DO YOUR PART

HOW TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19

Written by Kennedy Williams

We are all facing increasing demands, challenges, and uncertainties during this time, so uniting as a community is of utmost importance. Organizations across the county need our help in providing additional support and services to community members in urgent need. If you have the ability and feel called to help, we have gathered a number of nonprofits you can donate to.

1. Foodbank Santa Barbara County The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is here with healthy groceries and fresh produce for all of those in need in our community. The organization helps to provide food for neighbors recently out of work due to COVID-19. Your donation can aid seniors, employees, children, and/or families. donate.foodbanksbc.org/campaign/covid-19-response/c276950

2. United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County is making sure that our community’s kids don’t go hungry during this crisis. They are providing safe, daily meal pick-ups at Club sites. Donations are urgent in order to provide for the children and families profoundly affected at this time. ubgc.ejoinme.org/SupportGreatFutures

3. Domestic Violence Solutions California’s “shelter in place” mandate may increase violence in abusive households. Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara is here to help anyone experiencing domestic violence during this pandemic. They are working to continue providing safety, shelter, and support services. Virtual dropin consultations are available and client eligibility, case management, therapy and counseling, housing assistance, and job/life skills assistance are now completed over the phone or via video conference. The crisis line is open 24/7: 805-963-4458.

4. Emergency Child Care Fund The Emergency Child Care Fund was started in response to the growing need for child care for Santa Barbara County “front line” workers in professions essential to the COVID-19 outbreak. Funding will help cover the cost of child care programs where children will be cared for in a safe facility with attention to their health, wellbeing and social-emotional needs. If you would like to contribute toward the Emergency Child Care Fund, please contact Steve Ortiz, President & CEO, United Way of Santa Barbara County at sortiz@unitedwaysb.org.

United Way of Santa Barbara County has also partnered with the Hutton Parker Foundation and the Santa Barbara Foundation in the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort. Donations help to address the needs of individuals and families in Santa Barbara County as well as the nonprofits who serve them. * unitedwaysb.org

Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

—H. JACKSON BROWN JR.