Santosha Village
Who We Are & What We Do
“Santosha” meaning “Contentment” in Sanskrit was originally formed to create spaces for meaningful connection where housed and unhoused individuals could come together to meet our basic needs and create community.
Why We Exist:
Over five years ago, Santosha converted a school bus into a mobile community center to help our unhoused neighbors take care of their basic human needs, and named it the “Kula Blue Bus”. “Kula” means “Community” in Sanskrit. On the Kula Blue Bus, people can enjoy hot meals, take showers, do laundry, charge phones, rest in chairs, access internet, browse a little library, receive haircut, find clothing and toiletries, and most importantly- experience community, dignity, and care.
Kula exists because homelessness brings daily challenges—staying clean, finding healthy food, accessing positive spaces, and feeling a sense of belonging. The bus offers something rare: a feeling of home in familiar surroundings, a place for respite, learning, connection, and hope. It’s an uplifting environment where people can spend the day with purpose while working toward long-term solutions together.
Where we are now:
2025 was a year of transition for Santosha Village, where we re-prioritized all our avenues of work toward our Kula Blue Bus and in continuing its work as a mobile mutual aid center! We also have a new board of directors, listed below, and continue to work toward a sustainable future for Santosha Village.
We aim to continue services off of our beautiful blue bus, are currently working on expanding our network of volunteers, donors, and community partners in order to sustain and grow our capacity. We are a completely grassroots, volunteer-run network of cooks, general volunteers, folks that serve on a fundraising committee, and other community partners. We are always seeking more compassionate folks to join our efforts, and invite you to come to a bus service to see for yourself.
Currently, we run bi-weekly Sunday services off of our Kula Blue Bus at the corner of OC Haley & Clio Streets in New Orleans, LA. Our services involve providing meal services, clothing and supply donations, haircuts, laundry, showers, harm reduction supplies, and a sense of community for our housed and unhoused neighbors alike.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Kali Villarosa (President)
Jessica Govea (Treasurer)
Mandi Wood (Secretary)
Eva Sohl
Angela Owczarek
Lincoln Bostian
Y. Frank Southall
Ysela Galindo