Twelve Santa Barbara County churches joined forces to eliminate $13.1 million in unpaid medical debt for more than 7,500 county residents.

The coalition, organized through the Pastors Network of Santa Maria Valley, partnered with nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, which erases medical debt by relieving $1,000 for families in financial need for every $10 donated.

The churches raised a total of $54,131, erasing $13,105,578 of debt for 7,532 residents.

The families who were helped, who do not have to apply for the debt relief, will receive a letter explaining that the local churches donated to forgive their debt.

The 12 churches collectively contributed $30,126; another $24,005 was donated by individual donors and community support.

Those 12 are The Bridge Central Coast, Church for Life, First Christian Church, First Church of God, First Mexican Baptist Church, Lompoc Foursquare Church, New Life Church Santa Barbara, Pacific Christian Center, South Valley Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Valley Christian Fellowship Santa Ynez and Vida Church.

Last year, the network raised $19,000 to erase $1.8 million in debt across 1,600 residents.

According to Vida Church Pastor Tim Mossholder, the goal of raising over $54,000 “seemed overwhelming.” 

But First Christian Pastor John Schack motivated the group, saying, “God can do more than we can ask or imagine,” which led to the churches to commit to pursuing the full amount.

Mossholder said the gift wouldn’t have been possible without partnering with Undue Medical Debt.

“Their expertise made it possible for local generosity to create an impact we could have never achieved on our own,” Mossholder said. “We hope this gift reminds thousands of our neighbors that they are seen, valued and loved by God and their community.”