About Us


  • Born out of Vision


    •      It was October 17th 2003 and Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Camerino Sanchez was sharing his aspiration to implement the restorative Policing Program in Santa Barbara. As Lynnelle Williams listened, she received inspiration and guidance regarding what her new mission in life would be. According to Lynnelle, "While the Chief spoke, these words came to me, and were as audible as if we were talking to each other, "I want you to support this initiative." At that point I turned to my business partner, Gale Trowbridge, and the dialog went something like this:
        "We have something to do."
        "WHAT?"
        "I don't know."
        "Well when you know, tell me."
        "OK."
        So the journey began with the building of WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc. Each day has brought a new challenge, each day has increased Lynnelle and Gale's faith and each day has prepared them to serve as extensions of God's hands for service.


  • Our Mission


       To provide a safe-haven as an alternative to incarceration for chronic homeless mentally ill adults and females at risk of violent crimes.


  • Who we are


        WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc., is a faith-based non-profit that is opening Safe-Haven for mentally ill homeless adult men and women, including homeless females at risk of violent crimes (sexual assault.) The co-ed safe-haven will accommodate 10 clients referred through the Restorative Policing program, or collaborating agencies, in Santa Barbara; this will include 2 beds for women at risk of violent crimes. The founders of WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc. have worked with the homeless population for a minimum of 30 plus combined years. Providing a safe-haven for the individuals chosen as candidates for the Restorative Policing Program will benefit both the client and the service provider. The advantages of a family style setting will nurture trust and aid in overcoming clients fears of large facilities and crowds of unfamiliar people. WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc., is the first  in a continuum of care offering a transitional component to prepare the clients for a residential program or independent living.

        Restorative Policing is the collaborative effort between the Santa Barbara Police Department and community providers, (Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services;Santa Barbara County Public Health and the Homeless Coalition Team) to design a treatment plan for the homeless mentally ill as an alternative to incarceration. We strongly believe that alternatives to incarceration including interventions such as advocacy, case management, treatment plans; support groups and residential programs will positively impact change and guide an individual to begin living a safe and productive life. Furthermore, a structured, supportive an warm living environment will aid in closer observation of the client's strengths as well as self-sabotaging behaviors that require immediate attention and interventions.

  • About Our Program


    •      Homelessness and mental illness are not lifestyle choices. What often begins as a result of unintended circumstances may evolve into endless barriers and frustrations, holding an individual captive to a situation where recovery seems impossible. WillBridge is a path to restoration; creating opportunities to embrace life changes. The program focus is on rebuilding self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect. Structure, discipline, peer accountability and self-accountability aid in reintroducing people to interactive and fruitful daily lives. Gifts and talents are explored and cultivated by means of positive expression through music, art, writing and poetry. One day at a time, and one person at a time, WillBridge is committed to helping each person who is ready for a life changing experience.

  • WillBridge Standard of Services


         As an organization that strives to serve those in our community who need so much, yet receive so little; it imperative that the staff are committed to the clients and to the mission of restoring people to happiness and health. Each employee serves as a role model, being respectful, compassionate and dedicated to the service of others, including clients, collaborative partners and friends.

    Services Offered

    Junes's Story

        June is a 51 year-old female living in the Santa Barbara Community. June receives SSDI, has an apartment, a car, attends college and suffers from bipolar disorder.

        She attempted to schedule an appointment to see her doctor because the medication she was taking became ineffective. June's doctor was on vacation and her attempts to get an appointment were denied several times. As the weeks progressed, June's mental stability began to deteriorate. Eventually she began having psychotic episodes. June began driving around and living as though she was homeless and refused to stay in her apartment.

        After approximately 7 days of dysfunctional living, June parked her car and wandered off. The police tagged the car as abandoned and had it towed. The car ended up at an auto-wrecking yard and June was charged $30.00 per day for storage, plus a $155.00 towing fee and $41.00 owed to the police department. Finally, June got her appointment to see her doctor. However, before she could get stabilized on her medication, the psychosis had prompted her to act inappropriately. She was arrested for petty theft and incarcerated.

        Inevitably, due to June's incarceration, everything she had accomplished was at risk including housing, car, income and schooling. June was sentenced to 60 days and during that time; the auto-wrecking company sold her car.

        Stories like this are typical for many who suffer with mental illness. There is a vicious cycle between mental illness, incarceration and homelessness.

        But this need not be the end her tale. For with the help of Willbridge and the hands of God, she is recovering, one day at a time.

  • Top of Page