WE BELIEVE IN COMMUNITY.
Since 1917, Unity Shoppe has been serving the Santa Barbara County by providing food, clothing, school supplies, holiday assistance, and other essential resources to individuals and families across the community. Unity Shoppe has grown into a comprehensive network of programs built on a simple but powerful idea: every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and choice.
Unlike traditional assistance models, Unity Shoppe operates on a client-choice philosophy. Clients shop for what they and their families actually need, selecting items themselves rather than receiving pre-packaged goods. This approach preserves independence and self-respect while helping neighbors build hope, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency.
OUR MISSION
Unity Shoppe is committed to providing resources, such as groceries, clothing, and other essentials, to Santa Barbara County residents impacted by temporary conditions of poverty, life transitions, natural disasters, or health crises. We aim to reinforce human dignity and encourage self-sufficiency and independence.
OUR VISION
To create a community where every individual facing temporary life adversity finds support, empowerment, and opportunity, fostering a resilient society where dignity, self-sufficiency, and independence thrive.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Unity Shoppe is committed to developing and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, where all members create and feel a sense of belonging. We recognize that working towards equality is an ongoing process which requires continued education, personal development, and self awareness in order to address barriers arising from unintended bias, discrimination, racism and sexism. We strive to employ the best talent and provide compassionate client care without regard to race, ethnicity, culture, color, religion/non-religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, difference in ability, education level, socio-economic status, military/veteran status or political affiliation.
Who We Serve
We serve seniors, families, single-parents, and homebound individuals referred to us by over 400 referring agencies in Santa Barbara County.
These include social service agencies, community centers, faith based organizations, public schools, and hospitals. GO TO OUR WORK
“When we strive to improve the economic situation or sense of hopelessness experienced by our neighbors, we mustn’t ever forget to show them respect and elevate their dignity at every turn.”
Barbara Tellefson, Unity Shoppe Founder
Unity Shoppe’s YouTube Channel
Visit our YouTube channel for the latest heartwarming stories
of impact in Santa Barbara County. GO TO YOUTUBE
Volunteer Opportunities
For volunteers and community residents, we offer a range of
volunteering opportunities. GO TO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
TOGETHER, WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, 92% of donations went towards services and programs.
READ OUR 2024-2025 IMPACT REPORT
52,815
people
assisted
840, 985 lbs
of fresh food and groceries distributed
$275-$325
retail value of groceries per visit
20,724
annual gifts to children and seniors
$3,833,664
$ amount of food & groceries distributed
23
dedicated employees
Unity Gift & Thrift Shoppe
Unity Gift & Thrift Shoppe at 1209 State Street is open to the public. All proceeds from the store directly fund Unity Shoppe programs.
Every dollar you spend at our store goes directly to supporting Unity’s programs and services available to residents in need through our Family Services Center.
Mailing address for financial donations.
1209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Client Services Center
Unity’s free store for referred clients.
1401 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm
Unity Shoppe Lompoc
Unity Lompoc’s free store for referred clients.
1009 North H Street, Suite B, Lompoc, CA 93436 (Behind Goodwill Mission Services)
Open Wednesdays from 10 AM to 5 PM
Volunteering
New or returning volunteers must complete an online application. Click button below to apply.
For more information, contact 805-979-9494 or email volunteer@unityshoppe.org
Shifts available Monday through Friday
In-Kind Donations
In-kind donations that are new or like-new only.
110 West Sola Street Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm
Corporate Offices
Executive/Corporate Offices for Unity Shoppe.
110 West Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm
Unity Gift & Thrift
Support Unity Shoppe by shopping at our retail stores.
1209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday – 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday – 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday – 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
