SUPPORT JFS MICRO-GRANTS

​Assistance goes directly to people who are carefully vetted by local case workers.

DONATE DIRECTLY TO GAS CARDS

We work with a partner gas station in San Luis Obispo.

OCTOBER 2025 update:

We will continue reviewing applications in the second week of October. Right now, our staff is finishing the Jewish High Holy Days. 

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jewish family services (jfs) is a program of the jcc-federation of slo.

We assist residents of San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County (San Miguel to Santa Maria) who are in crisis by providing essential and emergency needs like housing and transportation via gas support and
​micro-grants (in collaboration with local case workers).
IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, please call 211 or visit their website: www.unitedwayslo.org/211slo
  • Need Help with Gas?
  • Micro-Grant Info
  • Info for Case Workers
  • Meet the Administrator
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Need Help with Gas?

If you are:
  • A resident of San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County (San Miguel to Santa Maria) 
  • Have exhausted other resources and need help with gas​
Then, please fill out this brief application to be considered for a credit of up to $70 at our designated partner station in San Luis Obispo proper.
CLICK for documentation REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS 
Please note that you will NEED TO SUPPLY: 
  • Your Car License Plate Number
  • Photo of driver's license (must be current) 
  • Proof of vehicle registration (must be current)
  • Proof of insurance coverage (must be current)

If approved, we will send you the details of our partner station in SLO who helps us fulfill gas card requests. ​

​Notes:
  • ​While information about the applicant is kept confidential, JFS volunteers, the JFS Steering Committee, JCC staff and the JCC-Federation of SLO Board of Directors might be informed of the grant and all or some of the relevant information obtained in connection with the grant review process.
  • ​Under exceptional circumstances, the JCC-Federation of SLO Board of Directors in its sole discretion may waive or modify any of the conditions listed on the website to approve or deny a grant.
NOTE: being jewish is *NOT* a requirement
JFS offers support to anyone in our community regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity/expression or sexual orientation. We are a "helping hand for all".

JFS Micro-grant Process:
Please Connect With Local Case Workers First

With the exception of gas credits, Jewish Family Services WORKS WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS' CASE WORKERS to support our mission. 

If you are looking for financial assistance, please review our JFS offerings and processes before reaching out about Jewish Family Services. 
  • Gas cards requests can be made without a case worker. 
  • JFS micro-grant applications must be submitted by a local case worker on your behalf.
    • Send your case worker our Info for Case Workers.
    • See below for tips on how to find a case worker and other places to start first. ​​​​

Need a Local Case Worker?   (Where to Call First)

If you don't have a case worker yet, there are many agencies within SLO County you can reach out to.

1. Start with Calling 211

We recommend starting with calling 211 for 211 Information & Referral ​via United Way to find out what resources may be available to you.  (And, please be patient -- it can take awhile to get through but they will answer.)

The 211 helpline connects people with information and referral to local health and human service programs. To get connected, you can dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211.org to find local resources for needs like housing, food, and utilities. 
  • Please Note: 211 does not provide case management themselves. They will refer you to other organizations that do. You an also see the list on this page of some of the organizations we do work with.​

2. Contact Social Services

The County of San Luis Obispo Social Services is another key way to get a case worker and/or resources for support. Their website is:
​www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/social-services

3. Other Resources to Contact First

The JCC-Federation of SLO is an agency of last resort. Please see additional resources below that can help with specific things.
Organization
Mission & Links
211 Information & Referral ​via United Way.
The 211 helpline connects people with information and referral to local health and human service programs. To get connected, you can dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211.org to find local resources for needs like housing, food, and utilities. 
Catholic Charities
For general assistance. 805-541-9110
CAPSLO's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) ​
Assistance with PG&E, propane, SoCalGas & water bills
Bureau of Auto Repair Consumer Assistance Program
Help with repairs for failed smog test
Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) ​
Supports the disabled to live independently in the community.
St. Vincent DePaul​
For general assistance. 805-544-7041
​​Salvation Army​
For general assistance. 805-544-2401
SLO Foodbank
Food locator
Spectrum Internet Assist program
Discounted Internet for qualifying low-income customers). 
Other links to resources:

Important Notes on Privacy and Sharing

  • By having your Case Worker apply on your behalf, you are providing consent that other agencies, organizations and references may be contacted and information shared and verified in order to assess whether the grant should be made.
  • ​While information about the applicant is kept confidential, JFS volunteers, the JFS Steering Committee, JCC staff and the JCC-Federation of SLO Board of Directors might be informed of the grant and all or some of the relevant information obtained in connection with the grant review process.
  • ​Whenever possible, as recipients’ financial situations stabilize, JFS encourages grant recipients to repay grants and contribute to the Jack Pearl/Jewish Family Services Fund so funds will continue to be available to families or individuals in need for the future.
  • ​Under exceptional circumstances, the JCC-Federation of SLO Board of Directors in its sole discretion may waive or modify any of the conditions listed on the website to approve or deny a grant.

Info for Case Workers

Click here for information on requesting a micro-grant for your client:
JANET HILLSON
JFS ADMINISTRATOR
In order to expedite the numerous requests JFS receives daily, I am now working directly with local case workers to use our monies to the fullest impact to aid individuals and families dealing with challenging situations. - Janet Hillson
JFS continues to make an impact in our community by supporting people during a difficult times in their lives, living up to the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam — a core concept in Judaism that emphasizes the responsibility of individuals and communities to make the world a better place, encompassing a wide range of actions aimed at promoting justice, compassion, and well-being for all.
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.
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.
​Copyright © 2026 Jewish Community Center - SLO.  All rights reserved.