More than $10 million in rental and related payment assistance has gone to more than 4,000 households and individuals in Santa Barbara County. Administered by the United Way, several pots of money, both governmental and philanthropic, have helped residents keep body and soul together through the pandemic months.
And it's not over yet. "I do not have a crystal ball," said United Way CEO Steve Ortiz, "but I expect the impacts of the pandemic to continue through 2022 and beyond."
Notably, philanthropic groups, foundations, the cities of Goleta and Santa Barbara, and the County of Santa Barbara have pitched into the effort. Ortiz said 3,241 individuals or households countywide received individual assistance awards totaling $4.8 million based on need for rental and utility payments.