People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a $100,000 grant from Wells Fargo, designated to support Central Coast students participating in its education program and to aid its newest Learning Center located at Buellton Garden Apartments.
PSHH states its eight onsite Learning Centers offer a safe, engaging environment for families with school-aged children. Within these centers, students receive homework assistance, engage in enrichment activities, build confidence, and develop skills essential for long-term academic success. PSHH further noted that these year-round services are provided to families at no cost, made possible through partnerships like that with Wells Fargo.
The funding will be used to equip the Learning Centers with necessary materials. The new classroom in Buellton has already been supplied with Chromebooks, arts and crafts supplies, binders, paper, and other educational resources during its initial weeks of programming. Additionally, the grant will contribute to staffing across the program, ensuring students have dedicated onsite educational support throughout the school year.
Kris Reid, PSHH director of education, emphasized the timely impact of the grant. Reid stated that Wells Fargo's support has enabled the organization to prepare classrooms in conjunction with the new school year, allowing new and returning students to be welcomed immediately. Reid added that this support has allowed PSHH to purchase technology, educational supplies, and curriculum materials without delay, "giving children the strong start they deserve."
PSHH’s Learning Centers are strategically located within affordable housing communities across the Central Coast. This placement is intended to remove common barriers such as transportation, providing children with consistent access to academic support, various enrichment opportunities, technology, and caring adult mentors. The programs aim to help students strengthen their reading and math skills, explore subjects in STEM and creative arts, develop crucial social-emotional skills, and foster confidence that extends beyond the classroom, according to PSHH.
Founded in 1970, PSHH is described as the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. Its mission focuses on building homes and providing services to strengthen communities and change lives. PSHH serves a diverse range of low-income households, including families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, individuals living with disabilities, and the formerly homeless. Beyond its educational programs and rental communities, PSHH also offers homeownership opportunities through a self-help "sweat equity" program, through which over 1,200 homes have been successfully completed. PSHH maintains a presence in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Monterey counties.
