care facilities. The
organization plays a key role in
advocacy, ensuring that a specific
and often overlooked population
receives support, protection, and
access to resources.
Lumina
Alliance
Emergency
Shelter Program
for Sexual
Assault and
Intimate Partner
Violence
Survivors
This program would support the operating
costs of Lumina’s emergency shelter
program in Atascadero and San Luis
Obispo with a total of 26 beds and 4 cribs
for survivors of sexual assault and intimate
partner violence and their children. Funds
would cover a portion of the costs of repair
and maintenance, supplies, food, and staff
time.
$20,000 $15,000
Lumina Alliance is recognized for
providing comprehensive,
wraparound services to a specific
population, including women and
children. Lumina Alliance funding
will directly support services within
the City of San Luis Obispo and
provides complex needs with a
holistic approach.
Page 13 of 30
Human Relations Subcommittee
Human Services Grant 26-27 Funding Recommendations
Middle
House
Community
Service for
Housing Grant
This project would allow Middle House
residents to volunteer at non-profit
organizations in exchange for housing –
one hour of volunteering would covers one
days rent (i.e. thirty hours of volunteering
covers thirty days rent). The facility
includes: furnished living areas, unlimited
food, hot daily meals, structured drug free
environment, donated clothing, laundry
facilities, internet access, cable TV and
group activities. Funds would support 800
days of rent at $25 per hour.
$20,000 $10,000
Middle House serves a specific and
vulnerable population within the
community, offering long-standing
support for individuals in recovery.
While the population served may be
smaller in number, the depth and
meaningfulness of this program is
large.
Restorative
Partners
Opportunity to
Fund
This program provides assistance to
formerly incarcerated participants facing
significant barriers to employment and
housing, while advancing stability and
community reintegration. Eligible expenses
include short-term rental assistance,
housing application fees, vital identification
documents, public transportation, basic
hygiene supplies, and professional attire for
job interviews and housing appointments.
Funds would support transportation needs,
rental assistance, documents, clothing, etc.
$20,000 $15,000
Restorative Partners is
recommended for its work
supporting individuals re-entering
the community after incarceration.
The organization provides essential
resources such as food, clothing,
and hygiene supplies, helping to
reduce barriers and support
successful reintegration. These
services have a high impact on
long-term stability and community
connection.
Shower the
People
Shower the
People
This program provides mobile shower
services that also include supplies and
clothing for people experiencing
homelessness and operates in SLO 4 days
a week for 3 to 4 hours a day, serving on
average 20-35 guests per day on site.
Funds would support all aspects of the
program including clothing, gas, supplies,
etc.
$15,000 $15,000
Shower the People offers a unique,
mobile service that provides hygiene
support to individuals experiencing
homelessness. Shower the People
offers a low-barrier approach to
services and connects individuals to
additional community resources and
support systems.
Page 14 of 30
Human Relations Subcommittee
Human Services Grant 26-27 Funding Recommendations
SLO Noor
Foundation
Homelessness
Prevention – City
of San Luis
Obispo Project
This program provides the City of SLO and
its low-income and otherwise underserved
residents with free medical, dental, vision,
and mental health care services. This will
occur at the SLO Noor Free Health Clinics,
which incorporate both brick-and-mortar
clinics, as well as telehealth appointments.
Funds would support personnel and direct
operating costs.
$20,000 $15,000
SLO Noor Foundation is
recommended for its role in
providing accessible healthcare
services to uninsured and unhoused
community members. Through both
clinic-based and mobile services,
the organization delivers critical
medical care to those who might
otherwise go without, addressing a
significant gap in service.
Womenade
SLO, Inc.
Womenade SLO
Housing Support
Fund
This program would support residents of
the City of SLO who have urgent housing
assistance needs, including requests for
partial rent or hotel stays for individuals or
families who are facing imminent eviction,
are experiencing homelessness, or were
unhoused and are working on getting their
housing established. Funds would go to
direct aid.
$6,000 $6,000
Womenade SLO, Inc., is recognized
for its strong community
connections and its ability to provide
direct, flexible support for individuals
experiencing housing instability. The
organization’s low-barrier approach
and responsiveness to urgent needs
provides meaningful and immediate
impact in the community.
Page 15 of 30
Page 16 of 30
Item 4a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 4/1/2026
Item Number: 4a
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF THE 2026-27 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT SUBCOMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDE A RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL
RECOMMENDATION
Review the preliminary recommendations from the Human Services Grant Review
Subcommittee and provide a recommendation to the City Council for final approval.
BACKGROUND
The Human Services Grant (HSG), formerly titled Grants-in-Aid, had a Council approved
name change in 2022 to better reflect the objectives of the grant program. The HSG
program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of the community members of San Luis Obispo. 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 disability.
The for the 2026-27 grant year, City Council directed that the main funding priority for the
HSG be preventing and addressing homelessness. More specifically, the City will
prioritize funding services that do the following (not listed in order of importance):
Provide permanent housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve
those experiencing homelessness
Provide homelessness prevention activities that can prevent homelessness or
serve those experiencing homelessness
Provide interim housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
Provide non-housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
There are also secondary funding priorities listed which may only receive funding if
available. These secondary funding priorities are not listed in order of importance and
include 1) hunger and malnutrition prevention, 2) supportive physical and mental health
services for those in need, 3) services for seniors, veterans, and/or people with disabilities
in need, 4) supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need,
Page 17 of 30
Item 4a
and 5) services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services. The Human Relations Commission (HRC) 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.
The 2026-27 HSG application cycle opened on January 20, 2026, and closed on February
24, 2026; a total of 25 applications were received for $150,000 of available funding, with
23 applications being moved on for consideration to the HRC Grant Review
Subcommittee. The two applications that were removed from consideration were done so
due to missing documents and ineligibility of the program requested for funding. The HRC
Grant Review Subcommittee consisted of three Commissioners from the HRC who met
on March 18, 2026, and March 19, 2026, to review and provide initial funding
recommendations which will be considered by the entire HRC at this April 1, 2026, public
hearing. At this meeting, HRC will decide on a set of applications recommended for
funding to send to the City Council for their consideration at an upcoming meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2026-27 Human Services Grant Review Subcommittee Funding Recommendations
Page 18 of 30
# Organization Project/Program
Name Description of Project/Program Requested
Amount
Recommended
Amount
1 Access Central
Coast
Community Based
Living for Older Adults
and People with
Disabilities
This project will provide comprehensive community living
support services to individuals with disabilities and older
adults residing in SLO County. The program will help
participants in permanent housing maintain stability, will
deliver prevention and diversion assistance for
households at or below 30% AMI, and provide outreach
and engagement services to individuals at risk of or
recently experiencing homelessness. Funds will support
rent and utilities for their SLO City office.
$20,000 $0
2
Assistance
League of SLO
County
Operation School Bell
This program will provide clothing and school supplies to
kindergarten to 12th grade students in need, living and
attending school in SLO County. Clothing sessions are
held 2-3 times a week between 8/2026 and 5/2027.
Funding will support 50 students in receiving clothing, a
book, and supplies.
$20,000 $0
3
Community Action
Partnership of
SLO County
(CAPSLO)
Homeless
Prevention/Stable
Housing Program
This program will provide emergency financial assistance
to City of SLO households that are at risk of being
evicted and need assistance with a rental payment, or
who need financial assistance to secure housing. The
program will also provide case management for 6
months. Funds will be used for financial assistance
payments, case manager salary, and some indirect
expenses.
$20,000 $10,000
4 CASA of SLO
County
Preventing
Homelessness for
Vulnerable Foster
Youth
This project will support partial rent for CASA’s office, a
hub for homelessness prevention services. CASA
volunteers rely on secure internet access, private office
space, and on-site technology to attend court hearings
alongside their youth at the CASA office. The office also
serves as the primary location for volunteer trainings,
youth meetings, and coordination with housing providers,
mental health services, and community resources. Funds
will go to rent for their office in SLO City.
$20,000 $10,000
Page 19 of 30
5 Corazón Latino Mental Health Support
Groups in City of SLO
The project will be a new Mental Health Support Group
in the City of SLO, reaching an estimated 6-10
participants per session (mix of returning/new
participants). The groups are designed to remove
barriers and improve access to mental health care by
offering them in Spanish, during evening hours, at
accessible community locations, with childcare and
meals provided at no-cost. Funds will support personnel
and operating expenses, like food/beverage and
materials.
$20,000 $0
6 Family Care
Network, Inc. Pathways to Stability
This program will provide eviction prevention and shelter
diversion services for transitional age youth who are at
imminent risk of homelessness and ineligible for existing
housing services. The program will include short-term,
financial support for eviction prevention, landlord
mediation, and intensive housing stabilization services.
Funds would support direct costs for the participants,
such as rent and utility assistance and security deposits.
$20,000 $14,000
7
Food Bank
Coalition of SLO
County
No-Cook Bags for
Residents
Experiencing
Homelessness
This program provides bags of portable foods designed
for homeless residents who do not have access to a
kitchen and so cannot benefit from typical Food Bank
distribution items. No-Cook Bags are distributed by
community partners who work directly with people
experiencing homelessness, including nonprofits, faith-
based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and
social service providers. Funds would support the
purchase of food for 30,000 bags.
$15,000 $15,000
8
Gala Pride &
Diversity Center /
Diversity Coalition
of SLO County
Safe to Stay: A
Collaborative Housing
Justice Project
This program will provide short-term rental subsidies,
security deposits, and move-in expenses to stabilize
households at imminent risk of homelessness;
emergency hotel vouchers for individuals and families
experiencing acute housing crises; and culturally
competent navigation services. Coordinated housing
navigation will also be provided and enhanced by a
Community Forum on Housing. Funds will support direct
costs, staff time, and organization of the Forum.
$40,000 $0
Page 20 of 30
9 Housing Authority
of SLO (HASLO)
Housing Stability with
Supportive Services
This program prevents homelessness and strengthens
tenancy outcomes for residents in HASLO housing, with
emphasis on people exiting homelessness, medically
vulnerable residents, seniors, families, and people with
disabilities. Grant funds will provide targeted, flexible,
assistance, including rental and utility gap support,
move‑in essentials, transportation, and short‑term food
support.
$20,000 $15,000
10 Jewish Family
Services of SLO
SLO City Emergency
Homelessness
Prevention & Support
Program
This program will provide financial assistance to
individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent
risk within the City of SLO. Through referrals from
established City-serving agencies JFS distributes
targeted micro-grants (up to $200) to remove immediate
barriers to housing stability. Funds would support
services like deposit support, rent gap funding, gas for
Safe Parking participants, vehicle repairs needed for
employment, storage fees, and others.
$10,000 $10,000
11
Long Term Care
Ombudsman
Services of SLO
County
Ombudsman Services
This program includes resident centered advocacy,
resident empowerment, information and
assistance/referrals, systemic advocacy, complaint
investigations and resolutions, facility monitoring visits,
eviction prevention, community education, facility staff
trainings, and witnessing advanced health care directives
for residents in skilled nursing facilities. Funds would
support staff salaries.
$5,000 $5,000
12 Lumina Alliance
Emergency Shelter
Program for Sexual
Assault and Intimate
Partner Violence
This program would support the operating costs of
Lumina’s emergency shelter program in Atascadero and
San Luis Obispo with a total of 26 beds and 4 cribs for
survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence
and their children. Funds would cover a portion of the
costs of repair and maintenance, supplies, food, and
staff time.
$20,000 $15,000
13 Meals that
Connect
Preventing Hunger
and Homelessness
Through Nutritious
Meals
This program provides congregate dining and home-
delivered meal programs for seniors who are the most
vulnerable to malnutrition, declining health, and loss of
independence. Funds would support food costs, labor,
supplies, transportation, and rent.
$15,000 $0
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14 Middle House Community Service for
Housing Grant
This project would allow Middle House residents to
volunteer at non-profit organizations in exchange for
housing – one hour of volunteering would covers one
days rent (i.e. thirty hours of volunteering covers thirty
days rent). The facility includes: furnished living areas,
unlimited food, hot daily meals, structured drug free
environment, donated clothing, laundry facilities, internet
access, cable TV and group activities. Funds would
support 800 days of rent at $25 per hour.
$20,000 $10,000
15 Mujeres de Acción Rent Stabilization in
SLO City Program
This program will provide $1,000 in direct rental
assistance to 18 families in the City of SLO at imminent
risk of eviction. Mujeres will partner with local agencies,
nonprofits, churches, and schools to identify vulnerable
households. Volunteers will personally deliver checks,
complete a simple bilingual intake, and connect families
to additional services. Funds will support direct aid and
some admin.
$19,875 $0
16 People's Self-Help
Housing (PSHH)
Supportive Housing
Program for At-Risk
Households
This program will provide clinical case management and
behavioral health services to 204 residents of our 141
affordable housing units within the City of SLO. Staff
provide short-term therapeutic intervention while
connecting clients to longer-term community therapists,
alongside individualized service planning, resource
navigation, and crisis intervention. Funds would support
salaries, consulting, expenses, supplies, etc.
$20,000 $0
17 Recovery Housing
Alliance
Transitional Recovery
Housing Placement
This program will provide short-term financial assistance
to subsidize rent and associated fees at qualified
recovery residences for individuals recovering from
substance use disorder who are experiencing, or are at
imminent risk of, homelessness. In addition to housing
placement, Recovery Housing Alliance will provide case
coordination, housing advocacy, and ongoing support.
Funds will support rental subsidies, intake and
coordination, supplies, and reporting.
$20,000 $0
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18 Restorative
Partners Opportunity to Fund
This program provides assistance to formerly
incarcerated participants facing significant barriers to
employment and housing, while advancing stability and
community reintegration. Eligible expenses include short-
term rental assistance, housing application fees, vital
identification documents, public transportation, basic
hygiene supplies, and professional attire for job
interviews and housing appointments. Funds would
support transportation needs, rental assistance,
documents, clothing, etc.
$20,000 $15,000
19 Shower the People Shower the People
This program provides mobile shower services that also
include supplies and clothing for people experiencing
homelessness and operates in SLO 4 days a week for 3
to 4 hours a day, serving on average 20-35 guests per
day on site. Funds would support all aspects of the
program including clothing, gas, supplies, etc.
$15,000 $15,000
20 SLO Grassroots Project Connect
This project will provide a Community Gathering Space,
where there will be connections to local resources,
including housing, employment, medical, and mental
health, as well as direct access to food, clothing, and
hygiene products for the unhoused population. Funds
would support rent (and maybe furniture, computers,
shelves, etc.)
$20,000 $0
21
SLO Legal
Assistance
Foundation
Senior Homeless
Prevention Program
This program will provide 200 hours of free legal
assistance for vulnerable SLO City seniors at risk of
homelessness due to eviction, unsafe housing, threats of
foreclosure, scams, unfair or predatory practices,
Medicare coverage denials (for nursing home residents)
or a lack of understanding of their rights. Funds would
support salaries, insurance, operating costs, etc.
$20,000 $0
22 SLO Noor
Foundation
Homelessness
Prevention – City of
San Luis Obispo
Project
This program provides the City of SLO and its low-
income and otherwise underserved residents with free
medical, dental, vision, and mental health care services.
This will occur at the SLO Noor Free Health Clinics,
which incorporate both brick-and-mortar clinics, as well
as telehealth appointments. Funds would support
personnel and direct operating costs.
$20,000 $10,000
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23 Womenade SLO,
Inc.
Womenade SLO
Housing Support Fund
This program would support residents of the City of SLO
who have urgent housing assistance needs, including
requests for partial rent or hotel stays for individuals or
families who are facing imminent eviction, are
experiencing homelessness, or were unhoused and are
working on getting their housing established. Funds
would go to direct aid.
$6,000 $6,000
TOTAL $425,875 $150,000
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Item 5a
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 4/1/2026
Item Number: 5a
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: 2025-26 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT REPORT REVIEWER SELECTION
RECOMMENDATION
Designate and approve Grant Report Reviewer assignment roles for each of the grant
recipients of the 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant.
BACKGROUND
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is tasked with reviewing grant applications for
the City’s DEI High Impact Grant and providing funding recommendations to City Council
for final approval. The DEI High Impact Grant program provides financial support to non-
profit organizations to enhance the sense of belonging for all people in the San Luis
Obispo community. This funding allocation is an effort to uplift and support local efforts
that advance access and belonging initiatives through innovative practices that seek to
narrow equity gaps and address intractable, systemic, and structural issues.
Once funding recommendations are approved by City Council and grant programs are
implemented, the HRC is then tasked with reviewing and providing feedback on the
grantees’ mid-year and year-end reports. This provides the Commissioners with the
opportunity to dive deeply into grant initiatives recommended by them, approved by City
Council, and funded by the City.
Previously, members of the Human Relations Commission were assigned as liaisons to
individual grant recipients, with the intent of maintaining connection and awareness of
funded programs throughout the grant period. Following internal discussions and a review
of the Commission’s bylaws and advisory body handbook, this role is being updated to a
Grant Report Reviewer model.
Under this updated approach, Commissioners will focus on reviewing grant reports and
program summaries to support informed discussion of program outc omes, community
needs, and emerging trends during HRC meetings. This shift better aligns the
Commission’s involvement with its advisory role while strengthening its ability to provide
meaningful input on community impact. This change does not preclude Commissioners
from engaging with the community. Commissioners may still choose to visit funded
organizations or observe programs to better understand how City funding is supporting
Page 25 of 30
Item 5a
services, however these interactions are voluntary and observational in nature, and do
not include representing the City or overseeing program operations.
For the 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant, a total of nine (9) non-profit organizations
were awarded funding. The recipients include:
Organization Project/Program
Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA) of SLO County SLO CASA DEI Project
Diversity Coalition of SLO County SLO Equity Podcast
GALA Pride and Diversity Center Queer Leadership and Civic
Engagement Initiative
Literacy for Life Literacy Program
One Cool Earth
Salud y Conocimiento en el Jardín -
One Cool Earth School Garden
Program at Pacheco Elementary School
RACE Matters SLO County
Advancing Community Belonging and
Cultural Representation Through
Signature Events
SLO for Home & Church World
Services SLO for Home
SLO Noor Foundation Accessible Healthcare for All - City of
SLO Project
One Community Fund & Corazon
Latino, San Luis Coastal Unified
School District, Womenade SLO
Connected Resources: Schools and
Nonprofits in Partnership for Families
Commissioners will assign Grant Report Reviewers for each of the grantees listed above
in advance of the mid-year report review.
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Item 5b
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 4/1/2026
Item Number: 5b
FROM: Samantha Vethavanam, DEI Administrative Specialist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7064
E-mail: svethava@slocity.org
SUBJECT: REVIEW 2026-27 DEI HIGH IMPACT GRANT FUNDING PRIORITIES
RECOMMENDATION
Review and provide feedback as necessary on the proposed 2026-27 DEI High Impact
Grant funding priorities.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) reviews funding priorities for the DEI
High Impact Grant on a biennial basis. This process begins with the HRC’s initial review
of proposed priorities, incorporates feedback, and concludes with the Community Needs
Grant Workshop public hearing.
The HRC recently reviewed and approved updated funding priorities and requirements
for the 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant. While these updates would typically be
implemented in the 2026-27 grant cycle, there is interest in establishing ranked funding
priorities, similar to the Human Services Grant program, rather than maintaining a single,
general priority.
The current DEI High Impact Grant priority is listed as follows: Funding should primarily
focus on advancing and implementing access and belonging initiatives through innovative
practices that seek to narrow equity gaps and address intractable, systemic, and
structural issues.
This item will include a review of the proposed update to the funding priority and a
recommendation on ranking the priorities listed prior to the Community Needs Grant
Workshop public hearing. Following the public hearing, the HRC will send a
recommended revised priority for the 2026-27 DEI High Impact Grant to City Council for
approval.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Revised 2026-27 DEI High Impact Grant Priorities
Page 27 of 30
Page 28 of 30
City of San Luis Obispo – DEI High Impact Grant: Funding Priorities
Projects may focus on supporting specific underserved or underrepresented communities;
however, all proposals must be open and available to all individuals without regard to the
resident’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or ability/disability. The DEI
High Impact Grant prioritizes innovation – encouraging creative, forward-thinking approaches
that drive meaningful change and foster belonging across the City. Collaborative and
partnership-based applications are highly encouraged, especially those that bring together
community organizations and City residents to build sustainable and inclusive impacts. Funded
projects should contribute to positive, systemic, or structural changes that strengthen inclusion
and belonging across the City of San Luis Obispo.
1. Advancing Belonging
Support projects that strengthen connection, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging
among community members across the City of San Luis Obispo.
Examples:
• Initiatives that bring diverse groups together through shared storytelling, arts, dialogue,
or celebration.
• Programs that create inclusive public spaces or community traditions that reflect and
welcome the City’s diversity.
• Cultural and community-building events that promote cross-cultural understanding and
celebrate diverse identities.
• Efforts that increase representation in civic or public spaces, such as inclusive public art
or storytelling projects that reflect the community.
2. Increasing Access
Invest in efforts that actively remove barriers and expand opportunities for all community
members to engage in civic and community life across the City of San Luis Obispo.
Examples:
• Projects that increase access to community programs, boards, or events within the City,
including but not limited to language access, transportation, outreach, and digital
inclusion.
• Inclusive communications and outreach strategies that improve accessibility across
languages and for people with abilities/disabilities.
• Digital equity initiatives that expand access to technology, broadband, and digital literacy.
• Efforts that help residents better understand how to get involved in local decision-
making, leadership opportunities, or civic processes.
3. Advancing Structural and Institutional Equity
Support organizations to build the long-term capacity for inclusion and belonging in the City of
San Luis Obispo.
Page 29 of 30
Examples:
• Trainings, workshops, or mentorship programs that grow inclusive leadership and
organizational skills.
• Efforts that strengthen networks among community-based organizations, City
departments, and residents.
• Equity audits and capacity-building within organizations to strengthen Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion practices, recruitment, and retention.
• Community engagement trainings to ensure more inclusive public processes and
decision-making.
• Data and evaluation projects that track disparities and outcomes by race, gender,
ability/disability, or other identity markers.
• Workforce development programs that create career pathways, especially those that are
centered around getting underrepresented groups into high-paying or growing sectors.
4. Improving Community Health and Wellbeing
Fund programs that improve quality of life for City residents through access to wellness
resources, education, and community support systems. Priority may be given to efforts that
reduce isolation, promote mental health, and strengthen community resilience.
Note: This funding priority does not include housing or homelessness-related services, which
are addressed through a separate City grant program.
Examples:
• Health equity projects, especially addressing social determinants of health (e.g., food
and water access, transportation).
• Mental health and trauma-informed programs.
• Improving life skills, financial literacy, learning and education.
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