County officials and experts will meet tomorrow for “Beyond Socks and Blankets,” a forum about the possible causes of and solutions for homelessness in Santa Barbara.

Former 35th District Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson will host the discussion at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara’s Parish Hall, which will include local representatives like Santa Barbara City Councilman Dale Francisco.

The meeting is a part of a Survival Santa Barbara series to raise at least $25,000 to keep the Freedom Warming Centers open every night during the winter. There are five warming shelters in the county — three of which are in Santa Barbara — that can house up to 100 homeless people per night.

According to a press release from Families ACT! Executive Director Suzanne Riordan, 31 homeless people passed away last year in the county, including a man who died of hypothermia four days before the warming shelters opened.

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