Unsheltered women receive services from City Net’s new van in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The City Net team worked quickly to set up a brand-new van designed to help unsheltered women in Santa Barbara.

"You can see we have a little shower rinse-off area. We also have an outdoor shower for anyone who can’t come inside to rinse off," said program development director Emily Koval of City Net.

Jessica Maldonado has been living without a home for several years.

She just discovered the Mobile Safe Space van at Pershing Park in Santa Barbara.

“We got homeless from Covid," said Maldonado. 

The new van allows City Net to bring safe, reliable services and supplies to unsheltered women wherever they are.

"When you’re experiencing unsheltered homelessness, there is a lot of precautions you need to take ... we want to make sure that we’re able to have those conversations indoors," said Koval.

The City Net team believes some women are reluctant to make use of shelters and navigation centers, especially if they fear human trafficking, stalking, sexual assault, and physical violence.  

The van has a private space where women can meet with case managers who will assist in addressing long-term needs for healthcare, employment, government assistance, and housing. 

"Women out here don’t have nobody. We don’t have nobody ... and I think it opens doors for us," said Maldonado.

City Net leaders say women account for about 37 percent of the homeless population in South Santa Barbara County.

"To build that connection ... earn that trust ... is really what’s going to be able to get us to move them forward on wherever they’re looking to go," said regional program supervisor Al Ortiz of City Net.

City Net purchased the van thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara.

And it's already making a difference for Maldonado.

“And I’m glad you have little snacks because a lot of us don’t get to eat every day," said Maldonado.

They're hoping this new van will help meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness throughout the community.