Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara host back-to school event which includes free COVID-19 vaccinations
Courtesy photos.
SANTA BARBARA — After 18 months of pandemic life, some 400 school-age children walked away from the 8th Annual “Tools for School” on Aug. 14th with backpacks filled with school supplies for the coming school year. 40 individuals signed up for vaccinations at the event as well.
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), and its nonprofit affiliate 2nd Story Associates, are teaming up for the annual giveaway. For each participating family, children in grades Kindergarten through 12th will choose from a range of age-appropriate backpacks filled with school supplies.
While HACSB provides innovative housing and services in the community, 2nd Story Associates works to fill gaps to help local families succeed. Tools for School is part of the 2nd Story program aimed at encouraging academic success and high school graduation among low-income youth through a variety of collaborations and programming. While the event is designed to assist families in preparing their children for school, it will also help families discover the Housing Authority’s youth enrichment programs and other local programs and resources for youth and families.
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics will also be on-site to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations. A physician and Spanish-speaking interpreters will be in attendance to offer information and answer questions about the vaccine.
