Father Virgil Cordano Center Launches $10 Million Campaign to Build New Site in Santa Barbara
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Since 2018, those experiencing homelessness have turned to the Father Virgil Cordano Center seeking meals, shelter and other services in Santa Barbara.
“I hang out or just come to get something to eat basically that means a lot you know,” said visitor David Hanson of the Father VIrgil Cordano Center.
But lately, the center, located on Calle Real is getting crowded.
“Well, the numbers are going up. We started with 10 people when we opened six years, seven years ago … now we’re up to 90 to 100 every day,” said senior development coordinator John Hardin of the new Father Virgil Center project.
In order to meet the growing demand for its services, a fundraising campaign has begun, to raise $10 million for a new site at 4085 State Street.
“This center will continue serving up to 100 individuals per day, providing meals case management help people to be connected to agencies in the city … to help them overcome the challenges of homelessness,” said development manager Sergey Salushchev of St. Vincent’s.
Managers at St. Vincent’s are hoping the community will show their support as this capital campaign gets under way.
“And help people be connected to agents in the city and the community and help them overcome the challenges of homelessness,” said Saluschev.
“A number of people coming because they’re sleeping outside and they can come to the center and sleep on a lounge chair and they know that they’re safe,” said Hardin.
This project is a collaborative effort of the Franciscan Friars at Old Mission Santa Barbara, and the Daughters of Charity at St. Vincent’s.
They hope the new site will ultimately offer hope, dignity and a better future for those in need.
The Center provides essential services, including safe daytime shelter, nutritious meals, case management, hygiene facilities, and community programs.
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