Edhat Staff
Source: Unity Shoppe
Unity Shoppe, Inc. will reopen its doors to the Santa Barbara community on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 as planned, and greet thousands of local residents in need of food, clothing, toys and critical services at no cost and in time for the holiday season.
All fifteen full-time management and staff, temporarily laid off on September 16th 2019, will be working with a battalion of volunteers to carry out eight different support programs in its service locations: 1401 Chapala Street (Grocery Store and Clothing Center) and 1207-09 State Street (Thrift Store, Senior Resource Center, Job Prep Program and Disaster Recovery Services).
“Having to temporarily close our doors and dismiss our employees for the first time in over 103 years of operation, was devastating for everyone,” says Pat Hitchcock, Unity Shoppe Programs Director. “The experience taught us firsthand what an unanticipated economic downturn or personal crisis can mean for many of our clients and their families,” she added.
The financial support of long-standing donors large and small, many of whom insisted on anonymity when making their matching donations, and the community at large, resulted in Unity raising enough funds for the reopening.
“All of us at Unity feel tremendous gratitude for our friends and supporters who believe in our mission and the role we serve to so many in our Community,” says Tom Reed, Unity’s Executive Director. “Our plan is to build on this momentum throughout our fall-winter fundraising efforts and to cap it off with our 33rd annual KEYT- televised Telethon: A Time to Rejoice, Reflect and Renew hosted by longtime volunteer and friend, Kenny Loggins on December 14th.”
A faithful donor family has extended an additional Matching Challenge Grant through Telethon Day, December 14th, of $100,000. The community has been so gracious to help Unity during this critical time, and we are nearing our goal. The Matching Grant could help immensely.
Related Articles
October 1, 2019: Unity Shoppe Temporarily Closes Free Store Due to Financial Woes
I’d rather donate to local nonprofits that don’t buy downtown corner real estate in a market bubble then lay off all of their employees. That’s a clear indication there is something wrong with Unity’s leadership. Unity Shoppe was a great cause but they have been mismanaged to the point of ruin.
I totally agree that Unity does not need “million-dollar” storefront. Why not off on a side street or even get a donated space, but this?!
I think Chillingrillin is referring to the mansion they bought and renovated on the corner of East Valerio and Santa Barbara Streets. Not even sure what they use it for…but they sure put $3 or $4 Million into it….
Unity Shoppe seems like an outdated form of charity. You can literally use EBT almost everywhere – including the farmers market – and buying “necessities” like clothing has never been cheaper. It is cheaper now to buy new clothing at many of the chains on State St. than it is to shop at any of our overpriced “thrift” stores whose alleged mission is to help the community. Ok, so Unity gives stuff out completely for free, I get it – that’s different than having to pay a few dollars for some new threads. But where are mechanisms to prevent abuse? It just seems sketchy to me. How about you have to “enroll” and show true need? Seems like just any opportunist could walk in and make out like a bandit. I’d rather give my money to charities where I know exactly who it’s going to.
Can you please provide more information on this? Is it the grey complex of buildings that was under renovation for years?
Bunch of neocons that never met a social program or charity that they liked. Ignore their drivel. Unlikely that any of them are actually volunteering in a program that helps society in any way.