CLIENT SERVICES

Shop With Dignity at the Free Store.
Unity Shoppe’s Client Services program provides groceries, clothing, and essential household items to individuals and families experiencing temporary hardship throughout Santa Barbara County.
Referred clients shop in a welcoming, grocery store-style environment and choose the items that meet their family’s needs.

How it Works

Referred clients visit a welcoming store-style environment and choose the groceries, clothing, and household essentials that fit their needs. The emphasis is on dignity, choice, and practical support.

What Clients Can Receive

Available items can include fresh produce, dairy, proteins, pantry staples, baked goods, personal care products, household essentials, and clothing depending on current inventory.

Verified Impact

In 2025, Unity Shoppe served more than 56,000 individuals. More than 400 referral agencies help connect families to the program.

Locations and Hours

Santa Barbara:
1401 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Lompoc:
1009 North H Street, Lompoc, CA 93436
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

CLIENT SERVICES CENTER

Our Client 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.

For more information, contact info@unityshoppe.org or call (805)-965-4122.

HOLIDAY TOYS SHOPPE

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 PROGRAM

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.

SENIOR PROGRAM

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.

For more information, contact

Jessica Gallegos at jessica@unityshoppe.org

JOB SMART PROGRAM

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, referral to resume development assistance.

For more information, contact volunteer@unityshoppe.org.

TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

TAP provides immediate, essential resources for financially vulnerable residents in crisis—whether due to natural disasters, sudden job loss, or unexpected health issues. Beyond food, clothing, and personal-care items, clients can access the Unity Shoppe’s Transitional Assistance Shop—a one-stop resource for home goods, including small furniture, dishes, linens, and small appliances.

For more information contact

Jessica Gallegos at jessica@unityshoppe.org

suits available in the unity gift and thrift and furniture annex

UNITY GIFT & THRIFT SHOPPE

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.

For more information, contact:

Christina Rodriguez at christina@unityshoppe.org

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