The $100,000 Women’s Fund grant awarded to SB ACT last year has enabled them to operate at three locations, not just Alameda Park, and helped them serve more than 300 unsheltered individuals. All locations are readily accessible and familiar to people living on the streets. They allow for convenient access to necessities such as food, health care, mental health support, hygiene facilities, and even pet care. Computers and internet access are available through the Santa Barbara Public Library’s mobile van (another 2020 Women’s Fund grant recipient), which is staffed by a community resource specialist who can assist them in filling out applications for housing and work. There are on-site case managers who work one-on-one with clients to complete paperwork and otherwise access important services. The goal of these sites is to help individuals experiencing homelessness build trust with service providers and move towards housing. In 2022, the NNCs assisted 65 individuals to exit homelessness and move into shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing. One individual served by the Neighborhood Navigation Centers explained, “The NNCs have impacted my life wonderfully, (by) meeting people… getting to be friends with people, and being able to reach out and find what I need.” She is now living in permanent housing and attributes a large part of this achievement to the connections she made through the NNCs. If you are interested in visiting one of the Neighborhood Navigation Center sites, please contact Eric Meyer, NNC Coordinator, at nnc@sbact.org. You can view the site locations and times at www.sbact.org/nnc. |