A community initiative among the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD), Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara), and UC Santa Barbara Edible Campus Program is underway.
The project is designed to enhance community engagement through volunteer-driven beautification and sustainability projects.
Supported in part by a grant from the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation, the We Are Isla Vista; Community Care Project will run Feb. 22-March 2 with a week-long schedule of volunteer-driven events, workshops, and neighborhood improvement projects.
The project marks the largest coordinated volunteer effort these three organizations have undertaken together in Isla Vista to date.
In conjunction with Habitat Santa Barbara’s 25th anniversary, the initiative emphasizes the organization’s mission to strengthen communities and revitalize neighborhoods, IVCSD said.
“By bringing together IVCSD, UC Santa Barbara, and local partners, the initiative highlights the power of collaboration in strengthening the bonds and pride that define Isla Vista,” IVCSD said.
Throughout the week, volunteers will participate in activities such as:
• Neighborhood Clean-Ups: Focused efforts to beautify streets, parks, and community spaces.
• Park Improvements: Enhancements to Greek Park, including sand replacement and facility upgrades with the support of the Isla Vista Recreation & Park District.
• Mural Painting: Community spaces will be revitalized with new art.
• Community Garden Expansion: Garden bed building, compost area creation with local partners.
• Workshops: Including nature journaling, storytelling, and building habitats for wildlife.
• Volunteer & Neighborhood Appreciation Block Party: Closing the event on March 2, the party will feature a resource fair and guided tours showcasing the project’s improvements.
In addition to the lead organizing partners, Isla Vista Recreation and Parks District, St. Michael’s University Church, Friendship Manor, Showers of Blessing Santa Barbara, and UCSB Puppy Packers are all hosting events as a part of the project.
“The Community Care Project is a testament to the deep collaboration among Isla Vista’s many community organizations, local businesses, residents, and volunteers,” IVCSD said.
The initiative is designed not only to beautify the area but also to encourage residents to take ownership and pride in their neighborhoods, fostering a stronger identity and commitment to community care, according to IVCSD.
The collective project includes a door-to-door outreach campaign to invite residents to take part.
Residents, students, and families are encouraged to volunteer, attend workshops, and participate in events.
A full schedule of activities and volunteer registration is available on IVCSD’s website.
“Through these hands-on activities, we aim to bring residents together, foster a sense of community, and enhance the beauty of the neighborhood,” said Katie Maynard, UCSB’s director of Student Sustainability Initiatives. “We are nurturing a sense of pride and belonging in Isla Vista.”
“As we celebrate 25 years of serving south county, this project perfectly aligns with our mission to build stronger, more connected communities,” said Jessica Wishan de L’Arbre, Habitat Santa Barbara CEO. “We’re proud to work alongside our partners to create lasting change in Isla Vista.”
“The scale of this project is exceptional for Isla Vista,” said Myah Mashhadialireza, IVCSD’s Community Programs and Engagement director. “With the support of Habitat Santa Barbara, UCSB’s Edible Campus Program, and the Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation, we’re demonstrating the power of community collaboration.”
SYDNEY CASLER FOR ISLA VISTA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT