With colder weather here, there’s a drive to help those experiencing homelessness to keep warm this winter.
The Santa Barbara County’s public defenders’ office is holding a drive to collect sleeping bags and other warm items to distribute to those in need.
"Many of our public defender clients are experiencing homelessness and many are unhoused," Erica Bottorff, who is is with the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s office, told KCLU.
Bottorff says that while long term solutions are needed, in the short term, keeping people warm is a priority.
"Obviously the longer term goal is to help people find permanent housing. In the meantime we want to make sure that they're staying warm during the freezing winter months," said Bottorff.
The Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Offices are accepting donations until December 12.
They are located at 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara or 312 East Cook Street, Building A, Santa Maria.
