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.
Jewish Free Loan has recently expanded its service area to include Santa Barbara County, offering 0%, interest, no fee personal/emergency loans to those who need assistance. Loans can be used for rent, medical or dental bills, car repair, childcare, remote learning expenses and more. Borrow up to $3,000 with just two references. Loans for up to $10,000 are available with guarantors.
Visit jfla.org/santa-barbara to learn more or call 323-761-8830.
Coronavirus Pandemic 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
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
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.