COVID-19 Support and Resources
Although our building is closed until it is safe to reopen, our staff are diligently working remotely to support our community, especially our local Holocaust survivors, seniors, and those most at risk for health or financial reasons.
We will update this page frequently with resources and information to make sure it stays current during this volatile time.
Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service offers a wide range of professional counseling and support services, without regard to religion, race, ethnicity, or disability.
Counseling (Remotely)
JFS offers short-term support/crisis intervention, long-term support, and counseling for children, families, and adults (with special emphasis on older adults).
All our professional counseling services are offered through approved telehealth platforms.
We are providing support for those isolated and vulnerable in the community by telephone and other means through our Caring Visitors Program.
Contact Ruth Steinberg, Director of Jewish Family Service at rsteinberg@sbjf.org or 805-957-1116.
Santa Barbara County Community Wellness Team
The Community Wellness Team is a collaboration of many local agencies (including JFS) working together to support the wellness of our community. For a full list of services and contacts, download the PDF (in English and Spanish).
Contact an organization directly here. For guidance with choosing services, call (805) 364-2750.
Jewish Community Resources
Check out our Jewish Community Directory for links and contact information for synagogues, community organizations, and nonprofits on the Central Coast.
Congregation B'nai B'rith is hosting virtual Friday and Saturday services, classes, and discussions via Zoom. For a full listing, click here.
The Jewish Council for Policy Affairs (JCPA) is hosting a variety of webinars from experts about various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join their newsletter list to receive reguar updates and invitations.
Coronavirus Pandemic 2020 Resources in Santa Barbara County
Download the resource guide (in English and Spanish) developed by agencies in Santa Barbara county. It includes comprehensive information for governmental, medical, financial, food, housing, utilities, and other types of support services.
Assistance for Seniors
Family Service Agency and the Center for Successful Aging are offering help to seniors 55 and older. They can help with groceries or home-delivered meals, urgent health and personal supplies, other medical concerns, prescription delivery, connecting you to community resources, and best practices during COVID-19. All services are free and confidential. For more information, download the PDF.
Tech Assistance for Seniors
Food Bank Emergency Food Distributions
COVID-19 Testing
Santa Barbara County, The State of California and OptumServe are in partnership to increase testing for COVID-19 in our county. Testing is by appointment only. Insurance information will be collected when you register, but no co-pay required. If you do not have insurance, the State of California will pay for your test. Please bring your identification, if you have one.
Everyone is eligible to apply for screening. Once screened, testing order will be prioritized for people with symptoms, such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Additional prioritization will be offered to populations of higher risk, including: First Responders and Health Care Professionals.
Testing sites will be operational five (5) days per week from 7:00 am–7:00 pm. Days and times for appointments will be adjusted based on community need.
Request a community-based testing appointment:
- Online appointment registration: https://lhi.care/covidtesting
- Telephone appointment registration: (888) 634-1123
Community-based testing locations:
Community based testing site locations will be available throughout the county. Testing will be by appointment only.
- Santa Maria: Santa Maria Fairpark 937 Thornburg Street, Santa Maria, CA, 93458
- Santa Barbara: Earl Warren Showgrounds 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
- Lompoc: Anderson Recreation Center 125 West Walnut Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436
Governmental Public Health Agencies
For your safety and the safety of others, please regularly consult official, vetted information coming directly from governmental public health agencies. Beware of possible misinformation or outdated information from news and non-governmental sources, especially on social media.
Santa Barbara County Joint Response Community Resources
The United Way and its partners have created a listing of resources for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses. Resources include access to free and affordable food, financial relief, and supporting agencies. https://www.unitedwaysb.org/covid19-resources
Restaurants & Grocery Stores
List of restaurants and grocery stores offering pickup and delivery in Santa Barbara
List of restaurants, coffee shops, wineries, and breweries offering pickup or deliver in Santa Barbara
List of grocery stores offering special shopping hours for seniors
SB Grocery Run, is a local business helping with grocery delivery
In partnership with Community Shul, the Jewish Federation has funds available to have hot meals delivered (no contact) to your home at no cost to you. If you are in need of this service, contact info@sbjf.org.
Mental Health Resources
UCLA Arts & Healing
Their free HOPE (Healing Online for People Everywhere) series was created to enable our global community to build resilience through the arts during this unprecedented time. They are offering several mindfulness, meditation, art, and music programs online. Click here for more information.
Donate to our COVID-19 Response Services
Help the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara provide vital support and funds to those who are most vulnerable in our community.
Though our building is closed and our staff are working remotely, we continue to support our community, especially local Holocaust survivors, seniors, and those needing social services.