Areas of Focus
These are the areas where our partner organizations concentrate their efforts. The Collaborative helps them coordinate, share what they learn, and strengthen their collective impact.
Housing & Homelessness
Bringing together Santa Barbara County’s non-profit, private, and governmental agencies — both state and federal — to identify and address systemic housing challenges, educate the community, and foster better coordination of essential services among providers.
Legal
Drawing on active and retired law clerks, paralegals, attorneys, and judges committed to educating the community on laws that affect veterans, identifying and addressing legal barriers, and building capacity to serve veterans’ legal needs.
Education
Engaging current and former educators, certifying officials, and veteran resource center personnel — experienced with community colleges, vocational schools, and universities — to improve the educational experience for veterans, their families, and active military members.
Employment
Connecting workforce agencies, employers, and veteran-serving organizations to link Santa Barbara County veterans with meaningful careers — through job placement, résumé and interview preparation, and vocational training for those transitioning to civilian work.
Mental Health & Wellness
Bringing together counselors, clinicians, peer-support specialists, and community partners to expand access to mental health care, peer support, and wellness resources for veterans and their families — with attention to PTSD, TBI, and readjustment.
Benefits & Claims
Working with Veteran Service Officers, accredited representatives, and county partners to help veterans and dependents understand and access the VA benefits they have earned — including disability compensation, pension, healthcare enrollment, and dependent benefits.
Working in one of these areas?
If your organization serves veterans in Santa Barbara County, we’d welcome you at the table.