Now that you’ve applied for housing assistance from the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), you probably have a few questions.
To begin, your newly submitted application is scanned and entered into our computer system, and your name placed on the appropriate waiting list(s). A confirmation letter is then sent to you, notifying you that your application has been received, as well as which waiting lists your name has been placed on.
There are several factors which influence how long a person may have to wait before receiving housing assistance:
Date & time application is submitted
Applications are prioritized according to date and time.
Preferences
The more preferences that apply to you the higher on the waiting lists you will be (refer to back of brochure for descriptions).
Funding Availability
HACSB is currently 100% leased up in all assisted housing programs and there is little or no new monies coming from the Federal government to buy or build new housing or provide more Section 8 Vouchers. Therefore, the wait for applicants is much longer due to the fact we can only offer housing assistance when it becomes available (i.e. someone no longer needs housing assistance).
The combination of these factors determines how long it will take, and who is next, to receive housing assistance. It is important to remember that while an applicant may have an urgent need for housing, and may qualify for preferences, they will still have to wait until their name is reached. This is because there are thousands of households on our waiting lists and demand for housing far exceeds supply. Unfortunately, assisted housing is not an entitlement in the United States.
Important Note to Applicants
- If you or anyone in your family is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation in order to fully utilize our programs and services, please contact the Housing Authority.
- All changes to your income, address and family composition must be reported in writing.
- To check the status of your applications with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, please contact us directly at (805) 965-1071, Monday through Friday (except on Wednesdays), between 8am-10:30am.
