This past year brought challenges to the community as many families and seniors faced hardships brought on by the pandemic, including loss or reductions in income, job loss, and food and health insecurity.
2nd Story Associates responded by continuing its efforts to support low-income families and individuals with critical needs in the Santa Barbara area.
2nd Story Associates is the nonprofit arm of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), created to support development of affordable housing and promote social services that benefit of low-income members of the local community.
2nd Story creates opportunities for low-income residents, many of whom are residents of HACSB housing and/or Section 8 Voucher recipients, to receive the support needed to preserve their home as well as improve their education, well-being and quality of life. They strive to ensure there is always hope for someone’s “2nd story.”
By collaborating and expanding partnerships with community organizations such as the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, Union Bank, Assistance League, Santa Barbara Foundation and Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, 2nd Story Associates enhances the quality of life for low-income families, seniors and disabled individuals with an emphasis on promoting stability and self-sufficiency.
They create programs that provide needed resources for even the most basic of needs including dental care, furniture, transportation and utility assistance. These programs and services are also made to improve the quality of life and dignity of those they serve.
“What is particularly effective about 2nd Story is that it can be nimble in its support to bridge the gap between low-income housing and other resources needed to pave the way toward self-sufficiency and independence,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB executive director/CEO.
Programs include:
» Furnishing Hope: A program that provides new Housing Authority residents with a Welcome Home Kit of basic household items and donated furniture to help furnish their new home.
» GRAD Initiative (Growth Readiness And Development): The goal of GRAD Academy is to achieve a high school graduation rate of 95% among youth participating in Housing Authority programs and ensure graduates are either college and/or career ready.
» Tools for School: An annual campaign that provides backpacks and back-to-school supplies for some 300 school-age children so local low-income youth have the tools and supplies necessary to be successful, confident and prepared students.
» Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Fund: The fund is designed to assist participants of the Housing Authority’s “Family Self-Sufficiency” program in accessing services, education, training and equipment that furthers their potential for increased earnings, financial empowerment and self-sufficiency.
» Emergency Assistance Fund: The Emergency Assistance Fund assists low-income Housing Authority clients with a one-time financial intervention. This unique program prevents a short-term financial gap from becoming a major financial setback.
» Housing Santa Barbara Day: An annual event for Santa Barbara residents to become better educated on housing priorities and issues as well advocate for increased affordable housing. Workshops with partners, and staff from local public and nonprofit agencies include topics such as: Tenant’s Right’s & Responsibilities, Resources for Tenants & Landlords for Rent/Mortgage Relief, Workforce Housing, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Home Ownership Programs.
To support 2nd Story Associates efforts to strengthen families and the Santa Barbara community, visit www.2nd-story.org/donate.