Placer People of Faith Together (PPOFT), a pioneering interfaith community organizing nonprofit. Since its founding in 2010, PPOFT has empowered Placer County and California through community and legislative advocacy.

PPOFT builds community — particularly across the dividing lines of class, race, and religious background -- to assist civic leaders in developing and implementing solutions to urgent community needs.

Over the past 15 years, the group has tackled issues such as environmental protection activities, encouraging people to vote, supporting people on their path to citizenship, speaking out, and educating about criminal justice and restorative justice for victims in Placer County. PPOFT played a central role in advocating for 211 Placer, the new information and referral system in Placer County which launched in 2020. 211 Placer is a free, confidential, multilingual information line and website that connects people with the services and resources in their community.  PPOFT is very active on the issue of affordable housing. They advocated successfully for the passage of SB 4 the Affordable Housing on Faith and Higher Education Lands Act, which provides for streamlined approval of 100% affordable housing projects on land owned by religious institutions and independent entities for higher education. PPOFT followed this win with a day-long educational program that provided a pathway to creating affordable housing on these lands. Eight faith organizations are on the path to building affordable housing on their land.

“We are proud of what PPOFT has accomplished in its 15 years, grateful to our volunteers and eager to continue our work to create justice for all in Placer County, said Ed Morgado, Founding member and Co-Executive Director of PPOFT. After 15 years, our vision remains clear: transformation begins when people exercise their own power alongside their neighbors.”

Without any paid staff, the organization relies on the passion and commitment of volunteers who give their time and energy to create meaningful change. “From providing essential resources to amplifying the voices of underserved residents, PPOFT is committed to building a more just and connected community, said Beth Gonzalez, Co-Executive Director. “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this movement. For 15 years, people from all walks of life have offered their time, wisdom, and unwavering faith to advance justice in our communities. Their commitment proves that lasting change doesn't come from the top down — it comes from neighbors standing shoulder to shoulder to make it happen.”

PPOFT welcomes all interested community members—including faith congregations, civic organizations, and public officials—to attend anniversary events, support its work, and help shape the next 15 years of its journey. Visit the PPOFT website (www.ppoft.org) for more information and to volunteer.

Founding Churches & their Representatives

· Auburn Presbyterian Church: Rev. Ken Winter

· Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Auburn: Bryan Whiteside, Youth Minister

· Faith Lutheran Church, Meadow Vista: Joel Rothe, Youth Minister

· Loomis Basin United Church of Christ: Rev. John Norris

· Lutheran Church of the Resurrection Granite Bay: Rev. Don Haven

· Pioneer Methodist Church, Auburn: Rev. John Broad

· St Luke Episcopal Church, Auburn: Rev. Susan Plucker

· PICO California: Jim Keddy, Director & Ed Morgado