Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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eNewsletter
January 2026
Awarded by EconAlliance, Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann presented People’s Self-Help Housing with the 2026 Northern Santa Barbara County Impact Award. Recognizing organizations providing extraordinary support in the community, it was accepted by current CEO & President Ken Trigueiro who was joined by former CEO & President John Fowler.
Friend,It is impossible to overstate the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in helping to rectify inequality, particularly housing inequality, which continues in many areas to be one of the biggest barriers to racial justice. He understood that without equitable access to housing, families of color would continue to face deep economic hardship and the isolating effects of segregation.

Experiencing firsthand discriminatory practices, unsafe living conditions, and predatory lending, he fought vehemently against all forms of housing injustice and passionately advocated for federal housing legislation. In his 1967 ‘Other America’  message, Dr. King said that while our nation has constantly taken positive steps forward on the question of racial justice it was easier to integrate a lunch counter, than it was to guarantee decent, sanitary housing conditions.

His unswerving advocacy helped pave the way for the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark federal law signed just one week after his assassination. Today, Dr. King’s housing justice work continues to daily inspire our mission at People’s Self-Help Housing. We serve in gratitude to his enduring legacy.


Ken Trigueiro
CEO & President

Why We Give: Staff Supporting the Mission
At People’s, team member donations reflect a deep belief in our work. Through our Staff Giving program, employees choose to donate a portion of their paycheck to support the very programs they help bring to life.
Emily Baranek, Senior Construction Manager, Home Ownership, shares why she gives:

“Every two weeks, I send a small part of my paycheck right back to PSHH through our Staff Giving program. I’ve seen firsthand how our work changes lives: the senior who found stability after homelessness, the child who found a love of learning in our after-school program, the family who finally has a safe place to live. Giving a donation from my paycheck is my way of saying, ‘I believe in this.’”

Every gift – no matter the size – helps maintain and expand our impact. Thank you to all who donate and continue this incredible support!
Make a gift today!
Buellton Garden Apartments: Pre-applications Due February 3
Quick Facts: 
  • 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments
  • Ranging from 595 – 1,027 sq ft
  • Mobility and sensory accessible units available
  • Pet-friendly, with extra deposit
  • Rent ranges from $993 – $2,295*
  • Utilities:
    • Residents pay electricity
    • PSHH pays water, sewer & trash
    • Utility allowance is given to each household
  • Security deposit is required. Alternative payment options are available
Eligibility:

  • Households earning at or below 50% of the Area Median Income
  • 24 units set aside for agricultural worker households earning 30 – 50% of the AMI
  • Visit pshhc.org/BGA to view income limits
  • Section 8 vouchers accepted!
Download a Pre-Application
*These rents are effective as of April 1, 2025. They are determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and are subject to change.
Building Your Housing Vocabulary
Affordable housing terminology can often be complex, filled with acronyms and technical language. However, by learning and understanding these terms, you can become a stronger, more informed advocate for housing in your community!

This month, we’re highlighting the Housing Element. The Housing Element is a state-required plan that ensures local governments create policies and zoning that allow enough housing to be built to meet community needs. It helps remove unnecessary barriers to development so the private market can better address California’s housing shortage.

Learn More
We invite you to take a virtual tour of Templeton Place Apartments, a beautiful property in Templeton that offers seniors a safe and supportive place to call home.
And while you’re at it, take a look at some of our other featured properties:
Join the Team
Strengthen your career while making a difference! Our current openings include:

  • Assistant Project Manager | Oxnard, Santa Barbara, or San Luis Obispo
  • Assistant Property Manager | Santa Barbara
  • Compliance Specialist | Remote
  • Homeownership Program Manager | San Luis Obispo
  • Human Resources Coordinator | San Luis Obispo
  • Maintenance Technician I | Paso Robles
  • Property Manager | Paso Robles, Santa Maria, or Oxnard
  • Special Projects Coordinator | San Luis Obispo
View All Open Positions & Apply
Get Involved
Here are some ways you can help move our mission forward this month:

  • Advocate: Subscribe to ‘The Blueprint’ – a monthly publication bringing reliable, curated information about affordable housing advocacy.
  • Learn: Seeking expert insights on affordable housing? Request a presentation from a member of our team!
  • Give: Join our Monthly Giving program, benefiting the fund of your choice.
  • Intern or Volunteer: Lend your time and skills to a PSHH program.
And in case you missed it, the top story from last month’s eNews:
Camino Scholars has a new partnership with Creek Lands Conservation, where students are learning about plant care, environmental stewardship, and enjoyed a special visit from Lucy the service dog!
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