Listen to this article
Santa Barbara facility could lose Restorative Court program
By Quinnitchell Brown –
The Salvation Army Santa Barbara Hospitality House will lose its funding from the city of Santa Barbara as of July 2015, and is in need of a new source of income to maintain its Restorative Court program.
A transitional housing facility for homeless men and women that focuses on self-sufficiency through onsite resources and partnerships, Hospitality House needs $35,000 to pay for two Restorative Court program beds along with temporary beds.
“The Hospitality House has provided a safe haven that has proven to bring stabilization and lasting sobriety to those who go on to successfully graduate from the six-month Restorative Court program,” Major Philip Smith, corps officer of The Salvation Army Santa Barbara. “Many of these individuals in turn break the cycle of recurring crime and public violation that has otherwise led to incarceration.”
The Restorative Court program began in April 2011 as a collaborative effort of the police department, court system, health care system, and social service agencies. It is designed to help individuals with mental illness or substance dependence, many of whom are homeless, get off the street and achieve sobriety, safe housing, and a healthy lifestyle.
Hospitality House has assisted 34 clients in its three years of participating in Restorative Court, 21 of which have achieved sobriety, 14 had a mental health diagnosis and 13 clients stayed on for permanent housing with seven having their criminal records removed.
“Our direct relationship with Restorative Court allows The Salvation Army to provide services and expertise that significantly contributes in achieving positive outcomes with a high risk population of our downtown homeless,” Smith said. “This diversionary program is a collaborative effort of service providers providing case management and wrap around services that make independent living possible. The transitional beds provided by The Salvation Army Hospitality House are a critical component of this continuum of care.”
You can donate online, specifying the Santa Barbara Hospitality House Restorative Court.
