There are currently 787 homeless people in the city of Santa Barbara, according to the 2023 Homeless Point in Time Count. In an effort to create more affordable housing, the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously voted to grant $6 million toward the purchase of the Quality Inn on De la Vina Street to be used for project Homekey.
Housing Authority CEO Rob Fredricks says this project will be an upgrade for the whole community.
“We’re planning on taking each of the units and converting them into little studios. We’re taking out the swimming pool, enhancing the landscaping and the security around the facility so that it’s a benefit to the neighborhood as well,” Fredricks said.
The 36-unit motel will be the newest development under Homekey, a statewide effort to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. Since 2020, Homekey has created 15,009 homes, according to the California Department of Housing and Development.
Fredricks understands that for the project to be successful, the concerns of the community also need to be considered.