Almost 70,000* people in Santa Barbara County live at or below the federal poverty line. That means 1 out of 6 adults, and 1 out of 5 children. Our county has the 2^nd highest percentage of its population living in poverty out of the 58 counties in California. Many of us working in local organizations are deeply concerned, and feel it is time to start a conversation that encompasses the whole picture of poverty in our communities, not just homelessness.  We want to create pathways to upward mobility for Santa Barbara County residents who are struggling. 

15 local organizations have formed the Upward Mobility Coalition to leverage the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework to make change in five key areas:

Rewarding Work - pays a living wage, provides dignified work conditions, and offers economic security.
High-Quality Education - from preschool through postsecondary-provides a crucial avenue to economic and social mobility.
Opportunity-Rich and Inclusive Neighborhoods - play a central role in supporting families' stability and well-being, their access to social and economic opportunities, and children's chances to thrive and succeed.
Healthy Environment and Access to Good Health Care - help people of all ages to surmount life's challenges, excel in school and at work, ensure their families' well-being, and fully participate in their communities.
Responsive and Just Governance - engages residents in decision making and serves the needs of all community members with restraint and fairness.

Mobility Action Plan (“MAP”) groups comprised of coalition and community members alike will work for the following twenty-four months to come up with strategic solutions to make change in these areas.

‍We need YOUR help.  Please click here or below to join us in making change.
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Together we can create a Santa Barbara County that offers better futures for every resident.
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_{*Public Policy Institute of California report, “Understanding Poverty in California”, Oct. 19, 2023}
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For any questions/inquiries please contact us at info@upwardmobilitysb.com or call Jared Stenz at 805.964.8857 xt. 1265 at or Julie Weiner at 805.964.8857 xt. 1105