A May 14 article in the Los Angeles Times reports that “With the coronavirus-induced shock to the economy crippling businesses of all sizes and leaving millions of Americans out of work, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in a year.”

The data trend, which comes from research conducted by Brendan O’Flaherty, a professor of economics at Columbia University, is mirrored in the Santa Barbara community. According to the most recent Point-in-Time count completed in January, the study found 1,897 homeless residents countywide, with 914 (48%) living in the city of Santa Barbara.

The chronically homeless in the county rose from 423 to 614, a 45% increase. While the nation continues to grapple with adequately addressing this issue, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is moving forward with plans to build new housing specifically to address the needs of homeless individuals.

The project exemplifies the agency’s mission to create safe, affordable and quality housing opportunities for families and individuals while promoting self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization.

While the site, at 116 Cota St., is currently approved as an AUD project for 15 market-rate rental units, HACSB plans to convert the development to provide 30 affordable housing units.

The property consists of two parcels with a combined total of about 11,000 square feet. It is a mostly flat parcel and sits just to the east of the shopping center at the corner of Cota and Anacapa streets that houses Dune Coffee Roasters (formerly The French Press). The property sits across the street from the current Cota Street commuter parking lot.

The HACSB plan for the lot will not change the mass or exterior design of the building. The Housing Authority recently received approval from  the Santa Barbara City Council for the city to provide funding of $2 million for the $2.6 million for acquisition of the property. The funding source from the city can only be used to support affordable housing efforts.

In addition, the Housing Authority intends to apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to provide the bulk of the funding needed for the development.

The Cota Street property will feature:

A walkable downtown location close to essential services and other amenities.
A strong “good-neighbor” policy, and a proven track record with permanent supportive housing developments.
Project-based rental assistance to provide affordable rent to every resident.
On-site supportive services to provide ongoing case management and independent living skills.
A full-time on-site manager to oversee the apartment complex.
A community room for resident programs, group activities, and support groups.
Controlled access points for entering and exiting the property.
No-parking demand for residents, reducing the traffic impact of the area.
Homes next to Veracruz Park, which will provide community oversight of the recreational area.

“Despite our efforts, our nation, state and city continue to grapple with adequately addressing this issue of affordable housing to those most in need and living without a home,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB executive director/CEO. “We believe access to housing save lives.

“For over 25 years, the Housing Authority has worked to eliminate homelessness in Santa Barbara, one home at a time. However, we cannot do it alone. The Housing Authority has collaborated with several local agencies to provide supportive living situations at housing developments such as El Carrillo, Artisan Court, Bradley Studios, and Johnson Court.

“The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills, and connect people with community-based health care and treatment. We are excited to add the Cota Street project to our affordable housing portfolio.”

For more about the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, visit www.hacsb.org.