Community Resilience Initiative
Building Strength and Preparedness Across Carpinteria
We believe every family deserves safety, connection, and support during times of crisis.
At Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, resilience means more than bouncing back. It means creating the conditions where families can thrive before, during, and after emergencies.
Our Community Resilience Initiative is designed to prepare our community for environmental challenges, ensure consistent access to healthy food, and strengthen the social fabric that helps us recover and grow together.
A Community Transformed by Disaster
The 2017 Thomas Fire and 2018 debris flow revealed how disasters impact families differently. Many residents lacked access to emergency alerts, safe shelter, and reliable food sources. These events exposed deep inequities in emergency preparedness and recovery.
Girls Inc. responded by launching one of the region’s first Resilience Hubs, in collaboration with the Community Environmental Council and Santa Barbara County.
Our Approach
The Community Resilience Initiative focuses on three interconnected pillars:
1. Environmental Preparedness
- Bilingual emergency planning workshops for families
- Resource distribution and training events
- Solar-powered campus sheltering up to 500 people for up to 3 days
- Year-round education in climate resilience and emergency readiness
2. Food Security
- 24/7 community pantry accessible to all
- Stocked twice weekly with rescued food from local stores
- Fresh produce, nonperishables, frozen meals, and baked goods
- Over 80,000 pounds of food distributed each year
3. Social Cohesion
- Family and community events that foster trust and connection
- Referrals to immigration, housing, and social service support
- Deepened partnerships with local nonprofits, city agencies, and regional leaders
The Resilience Hub
Our Girls Inc. campus serves as a fully operational Resilience Hub:
- Emergency shelter with solar power and basic supplies
- Education center hosting preparedness trainings
- Safe, welcoming space for community gatherings and connection
Goals and Impact
- Equip families with personalized emergency plans and supply kits
- Maintain 24/7 food access for all community members
- Strengthen local disaster response and equity-centered recovery efforts
- Inspire and support other community organizations in building resilience
- Equip families with personalized emergency plans and supply kits
- Maintain 24/7 food access for all community members
- Strengthen local disaster response and equity-centered recovery efforts
- Inspire and support other community organizations in building resilience
Get Involved
Support this work by joining us:
Donate to sustain our food pantry, emergency trainings, and outreach
Volunteer your time or skills
Partner with us as a nonprofit, business, or agency
Please email information@GirlsInc-Carp.org or (805) 684-6364.