Local Homeless Shelters Forced to Scale Back Available Beds to Meet COVID-19 Guidelines
The 2021 point-in-time headcount of Santa Barbara County s unsheltered population will not occur this month because of the pandemic
Homeless people set up camp near the parking lot at Santa Barbara’s Pershing Park, 100 Castillo St., on Wednesday. (Brooke Holland / Noozhawk photo) By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @BT Holland | UPDATED 6:41 p.m.
January 15, 2021
| 8:47 p.m.
As nighttime temperatures drop this winter, people living outdoors have limited options for a warm place to sleep amid Santa Barbara County’s post-holiday coronavirus surge.
Per the public health recommendations, the Freedom Warming Centers need to space individual beds 10 feet apart during overnight stays to accommodate for distance while sleeping as well as for getting up to use the restroom at night, according to Erin Wilson, director of administration at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara.
Beaches, Parking Lots, Tents Are New Venues for Christmas Services Plus a Lot of Virtual
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara is among many local churches holding Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day service this year. (Rochelle Rose / Noozhawk photo) By Rochelle Rose, Noozhawk contributing writer
December 24, 2020
| 9:06 a.m.
As the most recent COVID 19 shutdown in greater Santa Barbara is in place through December, local churches have created a variety of options for Christmas Eve and Christmas services, with locations such as parking lots, tents, beaches, and lots of virtual.
Here are some examples:
Rev. Julia Hamilton will be leading two online services from the beautiful candle-lit sanctuary of the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara. Worshippers are invited to join from home wearing their Christmas best or pajamas.