The Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday approved the next step in the city’s plan to preserve homeless shelter services at 816 Cacique St. following the planned departure of its longtime operator.
The unanimous vote finalizes the $3.75 million purchase of the Eastside property from People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), which is scheduled to cease operations at the end of the year.
The purchase required amendments to an original covenant that had limited ownership of the property to nonprofit organizations, which Tuesday’s decision lifted. The full cost, estimated at $4.06 million, includes required upgrades and will be paid for using Measure C funds, according to city staff.
In a presentation to the City Council, Barbara Andersen, senior assistant to the city administrator, described the 24,423-square-foot shelter building as a critical resource for unhoused residents. Originally constructed in 1974 and renovated in 2002, the facility offers beds, meals, hygiene services and housing navigation, she said.
Andersen said the acquisition secures the site’s 100 low-barrier beds, though the building is in “below average” condition because of deferred maintenance.
She said immediate repairs would target exposed wiring, broken kitchen equipment, and a faulty fire alarm system, with additional inspections over the next two weeks to assess accessibility, HVAC, plumbing and roofing needs. The estimated cost for the improvements is about $300,000.
To avoid disruptions during the transition, county officials said Santa Barbara selected Mercy House Living Centers to serve as the interim provider from Dec. 1 through June.
Andersen said Mercy House staff are working alongside PATH to maintain operations during the hand-off, with PATH scheduled to conclude services on Dec. 31.
The organization, which brings more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, also will be eligible to respond when the city issues a request for proposals for a permanent service provider early next year, she said.
City Administrator Kelly McAdoo described the purchase as a major milestone that will help preserve essential services while opening the door to long-term improvements at the site.
“It’s a large facility that’s been underutilized,” McAdoo said. “We’re looking at how to maximize its use by partnering with other service providers and really creating that continuum of care.”
City officials said they expect to issue the request for proposals in March.
“I really look forward to seeing this shelter become more of a hub of service provision for our unhoused community, and really increasing the service level that we’re able to provide,” McAdoo said.