SAN LUIS OBISPO – Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), Chair of the Assembly Budget Sub 1 Committee on Health, announced $2 million in state funding for continued immigration and citizenship services through Catholic Charities of the Central Coast.
The funding, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, was secured through California's 2025-2026 state budget deal agreement and will help Catholic Charities meet the ongoing demand for immigration services across the Central Coast, building on the $1.5 million Assemblymember Addis secured in 2025.
"As immigration enforcement continues to ramp up, it's imperative that we deliver on our promise to uplift and protect our most vulnerable communities," said Addis. "For far too long, resources have not been distributed equitably across our state, leaving communities like the Central Coast with fewer resources to meet the demand of residents. I'm proud to have secured this funding to help ensure families across San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties can access the trusted immigration and citizenship services they need."
The $2 million allocation will support services across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties, including the following services:
-Free immigration consultations;
-DACA renewal assistance;
-Legal permanent resident card renewals; and
-Food pantry services and infant support for families.
"This funding will have a major impact and strengthen our ability to respond to the growing demand for trusted immigration and citizenship services across the Central Coast," said Angela Di Novella, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey. "As families seek guidance and support, this investment will help us continue providing the resources and assistance they need to navigate the path to lawful status and citizenship, contribute to the local economy and build more stable futures for themselves and their families. Access to trusted immigration services is also essential in helping local families avoid predatory scams and fraudulent practitioners who often take advantage of times like this. Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey provides professional, accredited immigration legal services through a team of Department of Justice Accredited Representatives and experienced immigration attorneys, ensuring that clients receive accurate information, ethical representation, and compassionate support throughout the immigration process".
Founded in 1984, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey is a faith-based, non-profit social service agency providing aid to individuals and families throughout Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. She is the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 on Health.
CONTACT: Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, (831) 649-2832