We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Board of Directors at Salt + Light Works to initiate a full and independent third-party review of the organization’s leadership, ethical practices, and treatment of both staff and residents.

This petition is based on growing concerns raised by former volunteers, staff, and individuals with direct experience at Salt + Light Works—particularly under the leadership of:

Mary Adrianne Hillman, Chief Executive Officer

Erin Gardner-Ford, Chief Strategy Officer

Rachel Trigueiro, Director of Development

Jason Quijada, Director of Neighbor Care

As of 2025, the current board leadership at Salt + Light Works includes Anita Ortiz as Board Chair and Jody Gilman as Secretary, with directors Scot Hillman, Jason Salazar, Natalie Bolin, Jessica Rodriguez, Joe Avila, and Joe Herbert.

**We want to emphasize a serious concern regarding potential conflicts of interest: CEO Mary Adrianne Hillman’s husband, Scot Hillman, currently serves on the Board of Directors. This family relationship raises important questions about the impartiality of any internal review conducted by Salt + Light Works and underscores the urgent need for an external investigation to restore community trust.**

Reported issues include:

• Current residents being given misleading or incomplete information about their rights, support services, or case contacts
• Lack of proper notice and communication procedures for residents, with limited or no legal channels to contest decisions
• Failure to deliver promised services in housing, case management, or personal development
• Sudden bans and removals of volunteers or community members without cause or explanation
• Allegations of pay inequality and staff favoritism
• Disrespectful or demeaning comments made about unhoused individuals
• Retaliatory treatment toward former staff and volunteers, including informal, off-the-record statements that may negatively affect employment or reputation
• Concerns over how program resources and funds are allocated, possibly favoring internal or personal connections rather than those most in need

These issues, if left unaddressed, undermine the mission of Salt + Light Works and erode community trust in a nonprofit that receives public support and is expected to serve with integrity and transparency.

⚖️ If you believe you have experienced misconduct:

You have the legal right to file complaints or concerns with the appropriate agencies:

California Department of Justice – Registry of Charitable Trusts

🔗 https://oag.ca.gov/charities

📞 (916) 210-6400

California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) – for discrimination or workplace concerns

🔗 https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/

📞 (800) 884-1684

IRS – Report Misconduct by a 501(c)(3)

🔗 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13909.pdf (Form 13909)

📬 Can be mailed or faxed to:

Internal Revenue Service – EO Classification

Mail Code 4910DAL

1100 Commerce Street

Dallas, TX 75242

Fax: (214) 413-5415

📢 Community Action – Protest Announcement

We are organizing a peaceful protest to demand transparency, accountability, and change at Salt + Light Works.

🗓️ Date: TBD- Follow for updates ⭐ 

📍 Location: TBD – Follow for updates

🎯 Purpose: To publicly call for an independent review and responsible leadership restructuring

This is a community-led, nonviolent initiative. We believe Salt + Light Works has the potential to do good—but that requires leadership that upholds its mission with fairness, professionalism, and respect for those it serves.

Disclaimer:

This petition reflects the concerns and experiences of former volunteers, staff, and community members associated with Salt + Light Works. It is intended to call for transparency, accountability, and an independent review of the organization’s leadership and practices. All statements made are based on personal knowledge and reported experiences. This petition does not contain unfounded accusations or defamatory statements. We encourage a fair and impartial investigation to ensure the organization upholds its mission with integrity.

By signing, supporters indicate their agreement with the petition’s call for an independent review based on shared concerns and experiences.