Fund Also Supports Nonprofits Assisting Those Impacted by Virus
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — United Way of Santa Barbara County announced on June 1 that thanks to their generous supporters, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County, has secured more than $1.2 million to provide ongoing support for individuals and families in need through Individual Assistance Grants. To date, more than 800 households (representing 2,600 individuals) have received much-needed relief funds. Hundreds more households will receive support in the coming weeks. Paying rent and covering basic needs remain the top concerns for the thousands of residents who have lost employment. In addition, 94 local nonprofit organizations have received grants totaling more than $1.3 million to also help them meet immediate and near-term community needs.
United Way of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading the countywide funders’ collaborative, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County, which has raised over $3 million to respond to community needs. The Effort provides assistance for individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way is working in partnership with Family Service Agency to distribute individual assistance grants to individuals and families in need on a rolling basis for as long as funds are available. United Way and Family Service Agency are currently reviewing applications and conducting remote interviews with all applicants to verify information and needs to provide case management services.
“Due to the longer-term effects of the pandemic, additional financial needs have arisen for our most vulnerable individuals and families,” said Steve Ortiz, President & CEO, United Way of Santa Barbara County. “As unemployment rates climb, many are at risk of losing their housing. Top concerns for families are paying rent and purchasing food and medicine. We continue to actively raise funds to provide additional support to those in need, particularly individuals who may not have qualified for federal stimulus checks,,” said Ortiz.
Those in need are encouraged to submit an application for funding as soon as possible. Applicants must be Santa Barbara County residents and must be able to demonstrate need. Undocumented individuals are eligible to apply for funding. Visit unitedwaysb.org/covid19 to apply today.
Funding priorities are as follows:
• Basic Needs for individuals/families experiencing hardship securing or maintaining basic needs (e.g. food insecurity, need for medical care/equipment, medications, access to mental health services etc.).
• Santa Barbara County individuals/families experiencing loss of wages or employment due to business closures, social distancing ordinances etc.
• Individuals/families who have experienced hardship due to unexpected childcare/education needs and expenses.
“My wife and I would like to thank you for this generous check,” said one recent recipient of response funds. “We are very humbled and grateful to have received your financial support during this difficult time. We will always remember you in our hearts for this gift that will be used for our medications and this week’s food purchase. Your letter was truly a blessing when it came in the mail.”
United Way of Santa Barbara County urges those who are fortunate enough to be able to give are encouraged to generously support the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County. Donations to support individuals and families can be made at United Way at unitedwaysb.org/covid19; or to support local nonprofits serving affected community members, donations can be made at the Santa Barbara Foundation at SBFoundation.org/covid-19responseeffort.
About United Way of Santa Barbara County — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local nonprofit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families and seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.
About Santa Barbara Foundation — The Santa Barbara Foundation, the largest community foundation in the region and the county’s go-to resource for investment and capacity-building, strives to mobilize and elevate all residents to thrive. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its 91-year history.
The Foundation is working to improve areas that affect quality of life in Santa Barbara County including childcare, workforce development, and workforce housing. The Foundation connects those who give with those in need – and all who dream of stronger communities. To learn more, please visit SBFoundation.org.