According to county statistics, more than 1,900 people are estimated to be experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara County. Each winter, those on the streets are exposed to cold nighttime temperatures without much more than the clothing on their backs to warm them.
To help individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara, the county is hosting the Fourth Annual Sleeping Bag Drive, where locals can donate sleeping bags, hygiene products, warm clothing, and more toward those in need.
Donations can be made in person at two locations: the Santa Maria Public Defender’s Office in Santa Maria, and the Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office, located under the main archway of the Santa Barbara Courthouse directly across from the clocktower entrance.