Santa Barbara Catholic Charities assistance programs.
One of the leading agencies in Santa Barbara County California is Catholic Charities. The organization of churches is dedicated to helping low-income families, immigrants, migrant workers and the working poor, regardless of their faith. Local churches, staff, and volunteers from Catholic Charities will try to prevent homelessness, ensure people have healthy food, shelter, and other basic needs are met.
Many local families continue to struggle from time to time, and many people often face a one time hardship. They may have lost their jobs or had a reduction in work hours. This is where Catholic Charities can provide emergency assistance or help address the crisis. The organization, working with the support of dedicated community volunteers and members in Santa Barbara County, are collectively rallying to help stabilize those in crisis and support people facing a hardship. There is even help for immigrant legal needs, such as naturalization. Locate free lawyer charitable resources.
Santa Barbara County food, meals, and free basic needs in Santa Barbara County
The charity operates a food pantry in the county. People can only use the center a limited times per month. Those who qualify may receive a bag or box full of free food. While the contents will vary and are really determined by donations, they may have canned goods, rice, meats, or frozen foods. The pantry provides more room for greater food selection and display. There are also cultural meal boxes for migrants, immigrants, and the various Spanish speakers in Santa Barbara County.
While a little more limited, Catholic Charities may also have free critical non-food items. This can include, but is not limited to, items such as infant formula, personal hygiene items and free baby diapers. It is non-food, but also key to basic needs. The center is user friendly and Catholic Charities will in effect allow people to “shop” for what they need. This helps reduce waste.
Catholic Charities emergency financial help
As indicated another focus is on homeless prevention and/or rapid rehousing for people who need an affordable place to live. While it is always cheaper to prevent an eviction in the first place, and that is what the Catholic Charities in Santa Barbara will focus on, as many people know there are a number of homeless currently living in the community.
The non-profit works with businesses, charities, and others in the community to raise funds for those who are less fortunate. Money will go to preventing hunger and homelessness in the region. While funding, grants, and resources are very limited, Catholic Charities is one of the only organizations in Santa Barbara County that offers emergency rental and utility bill assistance. When possible, the funding will come from grants such as the ESFP and HPRP program. However most of those are time sensitive programs, so other grants may be used from time to time and donations are always greatly appreciated.
Applicants need to be facing eviction. Or they may have a utility disconnection notice. Either of those can cause homelessness, so that is what Catholic Charities tries to address. Call them for details on any available grant programs for housing costs or energy bills.
Santa Barbara County also has information on other homeless prevention, motel vouchers, and eviction help. Catholic Charities can direct clients, the homeless, and even immigrants to resources. This is even more critical due to the cost of housing in Santa Barbara County. There is the emergency California homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services.
Low coat shopping and basic needs from thrift store
The Thrifty Shopper store in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara represents another effort to help those struggling in the community. This is really a thrift store that relies on donations from the public. The center can provide clients with free household goods and clothing. If you shop there, revenue from sales help support the Catholic Charity agency's assistance programs and services.
Applying to Catholic Charity resources in Santa Barbara County
There are several Catholic Charity centers in the Santa Barbara County region of California. They are as follows.
- 609 E. Haley St., Santa Barbara, California 93101, phone (805) 965-7045
- Santa Maria, 607 W. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454, dial (805) 922-2059 for intake
- Carpinteria center is located at 941 Walnut Street, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Phone (805) 684-8621
- The last location is at 903 E. Chestnut Street, Lompoc, California 93436, dial (805) 736-6226
|
