HomeMy WebLinkAboutMujeres de Acción HSG Application 26-27Human Services Grant Application
Prior to submitting your application, we encourage you to review the sample contract agreement, which is required to executed if funding is awarded.
Part 1 Basic Information
1) Organization Name (if a partner application, please list the lead organization here)*
Mujeres de Acción
2) Employer Identification Number (EIN) of applicant or lead organization *
3) Fiscal Agent (if applicant does not have a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status)*
Ecologistics, Inc.
4) Partner Applicant Organization Name(s) (if applicable)*
Ecologistics, Inc.
5) Project/Program Name *
Rent Stabilization in SLO City Program
6) Requested Amount *
$19,875.00
7) Name of Person Completing Application *
Kelley Calleja
8) Phone Number of Person Completing Application *
805-748-8286
9) Email Adress of Person Completing Application *
kelley@mujeresdeaccion.org
10) Name of Person for Grant Communication for Grant Cycle (if different from above)
11) Phone Number of Person for Grant Communication for Grant Cycle (if different from above)
12) Email of Person for Grant Communication for Grant Cycle (if different from above)
13) Name of Secondary Contact for Grant Communication during Grant Cycle *
Yessenia Echevarria
14) Email Name of Secondary Contact for Grant Communication during Grant Cycle *
yessenia@mujeresdeaccion.org
15) Organization Mailing Address *
This is where a check should be mailed if funding is awarded
Street Address
Address Line 2
c/o Ecologistics
City
Baywood-Los Osos
State/Province/Region
CA
Postal/Zip Code
93402
16) Did you attend or review the information session?
Yes – I attended in person
Yes – I attended virtually
Yes – I reviewed the recording
No
Part 2 Organizational Information
1) Purpose/Mission Statement *
Mujeres de Acción exists to empower Latina women in San Luis Obispo County by providing education, advocacy, and leadership opportunities that
promote health, civic engagement, cultural pride, and community well-being.
2) Briefly describe your organization’s purpose, vision, primary activities, and operating structures *
Mujeres de Acción is an inclusive community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina women and immigrant families in San Luis Obispo
County. We aim to remove systemic barriers that limit access to healthcare, housing stability, civic participation, and culturally affirming spaces. We
envision a welcoming and inclusive community where all community members are healthy, resilient, and belong. We believe that when families
thrive, neighborhoods thrive. Our primary activities include direct food distributions and rental assistance for families facing housing insecurity,
particularly those impacted by health crises or undocumented/mixed-status barriers; health education and resource navigation; culturally rooted
community events; and bilingual outreach that connects families to critical services. Mujeres de Acción is centered in community and is run entirely
by a network of local volunteers. We operate under fiscal sponsorship with Ecologistics (501(c)(3)), and are guided by a Board of Directors and
supported by trusted community relationships. We prioritize low-barrier access, rapid response, and dignity-centered support for the most
vulnerable residents.
3) Name of Executive Director *
We are currently hiring for this position
4) Number of paid staff (full and part-time)*
0
5) Number of volunteers *
35
6) Name of Board President or Chair *
Yessenia Echevarria
7) Describe the primary population your organization supports *
Please note: any programs/projects funded by this grant will need to be made accessible to all otherwise qualified individuals and without regard to
an individual’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Mujeres de Acción primarily serves Latina women and their families in San Luis Obispo County, with a focus on North SLO County, where there is a
large Latino population of farmworkers and undocumented or mixed-status families. As economic and immigration security has increased within the
past few years, we have expanded to SLO City and South SLO County to meet the increased need we have witnessed in multiple vulnerable local
populations, as well as expanding our services to include local non-Latino populations. Our community members include single mothers, indigenous
Mixteco speakers, newly arrived immigrants, mixed-status families, local business owners, farmworkers, young families, adolescents, seniors, and
first-generation college students. They are often low-income, front-line workers who may lack a formal education and have difficulty accessing
healthcare and social services. Mujeres de Acción aims to serve families experiencing these intersections of vulnerabilities, which can be especially
compounded once individuals are facing cancer treatment or health crises. For these families, there are layered barriers to accessing care. Members
of these communities may have experienced racism and othering in previous attempts to access care, leading to discomfort with and lack of interest
in engaging with existing local services. Women in the Latino community face the additional pressures of sexism as well as primary responsibility for
raising children. Mujeres de Acción provides a culturally-sensitive and linguistically-appropriate bridge from these populations to available programs
and resources through our established relationship with local vulnerable communities.
8) Approximate Annual Budget *
$
9) Major Sources of Funding *
Our major sources of funding include fundraisers, community donations, individual donors, and grants
Part 3 Project/Program Information
1) Please provide an executive summary of proposed project/program (200 words max)*
Mujeres de Acción proposes a Rental Stabilization Program providing $1,000 in direct rental assistance to 18 families in the City of San Luis Obispo at
imminent risk of eviction. Community members consistently identify immediate cash aid as their most urgent need during housing crises. In 2024,
we distributed $500 checks to 20 families; while appreciated, we learned that a larger amount is necessary to meaningfully stabilize rent in today’s
market. Increasing support to $1,000 will create stronger eviction prevention outcomes. Beginning in August, we 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. Checks will be delivered directly to landlords whenever possible. Because the program is volunteer-run,
its overhead is minimal and the majority of funds go directly to families. This inclusive, dignity-centered approach strengthens long-term housing
stability and prevents homelessness before it occurs.
2) Total project cost *
$19,875.00
3) Requested Amount *
$19,875.00
4) Please provide a detailed description of proposed project/program (not to exceed 1,000 words)*
Mujeres de Acción proposes a direct rental stabilization program providing $1,000 rental aid checks to families in the City of San Luis Obispo who are
at imminent risk of eviction. Cash rental assistance is a clearly stated and urgent need from the community. Families consistently share that what
they need most in a housing crisis is immediate financial support to close the gap between income and rent. In 2024, we distributed $500 checks to
20 families facing rental insecurity in North SLO County. Families expressed deep gratitude; however, our takeaway was clear: while $500 offered
temporary relief, it often did not make a meaningful enough impact in today ’s rental market to stabilize a full month’s rent. Rising housing costs in
SLO City require deeper intervention. By increasing assistance to $1,000 per household, we can create stronger, more sustainable stabilization and
significantly reduce the likelihood of displacement. Because our program is volunteer-run, overhead costs remain extremely low. The vast majority of
grant funds will go directly to families. Administrative expenses are minimal, allowing us to maximize direct impact.
Beginning in August, Mujeres de Acción will use our existing relationships with San Luis Obispo City agencies, nonprofits, churches, and schools to
identify 18 vulnerable families in need of immediate cash aid to prevent eviction. We will distribute pamphlets to these organizations explaining the
program and will choose recipients based on their referrals. As families are identified, Mujeres de Acción volunteers will visit each selected family to
personally distribute the $1,000 check and ensure accurate spelling of names. This personal delivery reinforces dignity and ensures funds reach the
intended household quickly. Additionally, it will provide our volunteers with an opportunity to connect with the family, building a relationship and
assessing additional needs. During these informal meetings, families will complete a simple, culturally responsive intake process available in Spanish
and English. Documentation requirements will be minimal to reduce fear and increase access. Families in vulnerable communities are often wary of
seeking out aid or interacting with formal organizations. Mujeres de Acción can offer a trusted bridge for these individuals to a wide variety of
services that they may otherwise be unaware of or unable to access. Connecting families to services in such a personal, trusted manner increases
the likelihood that families will continue accessing supportive services, strengthening long-term stability beyond one month of rent. Mujeres de
Acción will conduct a follow-up visit with each family six months after the distribution of financial aid. This additional meeting will allow us to gauge
the program's success in preventing eviction, as well as evaluate each family's continued interaction with referred services.
The Rental Assistance Program aims to stabilize 18 families at immediate risk of eviction. Families within vulnerable populations often encompass
larger numbers of people than the traditional nuclear family. Young children, elderly relatives, and other extended family members may share the
same space, increasing the number of people aided when we center the financial needs of families. Most importantly, we will ensure that funds go
directly to SLO City experiencing multiple vulnerabilities, and most at risk of eviction. While we aim to center populations that traditionally struggle
with reduced access to services, we do not deny services to any family or individual in need of help. This program embodies inclusivity, compassion,
and belonging. It prevents homelessness before it occurs and ensures that even in times of fear or hardship, families know they are not alone.
5) Is the project/program you are proposing accessible to all otherwise qualified individuals and without regard to an individual’s
race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability?*
Yes
No (explain and list the eligibility criteria for the proposed project/program)
6) This year, the main funding priority for the City of San Luis Obispo is 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
6a) Does your grant request meet this funding priority?*
Yes
No
7) Which other secondary priorities does your request support? Please check the appropriate boxes:
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive and developmental services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity
NOTE: 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
8) Provide a detailed timeline for project (monthly or quarterly)*
July 2026: funds disbursement; August 2026: Mujeres begins working with SLO City agencies, nonprofits, faith institutions & schools to identify
families at-risk of eviction; September 2026: Mujeres begins disbursing funds with hand-delivered checks to each family to ensure delivery and
correct spelling; December 2026: All checks and funds distributed; mid-year report submitted; December 2026-April 2027: Mujeres conducts follow-
up visits with each family to evaluate success of the program and any additional services needed.
9) Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding *
While the direct cash assistance to families will occur as a one-time distribution to prevent immediate eviction threats, the Rent Stabilization Program
will also provide an opportunity to meet with vulnerable families and connect them to a wide variety of existing services. Mujeres de Acción has
observed that building long-lasting, trusting, and culturally-inclusive relationships with community members increases their involvement in other
existing services such as mental health, healthcare, and immigration services. Mujeres de Acción has provided bridges to all of these services and
more through direct referral and by hosting events open to the public. At these events, Mujeres de Acción provides a safe, trusted space for families
to engage with a variety of services, for example by hosting a workshop with SLOLAF for mixed-status families to create Family Preparedness Plans.
Through this program we aim to build lasting relationships with the families we meet, strengthening their sense of belonging and participation in our
community.
10) Describe the plan for promoting this project, program, or service within the City of San Luis Obispo *
Mujeres de Acción will promote this program program by designing and distributing pamphlets describing The Rent Stabilization Program to SLO City
agencies, nonprofits, and schools, with whom we have an existing relationship, for example: TMHA, Undocusupport, SLO Unitarian Universalists, and
Pacheco Elementary School. We will base our selection of recipients on the referrals of these trusted partners, distributing funds timely.
11) Est. Number of people served through this project/program *
The Rent Stabilization Program aims to provide 18 families each with a $1,000 check for rental assistance. Low-income and mixed-immigration status
families often share living space between multiple generations: the average family we serve in SLO county includes 4-6 individuals. Therefore, we
estimate the number of individuals prevented from experiencing immediate eviction through this program to be between 75-90.
12) Est. Number of SLO City Residents served through this project/program *
75-90; All individuals served will be SLO City Residents
13) Do you agree to provide 100% of the funded activities through this grant within the City of San Luis Obispo and make every
attempt to primarily serve City residents?*
Yes
No
14) In the table below include a minimum of four (4) metrics or performance outcomes that relate to
the implementation/success of the project.
Examples include: # of SLO City residents to be served, of referrals to be provided to individuals seeking social services, # of trainings to be
completed, # of cultural event attendees that report an increase in knowledge and application of DEI practices, etc.
Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes
-Example: 85% of rental assistance recipients will find stable housing within 3 months -Example: 50 SLO City residents will be served by the
program.
18 SLO City families will receive $1,000 cash aid for rental assistance to prevent immediate threat of eviction within six months
-Example: 85% of rental assistance recipients will find stable housing within 3 months -Example: 50 SLO City residents will be served by the
program.
18 SLO City families will be connected to existing SLO City agencies and resources within six months
-Example: 85% of rental assistance recipients will find stable housing within 3 months -Example: 50 SLO City residents will be served by the
program.
18 SLO City families will receive follow-up visits to evaluate success of program and additional need within twelve months
-Example: 85% of rental assistance recipients will find stable housing within 3 months -Example: 50 SLO City residents will be served by the
program.
18 SLO Cit families ill be connected to monthl food distrib tions b M jeres de Acción
Section
Applicants must include:
1. One-page access and belonging statement:
Applicant’s understanding and application of concepts/values related to access and belonging
An explanation of how the proposal will advance access and belonging in the City of San Luis Obispo
2. One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested will be allocated
3. Organizational chart
4. Document certifying 501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exempt Status
One-page access and belonging statement *
Applicant’s understanding and application of concepts/values related to access and belonging. An explanation of how the proposal will advance
access and belonging in the City of San Luis Obispo
Mujeres de Acción Access and Belonging Statement.docx 7.63KB
Detailed budget *
One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested will be allocated
HRC Budget.docx 8.39KB
Organizational chart.*
Please attach a 1-page organizational chart
Mujeres Org Chart.png 51.72KB
Federal Tax-Exempt Status *
Document certifying 501(c)(3) Federal Tax-Exempt Status
W-9 signed.pdf 1.81MB
Date Time
2026-02-24
Mujeres de Acción Access and Belonging Statement
As an organization, Mujeres de Acción embodies access and belonging. Our
organization serves some of the most vulnerable populations in San Luis Obispo
County, centering farmworkers, single-parent families, undocumented and mixed status
families, Latina women, and individuals experiencing health crises such as cancer. Our
organization is powered by volunteers and donations from these same communities,
ensuring that we continue to center the voices of those we serve. Mujeres de Acción
was founded specifically to address inequities that Latina women face in accessing
culturally- and linguistically-appropriate healthcare in SLO County.
Over the past decade, we have grown to provide access and belonging to
multiple segments of SLO County by responding to different arising community needs
such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia Brown Elementary School closure, and
the current state of immigration; and through providing food and rental aid during times
of economic hardship. Through our social media platform 805 La Voz, we develop and
disseminate bilingual information throughout the county with the aim of sharing
information and helping community members access existing resources and services.
We understand that individuals and families must have access to basic necessities such
as food security, housing, and accessible information, before they can feel a sense of
belonging in society. Mujeres de Acción works to aid families in securing such
necessities so that they can feel secure enough to fully participate in society.
In 2024, Mujeres de Acción was the recipient of a grant to distribute direct cash
aid to families at risk of eviction. By using established Spanish-language outreach and
trusted community networks, we were able to identify 20 families experiencing this risk.
Because our organization is run by volunteers and has very little overhead, we were
able to respond to these families’ needs quickly and disseminate cash aid to prevent
eviction. Additionally, we provided the families with culturally-sensitive relationship-
based support that removes the fear and stigma that may be experienced in vulnerable
communities. With this grant, we aim to stabilize 18 families in the City of San Luis
Obispo who are at risk of eviction, prioritizing households experiencing intersecting
challenges such as health crises and immigration-related barriers.
Itemized Proposed Expenditure of City Funds
Human Relations Commission Human Services Grant 2026-2027 Application
Mujeres de Acción – Rental Aid Program Budget
Expense Description Cost
Event Costs
Rental Aid
Materials
Printed Materials
18 families @ $1,000 each
Supplies & Check Printing Costs
Advertisement of Program & Printing of Resource
Pamphlet on Housing Supports
$18,000
$100
$150
Graphic Design
Mileage Reimbursement
Administrative
Freelance Pamphlet & Advertisement Design
Miles Reimbursement to Volunteers for 19 Hand-
Delivered Checks
Ecologistics Fiscal Sponsor Fee 6%
$250
$250
$1,125
Total Project Cost $19,875