A helping hand when other options aren’t enough.

JFS offers limited emergency assistance to neighbors from San Miguel to Santa Maria who have already explored other available sources of support and still have an urgent, essential need.

1. Where to Start

Before applying to JFS, contact family, friends, employers, local agencies, and other community programs. 

If you’re unsure where to begin, call or text 211.

explore local resources

2. If You Have Exhausted Those Options, ​JFS May Be Able to Assist

Choose the option that best fits your situation:

GAS ASSISTANCE

Apply directly for up to $50 in gas at a partner station in San Luis Obispo

→ Learn More

EMERGENCY MICRO-GRANTS

A case worker must apply for you for up to $200 in emergency assistance to help with essential needs like housing and transportation.

→ Learn More

New requests begin with our online forms.
This helps us keep every request organized, fair, and from getting missed.

• How to Get Started
• Background
• Agencies & Case Workers

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NEED SUPPORT? HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED

Step 1: Before You Apply
JFS is here for when you've explored other options and still need support. Our funds are limited, and we want to make sure they reach the people who have nowhere else to turn — so we ask everyone to check other resources first. That's not a barrier; it's how we make sure every dollar goes as far as possible.

Step 2: Explore Other Resources
Before applying to JFS, please reach out to other community options — family, friends, employers, local agencies, or other organizations. If you're not sure where to start, our Resources page has a list of local organizations and how they can help, and 📞 211 is always a good first call.
→ Browse the Resource List 

Step 3: If you still need support, here's what JFS offers​:

⛽  GAS CARD ASSISTANCE
Up to $50 for transportation needs like work, medical appointments, or urgent travel. Individuals apply directly; no case worker is needed.
→ Apply using our online form

💛  EMERGENCY MICRO-GRANTS​

Limited financial assistance for urgent costs like housing or utilities. A local case worker submits a request on your behalf.
​→ Have your case worker apply​

If you don't have a case worker yet, we can point you to resources to help you find one.
→ See our Resources page

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is a flagship program of the JCC-Federation of SLO. We’re here because we believe in tikkun olam — the Jewish value of repairing the world through compassion and action. That means showing up for our neighbors when life gets hard, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

MEET THE ADMINISTRATOR

JANET HILLSON

jfs administrator

"Every request we receive represents someone going through a genuinely hard time. I work closely with our network of local case workers to make sure our support reaches the people who need it most — and that every dollar goes as far as possible."

REMEMBERING OUR FOUNDING MEMBER

JACK PEARL

FIRST JFS COMMITTEE CHAIR

The Jack Pearl Family Fund honors our first JFS Committee Chair, Jack Pearl. Jack is missed dearly and we are proud to carry on his legacy through our Jewish Family Services program at the JCC.

Read Jack's Legacy

CASE WORKERS  — APPLY FOR YOUR CLIENT 

Thank you for the work you do.

We have updated our process, so please follow these three steps: 

1. Submit an Agency Partnership Interest Form if you are new to partnering with JFS as an organization.
2. Complete a Case Worker Intake Form if your agency has worked with us, but you have not yet. 
3. You will then be able to Submit a Micro-Grant Application on behalf of your client. 

Our forms are the only way we’re able to accept requests.
We’re not able to process requests by phone or email — working from a single queue keeps the process fair and makes sure your client’s request doesn’t get missed.

If You Live in the City of SLO and are Homeless or at Imminent Risk of Homelessness

Starting in July 2026, JFS's SLO City Emergency Homelessness Prevention & Support Program can provide rapid-response financial assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk within the City of San Luis Obispo. This is thanks to a $10,000 award from the City of San Luis Obispo. 

→ Please have your case worker apply for a micro-grant on your behalf.

​Programs and projects supported by the City of San Luis Obispo funds are open and accessible to all otherwise qualified members of the public and without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Donate to JFS

JFS supports residents from San Miguel to Santa Maria who are facing a crisis. We provide emergency assistance — including gas assistance and financial micro-grants — to help with essential needs like housing and transportation. Everyone in our community is welcome here, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability.

​We are a helping hand for all.