Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Last Updated
Less than an hour ago
About Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), located in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California, manages approximately 2,931 assisted housing units. These units primarily consist of housing choice vouchers, providing rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
HACSB currently has several waitlists open for applications, offering various types of rental assistance. These include programs such as FUP, Garden Court, Johnson Court, Other, PBV (Project-Based Vouchers), Senior Subsidized, Senior Subsidized Housing, and Vera Cruz Village.
For eligibility, a family of four must meet specific income limits; for example, the Very Low Income threshold for the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA area is $88,250 per year. Applicants should confirm current program availability and specific eligibility requirements directly with HACSB.
Family Unification Program (FUP) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
HACSB is currently accepting online applications for its housing programs through a single streamlined application. Preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, veterans, and 'in-place' applicants. Wait times are typically several years due to high demand and limited funding.
Garden Court Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
HACSB is currently accepting online applications for its housing programs through a single streamlined application. Preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, veterans, and 'in-place' applicants. Wait times are typically several years due to high demand and limited funding.
Johnson Court Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for the Johnson Court waitlist opened on June 20, 2023. Preference is given to those who live or work in South Santa Barbara County.
Other Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The Workforce Housing program assists community members earning up to 120% of the area median income, with some properties potentially offering preference points for downtown workers or having vehicle restrictions.
Other - Johnson Court Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Other - Senior Subsidized Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old; units are one-bedroom with income-based rent. Preferences include South Santa Barbara County residency/work and veteran status.
Other - Vera Cruz Village Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Waitlist
Status
open
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The project-based voucher program offers rental housing options at specific housing locations. When a unit is available, the Housing Authority will offer it to someone who is on the PBV waiting list.
View original notice — hacsb.orgSenior Subsidized Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are accepted online; preferences are given to seniors, those with disabilities, and veterans.
Senior Subsidized Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Senior Subsidized housing opened on June 20, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. This includes properties like Johnson Court and Vera Cruz Village. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old. Applications are accepted online or via paper application (requestable by phone).
Vera Cruz Village Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for the Vera Cruz Village waitlist opened on June 20, 2023. Preference is given to those who live or work in South Santa Barbara County.
Other Programs
13 programsThese programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.
The Artisan Court waitlist is closed until further notice.
The El Carrillo waitlist is closed until further notice.
The tenant-based voucher program wait list is currently closed to new applications. Mixed-status families will continue to receive prorated assistance under existing regulations.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Families, seniors, and disabled individuals are given priority, with rent based on 30% of adjusted annual income for units located within the City of Santa Barbara. Preferences include South Santa Barbara County residency/work and veteran status.
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance, allowing housing authorities to leverage private funding for property rehabilitation while preserving long-term affordability for residents.
Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
Rent amounts vary by property/unit, and some properties may give preference points for downtown workers or have vehicle restrictions.
This waitlist will remain closed until further notice.
Mainstream Vouchers provide rental assistance specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities. The program helps individuals transition out of institutional settings or avoid institutionalization by subsidizing housing costs in the private market.
This program assists members of the workforce and community who earn up to 120% of the area median income, but the waitlist status is not explicitly stated.
Status History
Official Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
Go to Official SiteWARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
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Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
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Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.
How to Apply at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Check Current Status
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara currently has 11 open waiting lists (FUP, Garden Court, Johnson Court, Other, Other - Johnson Court, Other - Senior Subsidized, Other - Vera Cruz Village, PBV, Senior Subsidized, Senior Subsidized Housing, Vera Cruz Village). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
For Section 8 voucher programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $88,250/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.
Submit Your Application
Apply directly through the official Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.
After You Apply
Once accepted onto the waiting list at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara manages approximately 2,931 assisted housing units (2,931 Section 8), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Santa Barbara. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.
Programs at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
FUP open
The FUP program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Garden Court open
The Garden Court program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Johnson Court open
The Johnson Court program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other open
The Other program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - Johnson Court open
The Other - Johnson Court program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - Senior Subsidized open
The Other - Senior Subsidized program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - Vera Cruz Village open
The Other - Vera Cruz Village program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
PBV Project-Based Voucher open
Project-Based Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are attached to specific apartment complexes or units in Santa Barbara. Unlike the standard Housing Choice Voucher, PBV assistance stays with the property — not with you. However, after one year of occupancy, you may request a standard portable voucher. PBV waitlists often move faster because fewer applicants know about them.
Senior Subsidized open
The Senior Subsidized program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Senior Subsidized Housing open
The Senior Subsidized Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Vera Cruz Village open
The Vera Cruz Village program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Artisan Court closed
The Artisan Court program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
El Carrillo closed
The El Carrillo program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) closed
The Housing Choice Voucher program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Santa Barbara. This program serves approximately 2,931 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.
Other - Artisan Court closed
The Other - Artisan Court program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Other - El Carrillo closed
The Other - El Carrillo program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Public Housing Public Housing closed
Public Housing units at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.
RAD Rental Assistance Demonstration closed
The Rental Assistance Demonstration program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara converts Public Housing units to project-based assistance with long-term contracts. RAD units in Santa Barbara maintain the same resident protections as Public Housing while enabling capital improvements to the properties.
Senior Housing closed
The Senior Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Supportive Housing closed
The Supportive Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Workforce Housing closed
The Workforce Housing program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
other closed
The other program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Mainstream Mainstream Voucher closed
Mainstream Vouchers at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are specifically designated for non-elderly individuals with disabilities. These vouchers work like standard HCVs but are reserved for this population and often have separate, shorter waitlists.
Workforce Housing Program closed
The Workforce Housing Program program at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara provides housing assistance to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in Santa Barbara. Contact the housing authority directly for specific program details and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara free?
How long is the wait at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
How do I contact Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
What are the income limits for Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara?
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Income Limits
Income limits for programs at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $88,250. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.
| Household Size | Extremely Low 30% AMI |
Very Low 50% AMI |
Low Income 80% AMI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $37,100 | $61,800 | $98,850 |
| 2 Persons | $42,400 | $70,600 | $113,000 |
| 3 Persons | $47,700 | $79,450 | $127,100 |
| 4 Persons | $52,950 | $88,250 | $141,200 |
| 5 Persons | $57,200 | $95,350 | $152,500 |
| 6 Persons | $61,450 | $102,400 | $163,800 |
| 7 Persons | $65,700 | $109,450 | $175,100 |
| 8 Persons | $69,900 | $116,500 | $186,400 |
What do these income limits mean?
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.
Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.
Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.
Nearby Housing Authorities
Applying to multiple housing authorities increases your chances of receiving assistance. These PHAs are closest to Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara — including across state lines.