HACSB Community Rooms and Public Meeting Spaces

Purpose of Community Rooms and Spaces

All community rooms and spaces owned and/or operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) are governed by its “Policy of Use of Housing Authority Community Rooms and Public Meeting Spaces.”

The community rooms and spaces owned and/or operated by HACSB are designated as limited public forums; they are open to the public as discussed in its policy, but only to certain groups and/or for the discussion of certain topics. Generally, community rooms and spaces are intended to support resident needs and HACSB’s mission. As discussed below, these spaces are available for specific purposes that HACSB has determined align with its mission and resident needs, such as providing services to residents.

In part, the policy is designed to prevent/avoid disruption (both to HACSB in carrying out its mission and residents), favoritism, and the alienation of residents; foster and promote a positive, welcoming and inclusive housing community; and ultimately maximize the likelihood of success in HACSB carrying out its mission.

Permitted Uses

Community rooms and spaces are open for the following categories of events and activities:

1. Housing Authority-Sponsored Events: Events organized or sponsored by HACSB. Examples include staff meetings or trainings, supportive service for residents (such as mental health counseling, food distribution, employment assistance, tenant’s rights education, and health screening), public meetings, and initiatives consistent with HACSB’s mission.
   
2. Government Agency/Department, Community Group, and Nonprofit Organization Events: Activities or events hosted by government agencies (including, but not limited to, local and state agencies/departments), community groups, and nonprofits that align with the Housing Authority’s mission to create affordable housing and provide supportive services for residents (such as mental health counseling, food distribution, employment assistance, and health screenings).
   
3. Service Provider Programs: Programs or services offered by external agencies, government organizations, or specialized partners that directly relate to providing supportive services for residents, including, but not limited to, mental health counseling, food distribution services, employment assistance, health screenings, and tenant rights education.

In all cases, the organizer(s) of such events must demonstrate that their events and activities align with the Authority’s mission and the policy.