San Luis Obispo County assistance programs.

Financial assistance for bills, rent, and other expenses

Over $1 million in additional assistance will be provided to San Luis Obispo County families to help them in today’s difficult economy. The free federal government grant money must be spent within the three years with the county, and the funds go towards providing financial assistance, help with rent, utility bill aid, and will help pay for other assistance programs.

The federal grant cash can be used to provide families or individuals in need with up to 18 months of rental assistance, money to pay for rental deposits and security deposits, utility bill assistance and money to pay for moving costs.

Nonprofit agencies, charities and other organizations such as the Community Action Partnership ((805) 544-4355), which provide help, support, and services and assistance to the homeless, are helping to disburse the free money. In addition, the grants can also be used to provide short-term housing assistance and other support for homeless persons, such as 30-day motel vouchers.

Free clothes for school

A fairly new program, known as Operation School Bell (805-782-0824) is run by an organization that provides elementary school aged children with brand new clothes and outfits so that they start the new school year by fitting in with the rest of their classmates. The school aged children are referred to the program and organization either from a social services agency or even the local school they attend.

In addition to School Bell another new program that is being piloted this year is known as Sue’s Stars. This is a program that is run by volunteers that have allocated $100 per student for children in seventh and eighth grades, so the program provides free clothes for kids who are slightly older. The children, their parents and also the volunteers traveled to local Old Navy stores and purchased school clothes from the store that gave them a discount, thus providing the kids with new, free school outfits.

The programs are run from locations in San Luis Obispo, and a second location is at the Santa Rosa Academic Academy, and is located in room 16 in Atascadero.

 

 

 

Rent and energy assistance programs

The Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Inc. (phone (805) 544-4355) provides programs that can help people save energy, provide cash grants for utility bills, and offers emergency rent funds to prevent an eviction.

The so called Emergency Intervention Services provides either first months rent or eviction prevention assistance to families and households who may be facing a crisis. In addition, they also provide information/referral to connect individuals and persons to needed services provided by CAPSLO and other local charities and community providers.

Energy assistance is offered in the form of a weatherization program, utility bill assistance, Furnace Repair & Replacement, Water Heater Replacement, and even Home Repair Services.

San Luis Obispo Catholic Charities also runs several programs. They provide counseling, information on local resources and agencies, and may even have, from time to time, cash that they can distribute to needy individuals to help them pay emergency bills, such as utilities and rent. (805) 544-1048.

Call the Salvation Army to learn about the various assistance programs they run. Specifically, they offer such services and resources that are provided to low-income families and individuals include: emergency food support, rent help, lodging, clothing, furniture, utility bill help, transportation and housing assistance. (805) 544-2401.

Affordable and quality high care

Community Health Centers (phone 805.929.3211) has as its goal the mission of enhancing the health status of all people in the San Luis Obispo area, as well as the Central Coast of California. They focus their programs on the medically under served by providing this population with accessible, comprehensive, affordable, & high quality healthcare services from well trained professional staff, including nurses and doctors, in strategically located health centers and clinics in the area.

 

 

Dental care for children

A dental program for children is offered by La Clinica de Tolosa. This non-profit agency is increasing access to dental care and is trying to improve the overall health of underserved children who live in San Luis Obispo County through quality dental treatment, cleanings, prevention and education on the importance of dental programs. Learn more on dental programs, or dial (805) 238-5334

Free foreclosure prevention advice

From time to time, People’s Self Help Housing runs free seminars that were created to address concerns about mortgages, including predatory and Adjustable Rate Mortgage Payments. Loan counselors will be available to meet with borrowers and offer them advice on options that may be available to help them get back on track. Call (805) 781-3088.

Credit, foreclosure, and debt counseling

Another organization to contact for help with foreclosures, debt assistance, and credit repair is Surepath Financial Services. 877-615-7873.

Meet with a Certified Credit Counselor who will then proceed to review your current financial and personal situation, including your income, outstanding debt, spending patterns, credit cards, assets and liabilities. The information that is gathered in this process will help the counselor determine whether a debt management plan, our Debt Solver Plan, is right for you.

If you need housing help, Surepath is also a HUD approved agency. Click here for more information on HUD agencies. Once again, meet with a certified housing counselor who will will conduct a thorough review of your current mortgage loan and financial situation to determine your options at no cost. Some of the options that will be discussed, for free, to prevent a foreclosure can include loan modification, a repayment/forbearance plan, deed in lieu or a short sale of your home.