San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council Announces 2025 Appointments
Author: Homeless Services Division
Date: 1/21/2025 3:28 PM
The Homeless Services Oversight Council announces 2025 appointments and executive leadership.
San Luis Obispo, CA—The County of San Luis Obispo Continuum of Care has announced the confirmed appointments for the Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC)’s 2025 term. The new appointees stepped into their roles for the first time this year on January 15, 2025, and reflect the Council’s continued commitment to addressing homelessness in the region through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.
The appointed members for the Council’s 2025 term include Abby Lassen (Homeless Advocates Seat), Alison Brandum (Homeless Advocates Seat), Rick Scott (Public Safety Organization Seat), Benjamin Albracht (Organizations Serving Homeless Veterans Seat), Raven Lopez (Behavioral Health Agencies Seat), James Dantona (Businesses Seat), Brenda Mack (Lived Experience Seat), Susan Lamont (Victim Services Provider), and Irene Brill (Faith-Based Organizations Seat).
This year, the Homeless Services Oversight Council saw a surge in community engagement, with 22 applicants for available seats—doubling the average number of applicants over the previous 4 years. This growing interest reflects a broader community desire to contribute meaningfully to solutions for local homelessness and to collaborate with local jurisdictions in productive ways.
“As we look ahead to 2025, I am inspired by the level of community engagement and the expertise of the year’s HSOC appointees,” said Michelle Shoresman, current Homeless Services Oversight Council Chair and current representative from the City of San Luis Obispo. “Our focus moving forward will be on strengthening partnerships, advancing data-driven solutions, and continuing to build trust with the community. Together, we can create lasting change by ensuring every voice is heard and every effort is impactful.”
In addition to the 28 appointed seats, elected officials from each local jurisdiction also sit on the Council: Kate Secrest (City of Arroyo Grande), Susan Funk (City of Atascadero), Jules Tuggle (City of Grover Beach), Bill Luffee (City of Morro Bay), Chris Bausch (City of Paso Robles), Marcia Guthrie (City of Pismo Beach), Michelle Shoresman (City of San Luis Obispo), and Dawn Ortiz-Legg (County of San Luis Obispo).
During its first convening on January 15, 2025, the Council elected its HSOC Executive Team for the 2025 term:
- Michelle Shoresman – Chair
- Susan Funk – Vice Chair
- Janna Nichols – Data & Performance Committee Chair
- Jack Lahey – Coordinated Entry Committee Chair
- Wendy Lewis – Services Coordinating Committee Chair
- Brenda Mack – Lived Experience Representative
- Michelle Pedigo – Housing Authority Representative
The Homeless Services Oversight Council oversees the coordination of homelessness-related services and funding in San Luis Obispo County. Its four committees—Executive, Data & Performance, Coordinated Entry, and Services Coordinating—work collaboratively to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The public is encouraged to attend HSOC meetings, which are open to all and accessible both in-person and online. Meeting locations, dates, and times, as well as additional information about HSOC, are available at slocounty.gov/HSOC.
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