A new chapter for local reentry support began this week as Formerly Incarcerated Striving
and Thriving and StriveThrive and Rise Generation (F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Gen) officially opened its first Reentry Transitional House shared living.
F.I.S.T./S.T.A.R. Gen is a nonprofit founded by Santa Barbara County residents with lived experience in the justice system.
The program aims to provide structure, stability, and a pathway back into the community for individuals returning home after incarceration.
The grand opening, held at the organization’s newly renovated property at 618 Chapel St., Santa Maria, brought together community members, local partner agencies, advocacy groups, and several individuals who have successfully rebuilt their lives through reentry services.
The atmosphere reflected the mission of the organization: accountability, dignity, and opportunity, organizers said.
“Too many people leave jail or prison with nowhere to go and no support,” said founder/chairperson Gabriel Ochoa. “This house exists because we believe in second chances, and because the people coming home deserve a real shot at stability, employment, and long-term success.
“We’re not doing handouts. We’re doing structured support that works,” Ochoa said.
The F.I.S.T. Reentry House will offer:
● Safe and stable transitional housing for individuals reentering the community.
● Case management, including employment planning, documentation assistance, and life-skills development.
● Peer-led mentoring from formerly incarcerated leaders.
● On-site programming, such as financial literacy, workforce readiness, and mental-health guidance.
● A clear pathway to permanent housing, in partnership with local providers.
Melissa Horton, F.I.S.T. chair, noted the importance of community investment in reducing recidivism and strengthening local families.
“Reentry isn’t just a justice issue, it’s an economic, social and community issue. Every person who succeeds after incarceration makes our community safer and stronger,” she said.
Local partners, including The Fund for Santa Barbara, Mechanics Bank, Santa Barbara Foundation, Super Grill, Foxglove Landscapes, and El Rincon Bohemia, also celebrated the opening.
F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Generation received a donation from the Fund for Santa Barbara to purchase computers.
The home has begun accepting residents this month. F.I.S.T. plans to expand the model in the coming year, including additional housing units, job-training partnerships, and a pilot mentorship program led by community volunteers.
For more information about F.I.S.T., volunteer opportunities, or how to support the new Reentry House, visit www.fistandstargen.org or contact gabriel@fistandstargen.org.