A Tradition of Caring Since 1858

The iconic gate at the entrance to St. Vincent’s means many things to many people. For some it represents the stability of a home, and for others a safe harbor during a turbulent time. For many it represents hope and a promise, that life will change when you walk through the gate of St. Vincent’s.

No account of Santa Barbara’s history would be complete without St. Vincent’s and the innumerable contributions of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. From establishing the area’s first infirmary for children, to providing low income housing for families and seniors, the Daughters of Charity significantly helped shape Santa Barbara.

The Bishop of the region saw the critical need for a school and orphanage in Santa Barbara. Answering the call, the Daughters of Charity sent two young Sisters from Maryland who arrived by steamship on January 5, 1858.

Undaunted by weeks of grueling travel, and despite their strangely new and unfamiliar surroundings, the Sisters go to work immediately, and within days of their arrival, opened the doors to Santa Barbara’s first English-speaking school and orphanage.

Throughout its long, rich history, St. Vincent’s has evolved just as the needs of the community changed. From their humble beginnings on De La Vina Street, to the lush, 21-acre, multi-generational campus today, the Daughters of Charity have contributed tremendously to less-fortunate residents of Santa Barbara. Today, St. Vincent’s remains the longest, continually-operating nonprofit social service agency in Santa Barbara, serving more than 600 clients each day.