Coastal Housing Resources emerged from the shared vision of two compassionate individuals, Liam Bennett and Ken Payne, who recognized the need to address the housing crisis in San Luis Obispo County, particularly among seniors. Initially launched under the SLO Senior Housing Foundation, Inc., and guided by Founding Director Liam Bennett, we set out to research and address housing needs in South County.

During this journey, we uncovered a significant gap: many families moving into stable housing lacked basic furniture and household items, leaving their homes beautifully empty. In parallel, contractor Ken Payne proposed an innovative solution—repurposing furniture that hotels discard during renovations. This collaboration led Coastal Housing Resources to partner with local hotels and organizations, quickly amassing enough furniture to furnish multiple homes.

In 2023, our team furnished approximately 50 homes, supporting individuals and families referred by local agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. As we entered 2024, we officially rebranded to Coastal Housing Resources and filed for our 501(c)(3) status, which was completed in September 2024. With a fully established board of directors led by our President and Chair, we have aligned our efforts to meet the growing need for essential furnishings across our community.

Our commitment is simple: to furnish homes and deliver comfort, dignity, and hope to those in transition. We are proud to be a voluntary partnership between local churches, social service agencies, and businesses, all working together to provide essential furniture to families and individuals in need.

Join us in this mission to make a lasting impact. Together, we can build a brighter future, one home at a time.