PROGRAMS
2nd Story Associates has been working towards creating programs that serve individual needs and promote a diverse and socially equitable community. Programs provide much needed resources for even the most basic of needs including dental care, furniture, transportation and utility assistance. These programs and services are instrumental in helping to improve the life and dignity of those we serve
Housing Santa Barbara Day
The 6th annual Housing Santa Barbara Day (HSBD) was held in collaboration with 30+ agencies and supportive service providers in our community. HSBD is an event focused on providing the community with housing resources and advocating for increased affordable housing opportunities for all. Advocating for affordability for all, means finding housing solutions for homeless individuals, middle-income residents, and all workers that support our community. Due to the increasingly challenging housing market which makes finding affordable housing in Santa Barbara difficult, HSBD partners with various local agencies and supportive services providers to aid in the search for housing resources. In addition to this annual event, HSBD provides year-round housing news, community resources, and affordable housing advocacy through the HSBD social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook (@housingsantabarbara) and website.
Thank you to our generous sponsors – Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Barbara Community Housing Corporation, Montecito Bank & Trust, CommUnify, Good Samaritan Shelter, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, Noozhawk, American Riviera Bank, Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, and Chumash Foundation
Veterans Assistance Fund
Thanks to a generous donation from the Mission Canyon Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a Veterans Assistance Fund was established in 2021 to help support the needs of formerly homeless veterans housed at Johnson Court. 2nd Story Associates served as a general partner in the development of this affordable housing complex, opened in early 2020 and is home to 16 local veterans. The support from Mission Canyon Chapter of NSDAR has helped to meet the needs of Johnson Court residents. Addressing veteran homelessness is a cornerstone of our community’s response to ending homelessness in Santa Barbara County.
Tools for School
2nd Story Associates, in partnership with the Housing Authority, hosted its annual back-to-school Tools for School event in August of 2023. Community agencies hosted informational tables and shared important services and resources for families and youth in attendance. Seventeen community agencies attended, including Family Service Agency, Santa Barbara Unified School District, Partners in Education, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, United Way of Santa Barbara County, SBCC Foundation, Mission Scholars, COX Communications, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, CommUnify, Mental Wellness Center, Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens, First Five of Santa Barbara County, CAL-SOAP, YouthWell, and the Santa Barbara Public Library. 2nd Story Associates is grateful for a generous grant from US Bank that allowed us to provide 450 backpacks and school supplies to youth in K-12 grades. We are also grateful to First Five of Santa Barbara County for a grant that allowed us to provide preschool-aged books for children five and under.
Click below to learn more about this year’s Tools For School event!
Emergency Assistance Fund
Each year, 2nd Story’s Emergency Assistance Fund supports the critical needs of local families and seniors through short-term, immediate assistance with emergency expenses. Individual grants are provided for needs such as unpaid rent, medical and dental expenses, unpaid utility bills, and other critical needs. This important program helps to offset emergency expenses that can often jeopardize housing stability and the wellbeing of low-income community members. Receiving concrete support in times of need, combined with short-term case management, lessens the profound impacts of living in poverty for our community’s families and seniors. Emergency Assistance Fund referrals will only be accepted from community-based agencies providing case management services to low-income community members.
Family Self-Sufficiency Fund
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Fund is administered by Second Story Associates in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB). The purpose of the Family Self-Sufficiency Fund is to provide financial assistance to families enrolled in HACSB’s Family Self-Sufficiency program in order to promote participation in training, education and services that will improve their potential for economic self-sufficiency through the provision of one-time financial assistance, combined with case management services. This year four FSS participants were assisted with the purchase of job related items or equipment, such as books, uniforms, and a lap-top to complete special trainings programs that will enable them to command a higher salary. In 2022, a total of 170 families participated in the FSS Program, and on average participating households increased their yearly wages by $15,327. The Housing Authority honored its 17 FSS graduating families who participated in the program for five years, received supportive services such as financial coaching and homeownership counseling. We are very proud of our 2022 FSS graduates who collectively increased their earned incomes by $339,301.
Furnishing Hope
Through donations of gently used furniture and local partnerships, the Furniture Closet and Bed Purchase Programs served dozens of vulnerable community members in need of essential household items. In 2022, new beds were provided to 15 senior and disabled clients. A total of 23 households, including families, were provided with gently used furniture from our Furniture Closet program.