St. Vincent’s | Santa Barbara, CA. On October 8th, 2024, St. Vincent’s had the honor of hosting a visit from a distinguished member of the California State Assembly – Assembly Member for the 37th district, Gregg Hart. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss critical issues impacting our community and showcase the vital work of St. Vincent’s in addressing housing crisis and poverty in our community.

During the visit, St. Vincent’s presented the Assembly Member with a brief account of St. Vincent’s history as well as our ambitious plans for the future. These plans include the development of much-needed permanent supportive housing in Santa Barbara, a crucial step towards ending chronic homelessness. We also outlined our vision for a new and improved Fr. Virgil Cordano Center, a vital resource for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, offering essential services such as nutritious meals, case management, and access to other vital resources. Finally, we highlighted the recent launch of our St. Vincent’s Intergenerational Program, which connects seniors and youth, fostering meaningful relationships and combating social isolation.

California State Assembly Member for the 37th district, Gregg Hart (right), accompanied by Sister Arthur Gordon, DC (center) meets with the participants of the recently launched St. Vincent’s Intergenerational Program.

We appreciate Greg Hart’s keen interest in these initiatives, recognizing their importance in addressing the complex challenges facing our community. St. Vincent’s team was grateful for a thoughtful discussion, exploring potential avenues for collaboration and support from the state level. The visit also included a tour of the St. Vincent’s campus, allowing the Assembly Member to gain a firsthand understanding of the diverse programs and services offered by our organization.

Members of the Audacious Foundation were also present during the visit and the discussions. Their presence underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing critical social issues. The visit served as a valuable platform to build relationships and explore potential avenues for collaboration between St. Vincent’s, the California State Assembly, and the Audacious Foundation in creating a more just and compassionate society for all.