About Us

People Helping People (PHP) is the primary provider of human and social services in mid Santa Barbara County. Incorporated in 1992, PHP is "dedicated to improving the lives of all men, women, and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos Valley and Gaviota Coast by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and support services."

PHP has grown from a single program, food and emergency services, into a unique multi-program organization which has developed a comprehensive system of care. Services for infants, children, and adults are integrated into a "one stop" shop with multiple neighborhood access points located throughout the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valley's at neighborhood schools. Major Programs include:

  • Basic Needs: Food and Emergency Services (Rent/Mortgage Assistance, Mobile Home Repair, Utility Assistance);
  • Health Care: Community Health Access Resource Team (CHART), Children's Dental Fund, Drug and Personal Counseling;
  • Youth Programs: Buellton After School Youth Program, High School Workforce Development and Counseling, Coalition to Promote Drug Free Youth, and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling; and
  • Family Support: Domestic Violence Prevention, Parent Education, Advocacy, Case Management, Christmas Fulfill-A-Wish, and Family Resource Centers.

PHP's current annual operating budget is $1.75 million and PHP currently employs 25 full and part-time staff. Last year, PHP served 3,600 unduplicated clients. PHP operates with an exceptionally low overhead—6.5% according to PHP's audited financial statements.

Bike Trek participants ride to support PHP's programs to feed the hungry with over 200,000 pounds of groceries each year; provide shelter to prevent homelessness; prevent domestic violence; furnish counseling, medical and dental care for the uninsured; and offer at risk teens an after school youth program including homework assistance, recreational activities, and leadership opportunities.

For more details on the programs and services offered by People Helping People, check out our website at www.syvphp.org.

Dinner Crew
Sunday BBQ in HCAP - Joe Bishop, Carolyn Balaban, Christine Karger, Christine Deschaine, Mike Balaban, Randy Beal, Wyatt Beal