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Board approves HomeKey Plus application for supportive housing in Santa Maria
Summary
The Board authorized submission of an application for up to $10 million in HomeKey Plus funding to develop permanent supportive housing at 124 S. College Drive in Santa Maria; public comment supported flexibility on income limits for people with disabilities.
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted June 23 to authorize an application for up to $10 million in HomeKey Plus funding to develop permanent supportive housing at 124 South College Drive in Santa Maria.
Public comment: Christina Walters, speaking by Zoom, urged the county to approve the application and asked staff to examine eligibility rules that can exclude people who narrowly exceed income limits, such as people receiving Social Security Disability benefits. Walters recommended flexible pathways for people with high service needs.
Board action: The motion to authorize the application was made by Supervisor Lavanino, seconded by Supervisor Hartman, and passed unanimously. County staff will proceed with the application process and return with project details and funding commitments.
Why it matters: Permanent supportive housing couples housing with services for people experiencing chronic homelessness and can reduce returns to homelessness. The county will now pursue HomeKey Plus funding as a step toward building supportive units in the fifth district.
Next steps: Staff will complete and submit the HomeKey Plus application and return to the board with details including project timeline and any local funding matches if awarded.
