Residents join federal, state and local leaders on Friday to cut the ribbon on Patterson Point, a Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara supportive housing development on North Patterson Avenue in Goleta.
Residents join federal, state and local leaders on Friday to cut the ribbon on Patterson Point, a Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara supportive housing development on North Patterson Avenue in Goleta. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara has opened its latest supportive housing apartment complex in the Goleta Valley. 

Patterson Point, at 80 N. Patterson Ave. in Goleta, is a two-story complex with 24 studio apartments, including a manager unit, and was built to support community members experiencing homelessness. 

The complex has a community center with a shared kitchen, a gathering space, a laundry room, outdoor areas, bike lockers and on-site supportive services. 

Residents pay 30% of their income toward rent, Noozhawk previously reported. 

Patterson Point residents moved in a few months ago, and some spoke Friday during the complex’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony, sharing gratitude for their new home and community. 

Resident Jade Russell, joined by her dog, Baby, shared that she was homeless for about six years.

“It’s a big transition going from living on the streets of LA in tents to finally having a home,” Russell said, overcome with emotion. “A lot of people don’t understand that.”

Patterson Point resident Jade Russell tells ribbon-cutting attendees that no one realizes how hard the transition is from living on the streets to finding housing.
Patterson Point resident Jade Russell tells ribbon-cutting attendees that no one realizes how hard the transition is from living on the streets to finding housing. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

Fellow resident Dakota Williamson said that being homeless impacted employment.

“I didn’t want to go with a big backpack to my workplace; I did not want to smell,” he said.

Williamson said Friday marked a celebration of growth and change.

“We really appreciate the residents; we hope that you can have a safe, healthy, good time here,” Polanksey said. “You are special, and you deserve a home and the support that is provided.”

Patterson Point resident Dakota Williamson says the new supportive housing complex marks the growth.
Patterson Point resident Dakota Williamson says the new supportive housing complex marks the growth. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

The housing complex was created to be flexible for its residents’ timeline but not supposed to be “permanent forever,” said John Polanskey, director of housing development for the county Housing Authority.

The development cost more than $23 million, and funding included construction loans, state grants, federal and state credits, county funding and programs including No Place Like Home, which aids supportive housing efforts, Noozhawk previously reported. 

Patterson Point is neighbored by Patterson 101 Self-Storage and about a mile from the Calle Real Shopping Center.

Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, addresses ribbon-cutting ceremony attendees Friday, applauding the new supportive housing complex.
Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, addresses ribbon-cutting ceremony attendees Friday, applauding the new supportive housing complex. Credit: Pricila Flores / Noozhawk photo

“Developments like Patterson Point are certainly going to make a huge difference in our communities,” Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, said Friday.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps also spoke at the ceremony, applauding the project’s impact. She represents the Second District of the county, which includes the complex. 

She said 4,500 people experienced homelessness in Santa Barbara County last year. 

“We are moving the dial, but it is a daunting figure,” Capps said. “But we are making progress.”

Pricila Flores is a Noozhawk staff writer and California Local News Fellow. She can be reached at pflores@noozhawk.com.