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WE BELIEVE IN COMMUNITY.

Unity Shoppe is a Santa Barbara based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free essential services to residents impacted by temporary conditions of poverty, natural disaster, or health crisis. We provide residents with groceries, clothing, and other essentials, as well as job training – the things that help reinforce human dignity, and encourage self-sufficiency and independence.

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FREE
GROCERIES
icon of shirt and shoe
CLOTHING
& FOOTWEAR
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TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE (TAP)
PERSONAL CARE
& HOME GOODS
HOLIDAY
TOYS & GIFTS
icon of backpack and notebook
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
SUPPLIES
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EMPLOYMENT
READINESS
icon of gift boxes
CUSTOM
GIFT BOXES

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 service organizations, including assisted living communities, community centers, houses of worship, public schools, and hospitals. GO TO OUR WORK

SENIORS

More than 1 in 14 seniors live in poverty locally. For them, nutritional food often becomes unaffordable.

FAMILIES

The working poor live on small, fixed incomes ($1,500 a month) that in no way cover typical monthly expenses.

THE HOMEBOUND

Many in our community are homebound due to limited transportion options, or as a result of physical vulnerability.

“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

barbara tellefson

The Unity YouTube Channel

Visit our YouTube channel for the latest heartwarming stories
of impact in Santa Barbara County. GO TO YOUTUBE

UNITY MY SOUL (3:18)

UNITY GIFT & THRIFT (0:30)

UNITY’S RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC (1:43)

UNITY SHOPPE DELIVERS! (5:05)

Volunteer Opportunities

For volunteers and community residents, we offer a range of
volunteering opportunities. GO TO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

volunteers for a phone bank
VOLUNTEERING
OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers actively work with us behind the scenes.

Read More

volunteers at crafting workshop
CRAFTING
WORKSHOPS

In its 33rd year. And, 29,300 toys were built. Amazing!

Read More

TEAM BUILDING
OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in giving back to the community?

Read More

TOGETHER, WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

In 2021, 92.7% of donations went towards services and programs.
READ OUR 2021 IMPACT REPORT

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15,020

people
assisted

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1/4 M LBS

of fresh food and groceries distributed

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$250-$300

retail value of groceries per visit

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300,000

meals made with groceries received

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8,000+

annual gifts to children and seniors

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5,000+

free flu shot coupons given to client

Unity Gift & Thrift Shoppe

Unity’s Gift & Thrift Store, at 1209 State Street, is Santa Barbara’s premier thrift store, offering a place to shop with purpose!

VISIT OUR RETAIL SHOPS ON INSTAGRAM

photos from instagram account

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.

“I needed Unity Shoppe for food 20 years ago. I came in feeling like an outsider, but the people who helped me were very nice. Please accept this small donation; I’m still very grateful for the help I received back then.”
unity shoppe food line
unity shoppe logo

Corporate Office

Mailing address for financial donations.
1209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Unity Grocery & General Store

Unity’s free store for referred clients.
1401 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm

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
Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm

In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations that are new or like-new only.
1401 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm

Unity Gift & Thrift

Support Unity Shoppe by shopping at our retail stores.
1209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am to 5pm
Wednesday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 11am to 5pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm

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