South County Non-Congregate Shelter Opens

COVID-19 Update

The City of Goleta is sharing this press release from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

South County Non-Congregate Shelter Opens

A non-congregate shelter has opened in the City of Santa Barbara for elderly and medically vulnerable persons experiencing homelessness who do not have the ability to practice physical distancing or self-isolate. The purpose of the shelter is to protect our most vulnerable community members. Persons experiencing homelessness are more likely to have complications from COVID-19 leading to hospitalization and intensive care.

A task force which includes County and community partners has been working with street outreach workers and service providers to identify persons currently living in emergency shelters and who are unsheltered. Prioritization will be applied using the following criteria:

  • Persons who do not have a place to shelter, are 65 years of age and over with serious underlying medical conditions.
  • Persons who do not have a place to shelter and are under 65 years of age with serious underlying medical conditions
  • Persons who do not have a place to shelter and are 65 years of age or over.

Eligibility is verified through a review of medical records or an in-person evaluation, if necessary.

“The opening of this shelter site means that some of our most vulnerable community members will have a safe space to practice physical distancing and be protected from COVID-19 exposure” shared George Chapjian, Santa Barbara County’s Director of Community Services. “Our task force is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all people experiencing homelessness. Working collaboratively, we have taken an important step in slowing the spread of this virus in our community.”

For additional information about Emergency Shelter Operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please call Community Services Department, Homeless Assistance Programs 805-560-1090.  

Stay Connected:

County Public Health: www.PublicHealthSBC.org, Twitter and Facebook
County of Santa Barbara: www.CountyofSB.org, Twitter, Facebook
2-1-1 Call Center: Dial 211 or outside the area, call (800) 400-1572
Recorded Information Line: (805) 681-4373
Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line: (888) 868-1649

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