Good Samaritan Creates New Paths Forward
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) - Every day, meals are prepared inside the kitchen at Hedges House of Hope, where workers cook together and share a few laughs along the way.
For Jessica Sanders, the kitchen is more than a place to work. It is a place to start over.
“I’m at Good Samaritan working in the kitchen. I have a job here. I’m in the culinary arts program and I just like it. It gives me something to do during the day. I stay away from the outside and just stay positive and productive.”
Getting there was not easy.
“Yeah, it had been really tough before I got here. I was on the street because I really didn’t know much about Santa Barbara.”
Sanders is one of many rebuilding their lives through programs offered by Good Samaritan Shelter.
Juan Carbajal found a similar opportunity through Good Samwich.
“It was pretty tough with no job … no income.”
The challenges Sanders and Carbajal faced are familiar to Good Samaritan Shelter Founder and CEO Sylvia Barnard.
“It was difficult to be a single mom on welfare. I know I didn’t have anyone really guiding me through where I was gonna get to.”
Those struggles inspired Barnard to help others facing difficult circumstances.
“So I decided that I wanted to not only get an education, but I wanted to give back to others.”
Today, Good Samaritan Shelter is the largest provider of homeless services and substance use treatment programs in Santa Barbara County.
“We provide everything from sobering centers to detox to residential treatment to outpatient. We provide everything from warming centers to emergency shelter to transitional housing to permanent housing.”
One of the organization’s newest programs is Good Samwich, a food truck that serves customers while creating employment opportunities for people working to move forward.
For Carbajal, the job has provided stability and a sense of purpose.
“I was really happy getting a job. I got money coming in. I can pay the bills. It keeps me busy, out of trouble. I like it. I love this job.”
Food Truck Lead Angela Brooks described the program as a pathway into the restaurant industry.
“They’re getting jobs. We’re giving food and these guys are able to get their foot in the door to restaurant experience, which is such a great career.”
Both Sanders and Carbajal have their sights set on becoming chefs.
“I love to cook. I would like to become a chef.”
“Yeah, that’s my hope. To be a chef and get my own place … my own restaurant.”
For Barnard, those goals are a reminder of why the work continues.
“To see more people housed. To see less people struggle. Maybe one day I’ll be out of a job and that would be a celebration.”
Sanders hopes others facing hardship keep moving forward.
“Don’t give up because even during hard times, it’s always gonna get better.”
Good Samaritan Shelter leaders hope programs like Good Samwich will create even more opportunities for those seeking a second chance and a path toward long-term stability.
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