The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is committed to supporting our youth participants by providing a variety of free or low-cost resources, including academic support and enrichment activities for HACSB youth. We believe this is key to creating a healthy, engaged community in which our resident children and teens can succeed and thrive. Through ongoing partnerships with community agencies we are pleased to offer the following programs.
For more information about HACSB youth programs, please contact Leticia Zuñiga, Resident Program Specialist, at (805) 897-1059 or lzuniga@hacsb.org or Alice Villarreal Redit, Resident Programs Supervisor, at (805) 897-1036 or aredit@hacsb.org.
Youth Programs
United Learning Center: GRAD Academy
Through a collaboration with United Way of Santa Barbara County, our ULC: GRAD Academy learning center provides free after school programming that includes homework assistance and literacy development for kids in grades K-6. These services are available only to clients of the Housing Authority, and pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact Leticia Zuñiga at (805) 897-1059 or lzuniga@hacsb.org.
Tools for School
Our annual “back to school” event for youth in grades K-12 is held every August. Tools for School is a free event for Housing Authority youth and families aimed at providing academic and other school-related resources to families in advance of the new school year. Over 25 local youth-serving agencies attend the event, providing important resource information to families, and free backpacks filled with school supplies are provided to Housing Authority youth on a first come, first served basis (pre-registration is required). For more information, contact Hector Avila at (805) 897-1044.
Academic Support and Case Management Services
Case management and academic support is available for Housing Authority youth in grades 7-12 on an ongoing basis and by appointment. Assistance with academic planning, homework, volunteer opportunities and after-school programs, job search, resumés, letters of recommendation and more is offered by our Resident Program Specialists. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Leticia Zuñiga at (805) 897-1059 or Hector Avila at (805) 897-1044.
Youth Opportunity Fund
The Youth Opportunity Fund provides one-time financial assistance to help low-income Housing Authority families meet the costs of educational and/or enrichment opportunities for youth during the school year or summer. One-time mini grants may be available for families meeting program criteria. HA families with youth in grades K-12 can apply to receive a scholarship of up to $500 (to be paid directly to educational or enrichment programs) if the family has an unmet need, and depending upon funding availability. For more information please contact Leticia Zuñiga at (805) 897-1059 or lzuniga@hacsb.org.
Partner Agencies
The Housing Authority is pleased to collaborate with the following agencies in providing additional resources and support to Housing Authority youth and families:
United Way of Santa Barbara County
Assistance League of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP)
First Five of Santa Barbara County
Family Service Agency
Network of Family Resource Centers
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara City College Foundation- SBCC Promise
United Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County
Explore Ecology
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Summer Programs
Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura
This five-week summer program is FREE for Housing Authority youth entering grades 9-12. The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness. Through a collaboration with Cal-SOAP youth will engage in college readiness and educational activities, including workshops focused on UC, Cal State, and community college entrance requirements, as well as financial aid, tutoring, and college campus tours. The program also focuses on promoting cultural awareness to cultivate a stronger sense of self for diverse students. Activities are aimed at enhancing students’ academic performance and critical thinking skills, and social and community engagement through a variety of interactive workshops and presentations that examine topics such as social justice, social movements and family/cultural traditions. For more information, please contact Hector Avila, Resident Programs Specialist, at (805) 897-1044 or havila@hacsb.org.
CASA Camp
CASA Camp is a collaboration between the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and the Trust for Historic Preservation. During this FREE two-week summer program in June, Housing Authority youth aged 5-12 explore the history of Santa Barbara with knowledgeable guides and program coordinators. Youth will explore and learn about historic places throughout Santa Barbara. Field trips include visits to the Santa Barbara Mission, La Purisma Mission and the Oakbrook Chumash Museum and more. This camp is free to Housing Authority youth and space is limited! For more information please contact Leticia Zuñiga at (805) 897-1059 or lzuniga@hacsb.org.
Fun in the Sun (FITS)
Fun in the Sun is a summer learning and enrichment program offered by United Way of Santa Barbara County. This six-week summer program is free of cost for Housing Authority youth in grades 2nd—5th For more information please contact Hector Avila at (805) 897-1044 or havila@hacsb.org.
Early Learning Success Institute (ELSI)
The ELSI program is offered during the summer in collaboration with United Way of Santa Barbara County. The program provides fun and academic enrichment activities that help to develop early math and literacy skills for youth aged 4 through 6. The program is FREE for Housing Authority youth, but space is limited. For more information, please contact Leticia Zuñiga at (805) 897-1059 or lzuniga@hacsb.org.
