Our Story
Taking Care of Those Who Take Care of Us.
On January 9, 2018, our community was ravaged by a devastating natural disaster. The Montecito Mudflow claimed the lives of 23 of our community members and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Already exhausted from battling the Thomas fire for weeks on end, our First Responders, collaborated as never before, to rescue those they could from the sudden devastation.
In the aftermath of the fire and mudslides, we wanted to thank First Responders and show them how much their efforts were appreciated. To that end, a new organization, “One805” was created, hosting the largest non-profit event in Santa Barbara History – The Kick Ash Bash! It brought together actors, entertainers, singers, performers, and most of all, our community in a spirit of healing. First Responders and their families were treated to an amazing day where we were able to put the tragedy behind us. Thanks to the efforts of many, over $2 million was raised to provide counseling support to First Responders and purchase equipment to directly support victims of the terrible tragedy.
Today, One805 is a permanent 501(c)(3) corporation, raising funds for all three First Responder groups – Fire, Police, and Sheriff – purchasing equipment, supporting public safety & taking care of those who take care of us.
It is the only organization that allows you to help all of our First Responders with one donation. There are so many things they all need that cannot be provided from their budgets, so community support has long been the only way they can get their hands on un-budgeted safety items or equipment for which immediate funding is required.
Our First Responders don’t only need our support in the aftermath of a disaster, they need it year in, year out. Be it flood, fire or earthquake, natural disasters are inevitable in California, so as we remember the past, and prepare for the future, consider giving generously to One805.
Our Mission
One805 is a Santa Barbara County based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the extraordinary men and women who protect our community every day, our First Responders. These include our local Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments, and Emergency Medical Services personnel who stand on the front lines of every crisis, from wildfires and floods to medical emergencies, rescues, and daily calls for help. Our mission is to ensure that when they need us, we are there for them, just as they are always there for us.
Founded in deep gratitude and respect for those who serve, One805 exists to strengthen and sustain the readiness, safety, and resilience of our First Responder agencies across Santa Barbara County. We provide critical funding for essential equipment, emergency response tools, training resources, and specialized programs that help departments respond effectively in challenging conditions. When urgent needs arise, One805 can move swiftly to bridge the gap between public funding and real-world requirements, delivering timely support where it is needed most.
At the heart of our work is a firm belief: strong communities are built on the wellbeing of those who protect them. In addition to equipment and operational support, One805 is committed to advancing mental wellness resources for First Responders and their families. The cumulative emotional toll of this work is substantial, often invisible, and too often under-supported. Through dedicated initiatives and long-term funding strategies, we seek to expand access to culturally competent, confidential care, ensuring that those who respond to trauma for a living receive the support they deserve.
One805 is proud to partner directly with First Responder leadership across the county, guided by Chiefs, community advisors, and local experts who understand firsthand what is required to keep teams prepared, protected, and supported. Our organization is driven by collaboration, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that donor contributions make measurable, meaningful impact.
We also believe that service should be celebrated. Through community events, concerts, and gatherings, One805 brings people together to honor the spirit and sacrifice of our First Responders while raising crucial resources for the work ahead. These events are designed not only to fundraise, but to strengthen community connection, to remind every First Responder that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Ultimately, One805’s mission is simple and powerful: to stand behind those who stand for us. By supporting our First Responders with vital resources, emergency funding, and mental wellness programs, we help ensure that Santa Barbara County remains safe, strong, and prepared, now and for generations to come.
Community disaster preparedness is incredibly important in helping First Responders do their jobs efficiently. To build a culture of preparedness it is important to work with the whole community to improve response to disasters and emergencies. From the moment an event or disaster happens, citizens are the first, most directly affected.
Research on preparedness shows that people who believe themselves "prepared" for disasters often are not as prepared as they think. For example: many do not have household plans, have not conducted home evacuation drills, and/or do not know their community's evacuation routes.
Part of One805’s mission is to work with local schools and other community organizations to improve disaster preparedness
When the moment comes for us to dial 911, we all need our First Responders to be the best equipped they can be. First Responder departments can submit grant requests to One805 for anything they might need that cannot easily or quickly be obtained through their normal budgetary process.
We have been asked for jaws-of-life equipment, robots, drones, dive masks, ECG machines, generators, Spanish language lessons and helicopter harnesses - to name only a few.
Grant requests can be submitted any time, and are reviewed by our Advisory Council of the Chiefs of all Santa Barbara County First Responder agencies.
There is also a growing need for resources and services to support First Responder’s positive mental health. Many mental health conditions, including depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation, are more common among First Responders.
Constant exposure to traumatic events and life-threatening situations and the stress of working long hours away from family members, under high-stakes conditions, can easily build up and take an enormous toll on the mental health of First Responders. There are many statistics to support this, the most alarming of which is that Police officers and Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
One805 is taking a proactive approach to help protect the mental health of First Responders working on the front lines.