The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO), in partnership with the county of Santa Barbara and city of Goleta, will celebrate the opening of Buena Tierra, its newest supportive housing development, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at 6021 Hollister Ave., Goleta.

Buena Tierra, a three-story earth-tone color building was formerly the Super 8 Hotel. (Courtesy photo)
Buena Tierra, formerly the Super 8 Hotel, will have 60 permanent supportive housing units for homeless homeless individuals. (Courtesy photo)

Buena Tierra, formerly the Super 8 Hotel in Old Town, consists of 60 permanent supportive housing units for homeless and chronically homeless individuals, including 15 units designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Select areas of the property will be available to tour beginning at 1 p.m., followed by the 2 p.m. ribbon-cutting that will feature remarks from local and state dignitaries including:

Hafsa Kaka, senior advisor on homelessness to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s cabinet; Santa Barbara County Supervisors Joan Hartman and Laura Capps; Helene Schneider, senior regional advisor for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte; and Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco.

Light refreshments will be available to attendees. Additional opportunities to tour the property will be available after the ceremony.

“Buena Tierra is more than just a place to live; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in need,” said Bob Havlicek, HASBARCO executive director.

“Designed with the well-being of its residents in mind, Buena Tierra represents our unwavering commitment to providing safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support services that empower residents to thrive,” he said.

Much of the project’s cost was awarded through the State of California Homekey 2.0 Program. The funding is part of $70 million in state awards for six new Homekey projects throughout California.

When fully operational, the projects will have provided 232 housing units for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Contributions from Santa Barbara County and the city of Goleta are also responsible for bringing this project to life.

For more on Buena Tierra including how to apply, visit www.hasbarco.org.