Advertisement
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
Last Updated
8 hours 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.
Advertisement
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.
Other (Johnson Court) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for Johnson Court have been accepted since June 20, 2023.
Other (Senior Subsidized Housing) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized Housing began on June 20, 2023. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old, with waitlist position determined by date, time, and preferences like veteran status, local living/working, involuntary displacement, special needs referrals, and income category.
Other (Vera Cruz Village) Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications for Vera Cruz Village have been accepted since June 20, 2023.
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
Project-based vouchers are for people with low income who are willing to live in specific housing units offered to them. When a unit is available, HACSB will offer it to someone on the PBV waiting list. After one year of assistance, families may switch to the tenant-based voucher program.
Senior Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Applications are prioritized by date and time and preference points, with a preference for seniors.
Senior Subsidized Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized housing began to be accepted on June 20, 2023, at 8:00 AM. Eligible applicants for senior housing must be at least 62 years old.
Senior Subsidized Housing Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized housing programs have been accepted online since June 20, 2023. Applications are prioritized by date and time, with preferences for those living or working in South Santa Barbara County and persons with disabilities over non-disabled single persons under 62.
Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Multiple
Additional Notes
Waitlist applications for Senior Subsidized, Johnson Court, and Vera Cruz Village properties opened on June 20, 2023. Preference is given to those who live or work in South Santa Barbara County.
other Waitlist
Status
open
Open Date
Jun 20, 2023
How to Apply
Online
Additional Notes
The waitlist for Vera Cruz Village is open. Preferences include residency or work in South Santa Barbara County, veteran status, and for families, seniors, and disabled individuals.
Other Programs
24 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.
Waitlist closed until further notice.
Waitlist closed until further notice.
Tenant-based vouchers allow participants to find their own housing. The waitlist is currently closed to new applications. By law, 75% of vouchers must go to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the area median income. HACSB gives a preference to applicants who are 'in-place' (living in a unit where the owner accepts Section 8 for at least 12 months).
Applications were accepted starting June 20, 2023. General preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for Bradley Studios is closed until further notice.
The waitlist for Artisan Court is closed until further notice.
The waitlist for El Carrillo is closed until further notice.
Eligible applicants for this program must be at least 62 years old.
Waitlists for El Carrillo, Artisan Court, and Bradley Studios remain closed.
The Workforce Housing Program waitlist was last accepting applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice, and there is no announced reopening date. This program assists individuals and families earning up to 120% of the area median income.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
No waitlist information currently available for this program.
The waitlist for Artisan Court remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for El Carrillo remains closed until further notice. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for Senior Subsidized housing had a past opening in June 2023 and is currently closed. HACSB generally gives preference to residents or workers in South Santa Barbara County, and persons with disabilities are housed before single persons under 62.
The waitlist for Bradley Studios is closed until further notice.
The Senior Housing - Unsubsidized waitlist is closed with no announced reopening date; eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old. During previous openings, preferences may have included those living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for Senior Housing – Unsubsidized last accepted applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice, with eligible applicants required to be at least 62 years old.
The Supportive Housing waiting list had a past opening from January 20, 2025, to February 20, 2025, and is currently closed. HACSB generally gives preference to residents or workers in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
Applications were accepted starting June 20, 2023. General preferences include living or working in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The waitlist for Workforce Housing was last open from May 1, 2023, until further notice, and is currently closed. HACSB generally gives preference to residents or workers in South Santa Barbara County, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The Workforce Housing waiting list last accepted applications from May 1, 2023, until further notice. There is no notice when this waiting list will reopen.
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.
WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING
Contact Information
Important Notices
-
Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.
-
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 14 open waiting lists (FUP, Garden Court, Other (Johnson Court), Other (Senior Subsidized Housing), Other (Vera Cruz Village), Other - Johnson Court, Other - Senior Subsidized, Other - Vera Cruz Village, PBV, Senior Housing, Senior Subsidized, Senior Subsidized Housing, Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties, other). 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 to apply.
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.
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 Housing) open
The Other (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.
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.
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 Housing open
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.
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.
Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties open
The Senior Subsidized Housing / Specific Properties 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.
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.
Johnson Court closed
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 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.
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.
Other (Senior Unsubsidized) closed
The Other (Senior Unsubsidized) 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 (Specific Properties) closed
The Other (Specific Properties) 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 (Workforce Housing Program) closed
The Other (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.
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.
Property Specific (Artisan Court) closed
The Property Specific (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.
Property Specific (El Carrillo) closed
The Property Specific (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 - Unsubsidized closed
The Senior Housing - Unsubsidized 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 Housing – Unsubsidized closed
The Senior Housing – Unsubsidized 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.
Vera Cruz Village closed
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.
Workforce closed
The Workforce 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.
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.