Almost 70,000* people in Santa Barbara County live at or below the federal poverty line. That means 1 out of 6 adults, and 1 out of 5 children. Our county has the 2^nd highest percentage of its population living in poverty out of the 58 counties in California. Many of us working in local organizations are deeply concerned, and feel it is time to start a conversation that encompasses the whole picture of poverty in our communities, not just homelessness.  We want to create pathways to upward mobility for Santa Barbara County residents who are struggling. 

15 local organizations have formed the Upward Mobility Coalition to leverage the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework to make change in five key areas; education, healthcare, nutrition, housing, emotional wellness, and jobs. Mobility Action Plan (“MAP”) groups comprised of coalition and community members alike will work for the following twenty-four months to come up with strategic solutions to make change in these areas.

‍We need YOUR help.  Please click here or below to join us in making change.
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Together we can create a Santa Barbara County that offers better futures for every resident.
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_{*Public Policy Institute of California report, “Understanding Poverty in California”, Oct. 19, 2023}
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For any questions/inquiries please contact us at info@upwardmobilitysb.com or call Jared Stenz at 805.964.8857 xt. 1265 at or Julie Weiner at 805.964.8857 xt. 1105