Community Connections
Information services and resource navigation is a core library service. Through SBPL’s Community Connections program, community members can obtain assistance in identifying vital community resources to meet their needs, with a focus on housing, health, nutrition, employment, and education. By expanding capacity to provide effective social service assistance, SBPL endeavors to build resilience and improve the health and wellbeing of the Santa Barbara community.
Immigration Resources
| IMPORTA Santa Barbara: 805-604-5060 129 E Carrillo St Santa Maria: 805-619-0644 327 East Plaza Drive Importasb.org | IMPORTA is a non-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services at a very low cost to low-income immigrants. |
| Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara 805-963-6754 Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-12 & 1-3 lafsbc.org | Free legal assistance to low-income individuals in crisis. Immigration assistance for those who were victims of violent crimes. |
| Immigrant Hope SB 805-963-0166 935 San Andres St Info.santabarbara@immigranthop.org immigranthopesb.org | Immigrant Hope, recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ), provides low-cost legal advice and services, including legal representation for immigrants submitting applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| Immigrant Legal Defense Center 805-886-9136 1136 E Monecito St julissa@SBImmigrantDefense.org SBImmigrantDefense.org | Provides pro bono legal representation in deportation proceedings and informing immigrants of their basic civil rights. |
| MICOP (Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project) | Offers immigration resources, including Know Your Rights presentations, and free or low-cost legal advice and representation for indigenous immigrants. |
| 805 UndocuFund | Provides emergency assistance to undocumented individuals and families. |
| 805 Immigrant, Rapid Response Hotline | Register your cell number to receive alerts about ICE and CBP sightings and raids or to report a detained family member or friend. |
Outreach at Neighborhood Navigation Centers
In an effort to reduce barriers to accessing services to people experiencing homelessness, SBPL Adult Education staff visit SB ACT’s Neighborhood Navigation Centers to offer library services including library card registration and materials, internet access, computer use, printing, device charging, technology assistance, assistance with obtaining vital documents, and assistance with applying for social services benefits.
Community Connections Office Hours
SBPL Adult Education staff can offer one-on-one assistance navigating community resources. Visit our Adult Education Center at Central Library for a quick consultation or make an appointment with a Community Resource Specialist.
- Select the SBPL location (Central or Eastside)
- Choose "Community Connections" from the service list
- Select the date and time, and provide your name, phone number, email address, and the reason for your visit
- You can also stop by the library or call us to schedule an appointment
Community social service organizations also are invited to offer office hours in the Adult Education center to make it easier for library patrons to access resources. View the Library’s events calendar for upcoming office hours.
Organizations who offer services related to housing, health, nutrition, employment, education, and other basic needs interested in offering office hours can learn more about partnering with the Library.
Community Resource Fairs
SBPL hosts community resource fairs throughout the year as an opportunity for organizations to showcase the work they do in the community. Examples include Volunteer Fairs, where organizations share volunteer opportunities, and Community Baby Showers, featuring organizations that offer services and support to new and expecting parents. View upcoming special events in the events calendar.
Community Connections was supported in FY22 and FY23 by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.