Progress Update: DignityNOW Santa Barbara County

Five months ago, we announced our DignityNOW initiative to help the County of Santa Barbara in addressing their shelter gap. This innovative and comprehensive campaign aims to build 300 private, dignified rooms in the next two years.?

We know that every night spent on the streets adds to the trauma of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This problem is urgent. Santa Barbara County is acting quickly to bring their residents indoors.

Construction of Hope Village, a 94-unit community in Santa Maria, began earlier this month with the expectation that residents will be able to move in before the holidays. Good Samaritan will prioritize offering rooms to those experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the immediate area surrounding the site. Of the 94 rooms: 10 are reserved for transitional aged youth, 30 are reserved for those needing respite care after exiting the hospital, and at least 5 for veterans. Below is a rendering of the site:

Last week, the City of Santa Barbara's Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to move forward with the construction of La Posada, an additional 80 unit site within their jurisdiction. La Posada will be a “service rich” site with 24/7 mental and physical healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and security. Between our Santa Barbara Street site, Hope Village, and La Posada, the County of Santa Barbara has already approved the construction of over 200 rooms for those experiencing homelessness in their jurisdiction.

The DignityNOW campaign sets a bold example of the incredible things that can be achieved with courageous leadership and a compassionate community. We are proud to partner with the County and Good Samaritan to end unsheltered homelessness in Santa Barbara County.

Thank you for your continued support.

In celebration,

The DignityMoves Team