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COVID-19

Precautionary Measures

  • Washing hands with soap and water.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying away from work, school or other people if sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
  • Following guidance from public health officials, such as staying home if over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions.

COVID-19 Resources

For the most up-to-date information relating to COVID-19, please visit the following websites:

COVID-19 Local Testing Options

Santa Barbara County Public Health COVID-19 Testing

UCSB students can obtain testing on campus without charge on weekdays with appointments here. 

Vaccine & Booster Information 

Check here on our website for vaccine and booster information. 

At-Home COVID-⁠19 Tests

  • Order free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests at covidtests.gov.  Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
  • At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits are being distributed throughout Santa Barbara County. Community distribution events will begin taking place as test kits are given to partners in the next few days. Sites open to the public will be listed here. The 2-1-1 Call Center will be available to direct persons who do not have access to the internet as sites are opened.

Actions Everyone Can Take to Keep Our Neighbors Safe:

  • Get tested as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms. 
  • SB County Public Health extends the indoor mask mandate - be sure to always have your mask with you. 
  • Cooperate with Public Health and Student Health disease control teams.
  • For information and answers to your questions dial 2-1-1 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Visit 211 Santa Barbara County for more information. 
  • Text your ZIP code to 898-211 for further assistance.  

Thank you for doing your part! Keep up the good work!

To help you through the pandemic and during these difficult times, we have compiled the below list of services to help our community. Please feel free to email generalmanager@islavistacsd.com for additions/changes to this list. Thanks to the Isla Vista Community Network, Associated Students, 3rd District County Supervisor Office, our IVCSD interns, and many other community leaders who've helped compile resources for distribution.

For Public Health updates:

Please see below for specific concerns and services about:

  • Financial Assistance
  • Housing
  • Food
  • Health
  • Employment
  • Immigration
  • Youth and Families
  • College Students
  • Unsheltered
  • Pets
  • Business Owners 
  • Homeowners

Financial Assistance

For individual and family financial assistance, the United Way of Santa Barbara County, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation, is awarding individual assistance grants to those disproportionately affected by the crisis including those experiencing homelessness.  Click here to apply. This includes RENT assistance.

For UCSB students, the Financial Crisis Response Team is here to assist you as well.  The Team will help you create a plan of action as well as set up appointments with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. 

Housing

On June 29, 2021 SB 832 was signed into law.  The Act extends eviction protections to COVID-19 impacted tenants to September 30, 2021.  Details and necessary legal forms are available here.  The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County has related eviction moratorium resources here.  The Tenant Relief Act also established a State Emergency Rental Assistance Program. 

The State Emergency Rental Assistance application portal is now accepting applications for Santa Barbara County residents at the State Housing is Key website.  All 80% AMI or below County of Santa Barbara County tenants that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can demonstrate the need for rental support may apply for Rent and utility debts dating back to March 2020.  Potential applicants can contact the State's Local Partner Network Appointment Center at (833) 687-0967 for application assistance. Tenant Eviction Protection Guidelines and Eviction Protection Forms can be found here. 

Tenants and Landlords looking for support mediating their rent payment plans can utilize IVCSD's Rental Housing Mediation Services.

Food Distribution 

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is distributing free groceries at the locations listed here.

For an up-to-date list of food distribution sites visit our Community Calendar and filter by "Food Distribution." 

IVTU COVID-19 food resource guide ENGLISH.pdfIVTU COVID-19 food resource guide SPANISH.pdf

Health

Santa Barbara County public health information (including Isla Vista)

If you struggling with mental wellness, do not hesitate to call Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line: (888) 868-1649

For UCSB students, CAPS is open and taking patients by video conference appointment.  For more information and to schedule an appointment click here. 

CAPS is currently using a service request form to schedule intake appointments and pre-screen for Group Counseling (when required)

Student Health & Wellness: A resource for self care resources and wellness offerings that includes food & cooking resources (on a budget), meditation, sleep health and other programs that are designed to address impacts of stress but also build resilience and social connection.

Student Well-Being: This site is a resource that is a central hub of wellbeing resources for students and includes Basic Needs, CAPS, SHS, Health & Wellness, Recreation, C.A.R.E., Student Mental Health Coordination, and contacts for urgent needs.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or home abuse, call 911. 

The IVCSD provides multiple resources alongside other community organizations to survivors of sexual assault and other interpersonal violence crimes. In partnership with Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) the Survivor Resource Center is available at 970 Embarcadero Del Mar where survivors and their loved ones can meet with STESA. STESA may be contacted at (805) 564-3696.

IVCSD also partners with the UC Police Department to provide an Interpersonal Violence Investigator and Prevention Detective for the Isla Vista community. Kovena Avila is a specialized trauma-informed investigator that is dedicated to working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and other related crimes in order to achieve their intended justice. Detective Avila may be contacted at: kovena.avila@police.ucsb.edu. Further resources include Campus Advocacy Resources and Education (CARE) that can be contacted at: (805) 893-4613.

Other Resources Include:

Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence: Contact Domestic Violence Solutions - (805) 964-5245

Child Abuse: Contact: Child Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM) - (805) 965-2376

Sexual Assault: Contact: Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) - 805-564-3696

Animal Abuse: Contact Santa Barbara Animal Services - (805) 681-5285

Are you observing non-compliance of social distancing? Please fill out the appropriate from on this page. 

Employment

If it’s been more than one year since you applied for unemployment, you may need to file a new claim. Visit Benefit Year End for more information.

For employee resources, visit COVID-19 Worker Resources. 

FAQs from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) site:
  • Are you caring for someone who is sick? If you are unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. 
  • Are you affected by school closures? Parents of children that have to miss work due to school closures may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. 
  • Have you had your hours reduced or been laid off? Find out if you are eligible to file an unemployment insurance claim with EDD. 

Visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments to learn more about funds to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.

For employment questions and concerns, visit COVID-19. 

Immigration

For undocumented Californians, please use the California Immigrant Guide to access resources relating to vaccines, testing, benefits, tax credits, and more.

You cannot be denied a COVID vaccine based on immigration status. You should not be asked about your immigration or citizenship status when you get a COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government has confirmed they will not do immigration operations at or near vaccination sites and clinics.

DACA recipients in California are eligible for unemployment. According to EDD’s website “ To collect Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you must show that you were in satisfactory immigration status and authorized to work in the United States when earning the wages you used to establish your claim. You must also give proof that you are currently in satisfactory immigration status, and are authorized to work each week that you claim benefits. Note: The EDD verifies immigration status and work authorization through the Department of Homeland Security.” FAQ's can be found here. 

CHIRLA has additional resources. 

The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance has put together this article of resources for undocumented Californians who are affected by COVID-19.  See here

UndocuScholars has compiled a list of nationwide COVID-19 resources, including financial resources, legal resources, medical resources, food resources, and more.  See the list here  

Youth and Families

Isla Vista Youth Projects has additional COVID-19 resources. 

For a guide on what to do to care for your family:

outbreak_factsheet_1_2_.pdf

For advice on how to talk to youth about the virus, 

talking_to_your_kids_about_the_coronavirus.pdfcsts_fs_helping_homebound_children_during_infectious_disease_outbreak.pdf

Spanish:

esp_covid-19_parent_handout_nasp_nasn_2-20_final_esus.pdfmanual_cbs_14_03_2020-2.pdf.pdf

Isla Vista Youth Projects Family Resource Center is available by appointment only to support families in signing up for 805undocufund, Cal-Fresh, and the United Way benefits.

College Students

UCSB COVID-19 Information

More information on remote status can be found here.  

SBCC COVID-19 Informaiton 

The latest updates can be found here.  

You may contact Campus Safety at 805-730-4200 with any safety matters.

Unsheltered  

Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Homelessness Task Force 

Showers of Blessing provides free hot showers, fosters compassionate hygienic care, and offers access to critical services for people experiencing homelessness. For the current location times please visit here.  

Pets

C.A.R.E.4Paws offerss pet food distribution, mobile veterinary services and assistance for victims of domestic violence.  If you have any questions please contact info@care4paws.org or 805-968-2273

For more information about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ services: 
-Companion Pet Assistance 
-Mobile Clinic
-Safe Haven

Business Owners

The Santa Barbar County Workforce Development Board has a list of resources here. 

Visit and register (when applicable) with the following websites to keep up to date with the latest news and information related to COVID-19.

County of Santa Barbara 
Santa Barbara County Public Health 
California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development 
California Department of Public Health  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYERS

Work Share Program

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services as a result of the Coronavirus impact on the economy may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program through the EDD. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs – retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits.

Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly Unemployment Insurance benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent.

Visit the Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES

Unemployment Insurance

Individuals who have had their hours reduced or have lost their job through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Learn more by visiting the EDD website.

Disability Insurance

Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. 

Paid Family Leave

Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.

BUSINESS DISRUPTION LOANS

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Disaster Loan Fund

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is offering low-interest microloans from $5,000­-$50,000 through our Disaster Loan Fund to give a cash flow boost to businesses impacted by reduced sales, supply chain disruption, or other challenges related to COVI D-19. Contact Marvin Boateng, Lending Manager to apply or for additional assistance navigating access to capital. Email marvin@edcollaborative.com or call (805) 409-9158. 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)

Please check their COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources for updates. For WEV existing loans, you can apply for a WEV Quick Response Loan to request deferment for up to three payments.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

CA Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development COVID-19 Business Resources 

California’s Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has released information on its website for employees and employers impacted by COVID-19. Visit their website for more information.

Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) Guidance for Employers and Workers

The LWDA has a guide to make it easier and spread awareness through this centralized source of information on the LWDA website to help determine what is best for the businesses, their employees, and their family.

California Employment Development Department (EDD) COVID-19 Online Resources

The State of California EDD provides a variety of support services affected by COVID-19 in California.  The EDD website offers many services online for businesses and employees.

SBA COVID-19 Business Guide

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has released a comprehensive guide to help businesses plan and respond to the current COVID-19 threat. Visit the SBA website for more information.

CDC COVID-19 Business Guide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created an interim guide based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For access to the full guide and more information, please visit the CDC website. 

Local Chambers of Commerce

Stay connected with your local Chamber of Commerce.  Chambers of Commerce are well connected with the business community and legislative and they all are collecting additional resources to assist businesses.

Buellton Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, www.buellton.org, 805.688.7829

Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce, www.carpinteriachamber.org, 805.684.5479

Goleta Chamber of Commerce, goletachamber.com, 805.967.2500

Lompoc Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, www.lompoc.com, 805.736.4567

Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce, www.sbchamber.org, 805.965.3023

Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, santamaria.com, 805.925.2403

Solvang Chamber of Commerce, www.solvangcc.com, 805.688.0701

Homeowners 

Information compiled by Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara: 

Worried about being able to pay your mortgage? Contact your mortgage servicer (the company you pay your bill to) immediately to let them know that you have been impacted by COVID-19 and are having trouble paying your mortgage. Your servicer should then evaluate your options and instruct you on how to apply for relief. Your rights will depend on who owns your mortgage and whether it is guaranteed by the federal government. Please call us so we can help you navigate the process of receiving mortgage relief.  

Foreclosure Protection and Mortgage Payment Relief for Homeowners Summary from National Housing Law Project (NHLP) of certain mortgage provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and related federal actions.

Mortgage Relief Tips from Consumer Reports

Summary of Other Consumer Protection/COVID-19 Issues from National Consumer Law Center