Recovery from Addiction and Homelessness at Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in California

Twice a week, someone in Santa Barbara County loses their life to an opioid overdose. Shockingly, opioid-related overdose deaths surged from 38 in 2017 to 121 in 2022, with a staggering 95% attributed to fentanyl. These tragic losses accounted for 72% of all alcohol and drug-related overdose deaths in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support. [1] At the same time, according to the 2023 Santa Barbara County Point-in-Time Count, there were 1,887 individuals experiencing homelessness, showing a slight decline from the 1,962 individuals counted in 2022. [2]

Homelessness and addiction often intertwine. Substance abuse can lead to financial instability, strained relationships, and eventually homelessness. Conversely, the stress and trauma of homelessness can exacerbate substance abuse as individuals seek to cope with their circumstances. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or homelessness, seek support today at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in California. Our dedicated team provides compassionate assistance and vital resources to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. From meals and shelter to recovery programs, we offer comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Don't face these challenges alone; contact drug treatment centers in Santa Barbara for confidential assistance. Your healing journey begins with the support and guidance of the treatment professionals who are willing to help. 

What services are offered by the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission?

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission has been helping the community for over 50 years by offering emergency services and a 12-month Residential Recovery Program for people dealing with substance use disorders.

SBRM's Programs

• Homeless Guests: The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission is the sole organization offering meals and shelter every day of the year between Oxnard and Santa Maria. We accommodate 88 men and 35 women nightly, totaling around 70,000 meals and 32,000 overnight stays annually for Santa Barbara's homeless population.

Schedule for our overnight guests:

Evening

3:30-4:15 – Women's check-in, luggage storage, and showers.

5:00-5:45 – Guests may attend chapel services conducted by Santa Barbara community churches.

6:00-6:30 – Dinner.

6:00-7:00 – Men's check-in and luggage storage.

6:00-7:00 – Men's showers.

8:00 p.m. – Bedtime, lights out.

Morning

5:30 a.m. – Wake up.

5:30-6:16 – Wash, shave, and dress.

6:10-6:40 – Breakfast.

6:50 a.m. – Leave Mission for the day.

• Men's Recovery: SBRM offers a 12-month Men's Residential Treatment Program that focuses on faith, social support, and holistic recovery from addiction. The program emphasizes building relationships with God, others, and oneself. It provides a safe environment with supportive staff who understand the challenges of recovery.
• Women's Recovery: The SBRM's Bethel House offers a 12-month Women's Residential Treatment Program that is faith-centered and follows a 12-step social model. Located near downtown Santa Barbara in a residential area, Bethel House provides a warm, home-like setting across two large buildings connected by a garden patio. The program aims to create a loving environment to support women in their journey towards recovery, with a dedicated staff understanding their unique needs and challenges.
• Cornerstone Sober Living: SBRM offers secure transitional housing for adults, specifically catering to men recovering from substance abuse. Maintaining a healthy, drug-free lifestyle post-sobriety necessitates ongoing support, encouragement, and accountability from individuals sharing similar goals. Cornerstone, situated within walking distance of downtown and blocks away from the beach, provides a supportive environment where men can learn to sustain their freedom from addiction.

You can also visit the Halfway House directory in Santa Barbara for more resources and options. A halfway house is a place for people coming out of drug/alcohol rehab, mental health treatment, or detox to continue their recovery. For those fresh out of rehab, returning to old environments and relationships can be challenging and might hinder recovery. Moving into a halfway house offers a break from these triggers and a supportive environment to focus on healing. Halfway houses aim to provide a substance-free, safe, and supportive atmosphere where residents can connect with peers and access services to aid long-term recovery.

Does Santa Barbara Rescue Mission offer halfway house solutions?

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission offers transitional housing, which can be considered similar to halfway houses. These housing options provide a supportive environment for individuals in recovery from substance abuse, offering them a safe and structured setting as they transition back into society after completing treatment programs. Transitional housing is crucial in facilitating the journey towards stability for needy individuals. It provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives, regain independence, and transition back into society. By offering a stepping stone between homelessness and permanent housing, transitional housing programs empower individuals to address underlying challenges and work towards long-term self-sufficiency.

Paul's story is a powerful example of resilience in adversity. At just 27 years old, he began struggling with alcoholism and drug use, which led to strained relationships with his family and eventually left him without a home. Despite his challenges, Paul found hope and support through transitional housing programs. These programs offered him a safe place to stay and the assistance he needed to work towards overcoming his addiction and rebuilding his life.

With determination and the help of supportive resources, Paul found his healing. He faced the complex process of rehabilitation head-on, piecing together the fragments of his life one step at a time. Through his perseverance and the support of others, Paul not only found his way back to sobriety but also began to mend the relationships that his addiction had strained. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope for a brighter future with the proper support and determination. We just have to go to the appropriate support and accept their help.

Does Santa Barbara Rescue Mission provide meals to people experiencing homelessness?

Annually, the SBRM's Mission extends its support by offering an estimated 70,000 meals and facilitating 32,000 overnight stays for Santa Barbara's homeless population. Distributing meals to individuals experiencing homelessness is an expression of compassion and solidarity. It is a lifeline during challenging times, offering nourishment and reassurance amid adversity. Through this provision, we endeavor to demonstrate unwavering support and respect for the dignity of every person in our community who finds themselves in need.

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in California: Comprehensive Treatment for Addiction Homelessness

In California, nearly 8% of the population struggles with alcohol abuse. It's estimated that excessive alcohol consumption results in a staggering $35 billion per year in healthcare expenses, legal fees, and lost productivity statewide. Ventura County, in particular, struggles with the devastating impact of drunk or drugged driving. Shockingly, one in four fatal car accidents in this region involves impairment from alcohol or drugs. [3] These statistics stress the urgent need for intervention and support to address substance abuse and its associated consequences, promoting safer communities and healthier lives for all residents.

Find a path to transformation at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in California. With compassionate support and housing programs, we're here to guide you toward a brighter tomorrow. Whether you're battling addiction, facing homelessness, or seeking a fresh start, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the help you deserve. We believe in the power of restoration and second chances. Our comprehensive services offer more than just temporary solutions; they provide a foundation for lasting change. From transitional housing and rehabilitation programs to nourishing meals and supportive resources, we're equipped to address your unique needs with dignity and respect. Embrace the opportunity to rewrite your story and reclaim control of your life. With the Santa Barbara drug treatment centers by your side, you'll find a community that believes in your potential and is dedicated to empowering you every step of the way.

Resources: 

[1] California Opioid Surveillance Dashboard - https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash/?tab=Home

[2] SLO, Santa Barbara counties to count the total number of homeless individuals - https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/slo-santa-barbara-counties-to-find-accurate-number-of-homeless-individuals

[3] Behavioral Health Barometer California - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)