AmeriCorps is a national program
with the mission to bring people together to serve and improve communities
across America. The Santa Barbara County AmeriCorps Partnership Program specializes in
working to end homelessness and supporting veterans, with AmeriCorps personnel
assigned to public and private agencies throughout Santa Barbara County.
At the Department of Social Services (DSS), AmeriCorps members assist
with the Housing Support Program (HSP), which aims to house CalWORKS families
in Santa Barbara County. In FY 2021-22, 105 households were housed through HSP.
AmeriCorps members that work at DSS have the unique opportunity to engage with and house the homeless community.
The role of the AmeriCorps member is to assist with case management, engage
with clients through weekly and monthly check-ins, utilize the Homeless
Management Information System for data entry, and collaborate within the
Continuum of Care to refer our clients to potential housing opportunities.
The partnership between AmeriCorps and DSS is highly impactful. Not only does it allow for AmeriCorps members to
get firsthand experience and training in the field of social work and homeless
services, but it also allows for the Department to expand its services and networks
throughout the county. It is a critical partnership that has worked to better
the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
Throughout the service year, DSS AmeriCorps members Brent Hamashita and
Gabriella Rigonati have participated in numerous projects that enhanced
community engagement and positively impacted the Department. See this
report for details.
AmeriCorps participants across the County were recently honored for their work in helping people who are unhoused, as shown in this TV news clip.