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Families interested in applying for entry into the Transition House Emergency Shelter must schedule an appointment. Walk-ins not accepted. To make an appointment, contact Lidia Garcia, Waitlist & Services Coordinator, at (805) 966-9668.

Are you and your family homeless? Are you and your family about to become homeless?

Transition House can help!

If you are a family (single-parent or dual-parent, with children under 18 years old) that has been living in Santa Barbara County for at least a year, you may be eligible to stay in our Emergency Shelter. Please call us at (805) 966-9668 to learn about entry into Transition House’s McCune Family Shelter located at 434 E. Ortega Street, Santa Barbara.

If you currently reside outside of Santa Barbara County please click HERE to locate homeless services in your area.

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about taking part in Transition House’s programs:

1. What conditions or criteria must be met to stay at Transition House?

In order to be admitted, families must be:

Capable and motivated to work towards self-sufficiency.
Able and willing to meet weekly with a Case Manager and actively participate in our program, meeting our Goals and Requirements.
Sober from drugs and alcohol. Everyone 18 years of age and older is drug-tested upon entry.
Able and willing to get along within a group-living environment.
Willing to complete daily chores and follow House Rules.

Admittance is contingent upon bed space availability. Transition House has the capacity to serve 70 clients. Our program is 30-120 days, however, the length of each family’s stay is determined by their Intake Interview and by subsequent case management assessments. Families that do not meet our program requirements may be given up to 30 days of respite care only.

2. Is there a waiting list?

Yes. Families interested in applying for entry into Transition House’s Emergency Shelter MUST schedule an appointment. Walk-ins not accepted. To make an appointment, contact Lidia Garcia, Waitlist & Services Coordinator, at (805) 966-9668,

3. If my family is on the waiting list, how long will it take to get in?

This depends on several factors, such as how many families are on the waiting list before you, the size of your family, how many beds are available, and whether or not you have previously stayed at Transition House and/or are a Santa Barbara County resident. Once space becomes available, you will be asked to come to our administrative office for an initial assessment and drug test and must enter the shelter that evening. If a room is offered to you and you chose not to enter that night, your name will be dropped from the wait list.

Transition House serves families residing in Santa Barbara County. Before considering a move to the area, first examine the extremely high cost of living including rental housing. Without a job or support network, it is very difficult for families to become self-sufficient. If you are not a resident of Santa Barbara County and are in need of homeless services for yourself and your family we strongly encourage you to click HERE.

4. What will my family experience at Transition House?

Transition House provides three meals a day, sleeping quarters for families, linens and toiletries, childcare, assistance with long term goals, education, employment counseling, medical care, counseling referrals, money management help and referrals to other social services agencies.

5. What will my kids do while staying at Transition House?

Transition House offers free, fully-licensed childcare for children six weeks to two years old, an evening and weekend Children’s Literacy and Enrichment Program, and a Teen Program. Tutoring and other youth-oriented services are also available. Transition House will also provide referrals to other agencies for toddler care and summer camp.

6. What is the daily schedule at Transition House?

All clients are required to be in the Shelter by 5:00 PM each day, unless they are given authorization in advance to be late because of work, school, medical, or counseling and recovery appointments. The shelter is closed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, however it is open all day and night on the weekends.

NOTE: During the COVID-19 Pandemic, shelter hours are extended all day.

7. Am I required to do chores at Transition House?

Everyone works together to keep the house neat and clean through assigned daily chores. All families are expected to keep a clean and tidy room.

8. What do I do if I work at night?

Transition House is unable to allow any children to be present in the Shelter without a parent or legal guardian, except in an emergency. Please be prepared to make arrangements for alternative childcare if you will not be in the shelter in the evenings, overnight, or early mornings. On occasion, another adult in the shelter can serve as a temporary guardian.

9. Will I have my own room?

Transition House has private family rooms available for large families and two-parent families. Smaller, single-parent families often share rooms with other small, single-parent families.

10. What will I do with my belongings?

Transition House provides one drawer for each family member. There is shared closet space available in each room. Storage space is extremely limited.

11. How long can I stay at Transition House?

Families are given between 30-120 days, depending on their circumstances, goals, and motivation. Extensions past 120 days may be given to those who do well in the program but need more time to establish self-sufficiency.

12. What do I have to do to succeed at Transition House?

If you’re able and motivated to make the changes necessary to become self-sufficient, and you want to take full advantage of the services and resources our program offers, then you are likely to succeed at Transition House. We seek to assist those who want to improve their lives, and who are ready to work hard and try new ways of approaching challenging issues such as employment, budgeting, education, housing, and family relationships. Ask anyone who has been a past client, Transition House works!