Unhoused woman rebuilding her life at Sanctuary Centers Health Clinic in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - DJ Matchet is a patient at Sanctuary Centers Integrated Health Clinic in Santa Barbara. 

She is currently unhoused, living in her car.

“And I have metal in my spine from top of my neck to middle of my back … and I’ve never been homeless … I’m 23 years sober I’ve lived in my home for 11 years … I was targeted through the pandemic," said Matchet.

Now she’s getting primary medical care, mental health therapy, and psychiatry services at the center. 

But what’s so special about Matchet’s experience at Sanctuary Center, is that the services are all in one place in downtown Santa Barbara.

“Now I have hope … because of this place because they’re happy to see me. They don’t throw me away. They respect me they listen to me and even gave me enough Hope to actually use some of my money to join a gym which I’ve never done and because of that I could take a shower," said Matchet.

Directors at the center say the traditional wait time for psychiatry with others providers can exceed three months.

Now, patients like Matchet can get both mental and medical services in less than a week.

“Almost immediately we found a need for psychiatric service … as patients came in not able to get in other places wanting med changes in order to support our primary care provider," said Chris Reilly of Sanctuary Center's Integrated Health Clinic. "You’ve got case management that takes care of you between visits … we have psychotherapists who can see you for ongoing care."

The health clinic also offers telePsychiatry for those who can’t come to the clinic.

And whatever health services are needed, Matchet plans on coming back for her next appointment without having to wait.

"My hope is to shine light on the darkness out there, because I'm not stopping," said Matchet.