Advocacy

Hands Across Montecito - Homeless Outreach Initiative

Hands Across Montecito is a collaborative outreach program dedicated to compassionately supporting our unhoused neighbors, connecting individuals to vital resources, and helping them transition off the streets into housing and hope.

Since its inception, Hands Across Montecito has helped change lives — one conversation, one opportunity, and one home at a time. Through consistent outreach, trusted relationships, and collaboration with partners like CityNet, Earthcomb, and SBAct, our team has made significant strides toward a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Montecito.

We have partnered with CityNet, Behavioral Wellness, Sheriffs Office, Montecito Fire, Caltrans, Union Pacific, and volunteers from our community to outreach to people experiencing homelessness in our area. LEARN MORE

Living With Wildlife 

Montecito is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and diverse wildlife, which share our community alongside a growing population. As more people and wild animals cross paths in search of food, water, and shelter, interactions can sometimes become unsafe or disruptive — a situation known as human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Population growth and changing climate conditions are increasing the frequency and intensity of these encounters. While the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) leads statewide efforts to address human-wildlife conflict, all of us in Montecito can play a role in helping to promote safe coexistence. See below for tips on how you can help reduce and prevent conflicts with wildlife.

Be Bearwise! 

Housing Legislation Advocacy

We have worked with our former California Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson on several housing bills. Click to learn more.