Gina Rodarte - Member at Large

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Gina Rodarte Quiroz is a native of Goleta and dedicated advocate for those who are
diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) dually diagnosed and without a safe place to
call home. Her passion is driven by her own lived experience of housing insecurity for
over six years in Santa Barbara.

Gina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has an array of awards
from the Senate, County and City offices for her contribution to helping the most
vulnerable in our community.

Gina is currently a Comprehensive Housing Specialist with Partners In Housing
Solutions. Where she helps find permanent housing opportunities for those who are
experiencing housing instability, have an income and hit barriers because of poor credit
history or a prior eviction.

Gina has been an active participant in Families ACT Support Group for three years and
serves as a vital support to those who’s loved ones are dually diagnosed and as a beacon of hope, since she has worked hard to recover from substance abuse, housing insecurity and reunify with two children who were in the foster care system and now living with her.
 

Additionally Gina’s accomplishments include:
• Member of The National Coalition for the Homeless
• Member of National Alliance to End Homelessness
• United Nations Working Group to End Homelessness
• National Low Income Housing Coalition
• Santa Barbara Tenants Union
• CLUES Housing Justice Work Group
 

Through her tireless efforts, Gina strives to create a more inclusive and compassionate
community where everyone feels valued and supported.
She actively collaborates with government agencies, and community members to
develop effective strategies and initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness.
 

Gina’s approach to her work is characterized by her tenacity and empathetic demeanor.
She understands the meaningful connections with those she serves because she lived on the streets in Santa Barbara county for over six years. Gina believes that education and awareness are key to breaking down the STIGMAS about homelessness and mental
illness. Through workshops, public speaking engagements, and community events, Gina
strives to foster understanding and empathy among all residents of Santa Barbara
County and her goal is to empower the underserved back to a life of stability and to end
the criminalization of poverty and mental illness. 

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