The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and generosity, and for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, it can be especially meaningful.

DignityMoves is continuing a holiday tradition at its La Posada Village on Hollister Avenue, and downtown Santa Barbara Street Village by giving each of the 114 residents a stocking, basket or gift bag with personal and holiday items.

Residents of the “interim supportive housing” (a stop-over between tents and permanent housing) have a safe and dignified place to get out of survival mode to start to rebuild their lives, DignityMoves said.

For many of the current residents, this will be the first holiday season in years spent off the streets.

The goal of the drive is to provide each La Posada and Santa Barbara Street resident with a gift, filled with personal and holiday-themed items.

“Receiving these gifts during this time offers more than just material gifts; it shows these individuals that they are seen, valued, and worthy of care,” DignityMoves said.

Gifts are needed for 82 men and 34 women. DignityMoves will be collecting donations until 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20. To participate, visit Dignity Moves website.

Participants can donate in three ways: put together a stocking, basket or gift bag with some of the suggested items below; donate multiples of some of the suggested different items for Dignity Moves to put in gift packages; or make a financial contribution designed for purchase of items for the gift packages.

The total cost of gifts, if purchasing for one completed gift bag, is $40-$50 and will vary depending on the size and brand of items chosen. Some suggested items to choose from for stockings, baskets or gift bags:

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap/Body Wash
Lotion
Deodorant
Reusable Coffee Cup
Hot Chocolate Packet/Candy Cane
Snacks/Candy
Socks
Mini Flashlight
Shampoo/ Conditioner
Razors/Shaving Cream
Loofah Bath Sponges
Face/Eye Makeup
Other items of personal care or holiday cheer

La Posada Interim Supportive Housing Community has 80 rooms on Hollister Avenue; and Santa Barbara Interim Supportive Housing Community has 34 rooms in downtown Santa Barbara.

Both communities provide 24/7 security, intensive case management for each resident, three meals a day, and mental and physical health care services and transportation.

They are a public-private collaboration between DignityMoves, the county of Santa Barbara, and Good Samaritan Shelter.

For information on bringing a DignityMoves community to your city, or to donate to this work, visit www.dignitymoves.org.