Community Friends of Santa Barbara™ has been a trusted local nonprofit since 1948. It began when a group of forward-thinking women recognized unmet needs in their community and took action. For more than 75 years, this all-volunteer organization has transformed lives through hands-on service and programs funded by local support.

Meetings started in members’ homes, then moved to the Montecito Country Club, before the group opened a small house on Anacapa Street in 1952. There, they sold handcrafted goods, clothing, furniture, and baked items. These early efforts laid the foundation for what would grow into one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved community thrift shops.

In 1955, members preserved a piece of local history by saving the 1880 Hunt-Stambach House from demolition. Designed by architect P.J. Barber, the historic home served as a meeting place for a decade. By 1965, the organization had moved to its current headquarters, where it continues to serve Santa Barbara through volunteer-powered philanthropic programs that make a difference.