SANTA BARBARA —The community is invited to attend this free event which features over 25 agencies providing affordable housing and support services. In addition to food and fun, there will be opportunities to learn about workforce and subsidized housing Highlights of the day include informative housing workshops: “Accessory Dwelling Unit Process” will be presented at 10:30a.m. and 12p.m., “Home Ownership Programs” will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and “Tenant Rights & Responsibilities” will be presented at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
New this year are free “Affordable Housing Trolley Tours.” Tours will leave every 15 minutes from the Plaza with stops at various nearby affordable Housing developments. Additional fun activities for all ages include music by locals’ favorite Santa Barbara band, Spencer the Gardener, food trucks, free raffles, free face painting, a fire engine visit and miniature home building. A newly updated Affordable Housing Resource Guide will be handed out to all attendees. The guide is a listing of local agencies and government entities that provide affordable housing and supportive services to our community.
“This year’s event is designed to provide relevant resources, as well as state-of-the-art building information our community members need to know when it comes to securing or providing affordable housing in a positive and supportive environment,“ said Jerry Morales, a representative of 2nd Story Associates who is spearheading the event. “The Santa Barbara community, including local businesses, have a huge stake in the need for more affordable housing. We are excited to connect people with the contacts they need and to work together with other agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents. We are grateful for the support of the Santa Barbara Foundation, the primary sponsor of the event,” said Morales.
October is national Housing America Month, a time when communities throughout the country celebrate local housing efforts and a time to raise awareness for the need for additional affordable housing through education, advocacy, and empowerment. “This month is also the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara’s 50th Anniversary of providing affordable homes to low-income families, seniors and disabled individuals through a variety of programs. While we have provided help to many, there is much more to be done and this venue brings together our local housing and service providers to raise awareness and highlight the need for more affordable housing across all income ranges” said Rob Fredericks, Executive Director of the Housing Authority.
For more event specific information please contact Jerry Morales at jmorales@hacsb.org