People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received $20,000 from the Santa Barbara Foundation, which will benefit hundreds of Santa Barbara County residents serving as an investment in the Supportive Housing Program and continuing COVID-19 relief efforts.

PSHH’s Supportive Housing Program (SHP) currently provides services to some 1,900 households in three counties through free, confidential case management from onsite service providers. The program also partners with more than 70 area agencies connecting PSHH residents with local resources and area wellness programs.

The resouces include health screenings, counseling, mental health support, food distribution, rental assistance, and wellness seminars. As well as continuing existing programming, the grant will expand SHP services to an additional 135 households, helping to address behavioral health needs for youth and isolated seniors.

“We are so grateful for the continued dedication and partnership of the Santa Barbara Foundation,” said Rick Gulino, director of Neighborhood Development & Resident Services. “This new funding will provide our residents in Santa Barbara County with greater independence, access to resources, and overall support through the care of our Supportive Housing Program.”

The gift was made possible through the Santa Barbara Foundation’s Covid Response & Recovery Grant Program, which is focused on behavioral health needs, housing loss prevention, childcare capacity-building, and systematic support for seniors.

The foundation aims to improve the lives of residents throughout Santa Barbara County by identifying community priorities and mobilizing local resources. Their goal is to harness the philanthropic resources available and invest directly in solutions to regional problems.

Founded in 1970, and with nearly 1,000 units of new units in its pipeline, PSHH is the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. With a mission of building homes and providing services to strengthen communities and change lives, PSHH serves low-income households, working families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, those with disabilities, and the formerly homeless.

To learn more about People’s Self-Help Housing and the Supportive Housing Program visit pshhc.org.