Last month, a panel of community experts convened by the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara shared their perspectives during a roundtable discussion focused on preventing local families from slipping into homelessness. The goal was to help Women’s Fund members better understand why some families are particularly vulnerable, what causes these families to lose their homes, and what can be done to help prevent our neighbors from facing eviction.
The discussion took place at the Center Stage Theater on February 18 with approximately 120 members and guests attending. Participants included Sylvia Barnard, CEO of Good Samaritan, Kathleen Baushke, Executive Director of Transition House, Jett Black-Maertz, Homelessness Prevention Manager for Santa Barbara County, Rob Fredricks, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, and Kristine Schwarz, Executive Director of New Beginnings. Women’s Fund member Maureen Ellenberger moderated.
Over the years, we have provided numerous grants to nonprofit organizations and programs providing shelter and support to families who have lost their homes. While this has done a tremendous amount of good, there is wide agreement among experts, that preventing families from losing their housing in the first place could be even more impactful and cost effective.
Panelists discussed events that may trigger housing loss, including health crises, loss of transportation, loss of government or nonprofit funding for food or housing support, and domestic violence. Rob Fredricks shared that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara is $3,941. Housing costs are considered affordable if they are up to 30% of gross income which means a Santa Barbara family must earn $13,137 per month to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for families in our community to spend 50% of their income or more on rent, leaving them very vulnerable. If one thing goes wrong, if one major unforeseen expense arises, a family may not be able to pay their rent.
There are several local prevention programs already underway. For example, Sylvia Barnard discussed the success of a hotline for those in danger of homelessness operated by Good Samaritan. Glenn Bacheller, community volunteer and homelessness prevention advocate, stressed the need for coordinated prevention efforts in our community and described a highly successful program underway in Santa Clara County. One important aspect of the Santa Clara County program and the Good Samaritan hotline is that a case manager connects those in danger of losing their homes to resources and services.
Although the problems are complex, this type of homelessness can be prevented. You can get more information, including more data, information about pilot projects, and related topics by clicking here.