Transition House

The decade of the 80's saw Grace Lutheran Church, in partnership with 12 other local congregations, begin to express their faith in new ways to the community around them. In 1984 Grace Lutheran, under the leadership of Pastor Nancy Schmidt, began housing families and single people in the Fellowship Halls, or any other available space, in local churches. Here at Grace Lutheran, a janitor's closet was transformed into a shower. Each congregation usually opened its doors for one month, on a rotating basis. Working together, one congregation would supply space while the others would supply food and overnight volunteers to act as "proctors" providing clean safe beds and friendly support.

This ministry was the foundation for what would become Transition House, a private, community-based non-profit agency that serves homeless and low income families. This ministry provides housing, food, after school mentoring and training to transition people from living on the streets to a place in society with a skill and help in seeking housing.

Grace Lutheran Church and other local communities continue to support this needed ministry through their financial and volunteer support. Once a month a volunteer crew provides a meal for up to 60 children and adults.

To learn more of this exciting ministry in Santa Barbara, click on the Transition House logo.