Our Mission

Transition House is dedicated to the solution of family homelessness in the Santa Barbara community. Capable and motivated families with children are offered life tools and respectful, non-sectarian residential services designed to alleviate poverty and restore self-sufficiency and dignity.

By offering emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, homelessness prevention services, and comprehensive programs for children, Transition House takes a holistic approach to ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness for Santa Barbara families. Transition House is the only organization in South Santa Barbara County that exclusively serves homeless families with children. Approximately 76 percent of families experiencing homelessness who enter our emergency shelter program succeed in transitioning to stable housing.

Case managers and a career development specialist work with Transition House parents on improving money management skills, education, and employment opportunities. Families are given referrals to access additional social services including medical care, clinical counseling, recovery services, quality licensed childcare and public benefits. Case managers also help with housing searches and relocation plans.

Children’s program staff offers education and enrichment programs for children, and work with the school district to make sure that school-aged kids have tutoring help, supplies and transportation to get to school.

Families that participate fully in Transition House’s array of services are able to return successfully to stable, permanent housing.