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PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Unity Shoppe is dedicated to building a sustainable community of support where local residents facing an unforeseen crisis can count on free essential services, helping them bypass the welfare system and avoid homelessness. From food and clothing to holiday gifts and school supplies, Unity serves as a critical social safety net for Santa Barbara County.

general store sign

FAMILY SERVICES CENTER

Our Family Services Center, lovingly referred to as the “Free Store,” is the heartbeat of our effort to serve our residents. We nourish them – with the best groceries we can possibly secure – and clothe them – only with new and like-new clothing and footwear that we’d want to wear ourselves.

UNITY DELIVERS

Unity Delivers, born of necessity in 2020, is a program which meets the needs of low-income seniors and disabled individuals through home deliveries of custom grocery orders. They call and request for groceries that get delivered straight to their door twice monthly, throughout the year.

unity toys and gifts

HOLIDAY TOYS & GIFTS

Supporting the Santa Barbara community during the holiday season fills our hearts in ways that are hard to describe. The outpouring of love and generosity is overwhelming as brand-new toys arrive from individuals, groups, corporations, Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps, CHP Offices, and City & County Fire Stations. Together, we work hand in hand to bring joy and warmth to local children and their families. It’s more than just giving toys—it’s about spreading hope and making the holidays truly magical for those who need it most. This united effort lights up the season for everyone involved.

back to school supplies

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

In August, the Back-to-School Shoppe comes alive, just when families need it most. With the financial burden of school shopping weighing heavy, we step in to provide relief. Children and their families walk through our doors excited to pick out brand-new backpacks, school supplies, fresh clothes, and stylish shoes—everything they need to feel confident and prepared for the school year ahead. It’s more than just supplies; it’s about giving kids the tools and the boost they need to succeed from day one.

seniors helping seniors

SENIORS HELPING SENIORS AND KIDS

Our long-time senior volunteers are nothing short of angels and miracle workers! Hundreds of them work throughout the year – knitting, sewing, quilting, painting, woodworking, and assembling – to bring warmth and joy to our most vulnerable residents.

JOB SMART

Provide young adults, unemployed residents, and individuals living with disabilities with the occupational training and work experience required to find gainful employment in a competitive job market. Participants have the opportunity to select an interview outfit which includes shoes and undergarments. And, referral to resume development assistance. For more information contact Priscilla Hernandez at 805-979-9494.

long term disaster relief and recovery

TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

TAP provides immediate vital resources to help financially vulnerable residents facing a crisis such as natural disasters, sudden job loss, death in the family and a family impacted by unexpected health implications. In addition to distributing food, clothing, and personal-care items, clients can come to the Unity Shoppe’s Transitional Assistance Shop (a “one-stop shop”) for items such as home goods like furniture, dishes, linens and small appliances. For more information contact Priscilla Hernandez at 805-979-9494.

suits available in the unity gift and thrift and furniture annex

UNITY GIFT & THRIFT

Located at 1209 State Street, Unity Gift & Thrift Shoppe is Santa Barbara’s premier thrift store, offering a place to shop with purpose! Every dollar spent at the Thrift Shoppe directly supports programs and services offered at the Client Services Center.

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