It is estimated that there are 12,000 local residents of all ages in need of substance abuse recovery services, of whom 3,600 are women and girls. Substance abuse leads to health problems that specifically affect women - including menstrual disorders, harmful effects on developing pregnancies, and increased vulnerability to sexual victimization and its consequences – including post-traumatic stress disorder, unintended pregnancy, AIDS and other sexually transmissible diseases.

At present, there are 1,355 total residential recovery slots available in the Santa Barbara area, of which only 75 are designated for women.
Dennis House provides a total of 23 of these beds. This represents 30% of all sober living beds available for women in recovery in Santa Barbara County.

Dennis House has a policy of making 40% of all services available to low-income or no-income women at no cost. The facility accepts women transitioning from incarceration back into the community and who are not eligible for public assistance. Women who cannot find a place to go are welcomed here. The importance of this home to our community is undeniable.