Homeless Programs

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) administers two federal grant programs that are dedicated to addressing the needs of the area homeless population.  They are the Continuum of Care Program and Emergency Shelter Grants Program.

Continuum of Care

The County's Continuum of Care Program identifies gaps in homeless programming countywide.  Based on this needs assessment, HCD applies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund local projects.

HCD's application for federal funding for permanent and transitional housing opportunities for homeless brings approximately $1.5 million annually to the County. 

For more information on the Continuum Care Program and recent projects it has helped fund, click here. 

Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)

Emergency Shelter Grants fund the first steps in the continuum of care plan of assistance.  The program strives to address the immediate needs of persons residing on the street and needing emergency shelter and transitional housing, as well as assisting their movement into independent living.  ESG funds can be used to serve a variety of people who are homeless, such as people experiencing domestic violence, youths, people with mental illness, veterans, families with children, and others.  A portion of ESG funds may also be used to serve persons at imminent risk of losing their permanent housng and becoming homeless.

For more information on ESG and recent projects funded by the grants, click here. 

In a significant effort to addresses chronic homelessness in the area, HCD participated in the development of the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.  The Plan was created under the supervision of a Leadership Council made up of local elected officials, community leaders, members of local non-profits providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, along with advocates for the homeless and those experiencing homelessness.  To learn more, visit the 10-Year Plan website at:  www.bringsbcohome.org

For more information on the homeless programs administered by HCD, please contact:

Mike Sederholm
123 E. Anapamu Street, Room 27
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-560-1090

msederholm@co.santa-barbara.ca.us