Habitat for Humanity maintains that every man, woman, and child should have a safe place to live in dignity. In southern Santa Barbara County, the high cost of living and .5% vacancy rate means hundreds must live in overcrowded, unsafe, or cost-burdened housing conditions. They may also commute long distances to and from work. Habitat Santa Barbara eliminates substandard housing through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing access to resources and training to help families improve their housing conditions.