The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has been awarded $5,898,178 in Homekey+ funding from the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD).
This funding, along with the city of Santa Barbara’s $6 million contribution to support acquisition costs and conventional financing from Banc of California, will finance HACSB’s 3055 De La Vina St. adaptive reuse project.
The project, which will convert a former motel into 32 permanent supportive homes for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, will consist of 32 permanent supportive housing units and one onsite manager’s unit.
“The site is ideally situated within walking distance of parks, grocery stores, a pharmacy, and major transit corridors, ensuring residents have convenient access to essential services and community resources,” HACSB said.
The project also includes a dedicated community space and rejuvenated outdoor common areas and will provide critical wraparound services to promote long-term stability for residents.
“This effort reflects HACSB’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through innovative and cost-effective housing solutions. By repurposing existing infrastructure, the agency can deliver safe, stable homes more quickly and efficiently than traditional new construction,” HACSB said.
The award from the Homekey+ program, a statewide initiative backed by Proposition 1 funding, is part of a broader strategy to expand permanent supportive housing for individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use issues, or chronic homelessness.
“Receiving this Homekey+ award is transformative for our community,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB executive director. “By turning a vacant motel into quality supportive housing, we’re creating stability and opportunity for individuals who need it most.
“We thank HCD for their confidence in our vision and look forward to delivering homes that will truly change lives.”
The project will significantly enhance the existing structures by transforming them with a Spanish Colonial Revival design, creating a look and feel that harmonizes with the surrounding neighborhood, HACSB said.
Construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Upon opening, HACSB will collaborate with local nonprofit service providers to offer onsite case management, healthcare navigation, and other tailored supportive services to meet residents’ needs.