Community Resiliency

United Way is a strategic partner in supporting families, agencies, and partners as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis. From proactive disaster preparedness programs to immediate response efforts, United Way effectively coordinates a dedicated network of partners to deploy flexible, proven relief and resources to our community.

Our Outcomes:

Reliable, proven infrastructure to support the County of Santa Barbara with rapid disaster response efforts and sustainable recovery and relief programs.
Dependable programs, relief efforts, and community coalitions that remain ready to quickly address unique and evolving community needs in times of crisis.
Coordinated networks or community stakeholders prepared to deploy impactful, countywide disaster preparedness, response, and relief.

$55M+

Managed in Crisis Funding

9,100+

Households Served

2,400+

Served in Emergency Preparedness

20+

Community Partners

Community Resiliency Programs

Public-Private Partnership, County of Santa Barbara

United Way’s standing partnership with the County of Santa Barbara to respond in times of community crisis.

Disaster Preparedness & Response

Preparedness and response efforts facilitated countywide, including family assistance grants, the Emergency Food & Shelter Program, and community preparedness with Listos California.

Emergency Childcare Action Plan

Community action plan to provide childcare services for essential service workers during disasters or emergencies.

Individual Disaster Assistance Grants (IDAG)

A proactive disaster response and recovery fund designed to be available for immediate activation in times of community crisis.

From Our Community

“Over the past several years, the County has had to respond to several major disasters, including the 2017 Thomas Fire, the January Debris Flow, and most recently, the COVID-10 pandemic, with its disastrous economic impact on low-income households. United Way of Santa Barbara County has successfully developed trusted relationships across government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors to develop strategies and respond to community needs in a humane and compassionate way. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

– Joan Hartmann, Third District Supervisor, County of Santa Barbara

“Our partnership with United Way allows us to support residents who may be falling through the cracks during a disaster. As a government agency, we’re partnering with United Way to really enhance what we can provide as a government agency to support the community. Our county ahs had an amazing partnership with United Way, both in blue skies and grey skies, and we continue to build that. We tap into United Way as a partner to help our residents to build their resiliency and help them recover with the resources they need. It’s a partnership I haven’t seen in other counties and its so appreciated.”

– Kelly Hubbard, Director, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management