Housing Authority Santa Maria Decisions Affect Families Deeply
- 01. Housing Authority Santa Maria: Complete Guide to Services, Eligibility, and Contact Information
- 02. Key Facts About the Housing Authority Santa Maria Office
- 03. Programs and Services Offered
- 04. Income Eligibility Requirements
- 05. Current Challenges and Pressure to Adapt
- 06. How to Apply for Housing Assistance
- 07. Other Office Locations in Santa Barbara County
- 08. Affordable Housing Statistics for Santa Maria
- 09. Recent Developments and Projects
- 10. Contact Information and Resources
Housing Authority Santa Maria: Complete Guide to Services, Eligibility, and Contact Information
The Housing Authority Santa Maria refers to the Santa Maria office of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO), located at 200 W Williams St, Santa Maria, CA 93458, serving low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals through Section 8 vouchers and public housing programs. The agency operates under federal HUD funding and provides rental assistance to over 2,400 households across Santa Barbara County, with the Santa Maria office specifically handling applications for the Santa Maria/Guadalupe service area.
Key Facts About the Housing Authority Santa Maria Office
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara - Santa Maria/Guadalupe Office |
| Address | 200 W Williams St, Santa Maria, CA 93454 |
| Phone Number | 925-4393 |
| Main Office Phone | 736-3423 |
| Toll-Free | 433-0333 |
| Hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (specific hours vary) |
| Website | www.hasbarco.org |
| info@hasbarco.org | |
| Founded | 1941 |
| Employees | 51-200 staff countywide |
Programs and Services Offered
The Housing Authority Santa Maria administers multiple federal housing assistance programs designed to provide stable, affordable housing for vulnerable populations throughout Santa Barbara County.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Tenant-based vouchers allow families to find their own housing in the private market, with the authority paying subsidies directly to landlords
- Project-Based Vouchers (PBV): Rental assistance tied to specific buildings or units in privately owned properties
- Public Housing: Government-owned units with income-based rent, including the Evans Park Housing Authority in Santa Maria
- Senior Housing: Dedicated affordable housing for elderly residents, including the 122-unit Presidio Springs property
- Homeless Assistance: Support through partnerships like Hope Village, which opened in March 2024 with 113-resident capacity
Income Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for Housing Authority Santa Maria programs is determined by household income relative to the area median income (AMI) for Santa Barbara County, with strict federal guidelines governing qualification.
- Very Low-Income (50% AMI): Primary target for housing vouchers; families must earn ≤50% of county median income
- Extremely Low-Income (30% AMI): By law, 75% of vouchers must go to applicants earning ≤30% AMI
- Income Limit for 4-Person Household: $74,940 (60% AMI); must earn less than this for affordable housing
- Rent Burden Threshold: Tenant typically pays 30% of income toward rent; subsidy covers remainder
- Citizenship Requirement: U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status
As of 2019, more than 56% of renters in Santa Barbara County were considered cost-burdened, highlighting the critical need for affordable housing assistance in the region.
Current Challenges and Pressure to Adapt
Housing Authority Santa Maria faces pressure to adapt to rapidly growing demand, with Santa Maria planning to add 16,140 new housing units by 2045 to accommodate 58,265 additional residents. The rental housing market remains tight with an estimated 3.9% vacancy rate, up from 3.3% in April 2020 but still below the 4.5-percent threshold for balance.
"Housing is more than shelter - it's the foundation for dignity, stability, and opportunity. At HACSB, we don't just build units, we build futures." - Executive Director/CEO, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara
The agency recently opposed a proposed HUD rule that would require all household members in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to have verified eligible immigration status, stating it would harm families and increase housing instability. Santa Maria's housing costs continue to challenge residents as the city government looks to accommodate massive growth.
How to Apply for Housing Assistance
Applying for Housing Authority Santa Maria assistance requires following specific procedures established by the county authority.
Other Office Locations in Santa Barbara County
The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara operates multiple offices to serve the entire county, with the Santa Maria office being one of three primary locations.
| Office Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Office (Lompoc) | 815 West Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436 | 735-8351 |
| Santa Maria/Guadalupe | 200 West Williams St, Santa Maria, CA 93454 | 925-4393 |
| Goleta Office | 5575 Armitos Ave, Goleta, CA 93117 | 967-3402 |
| Section 8 Housing Office | 817 West Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436 | 735-8351 |
Affordable Housing Statistics for Santa Maria
Santa Maria currently has 16 affordable housing complexes with 245 Section 8 apartments, 142 public housing buildings, and 836 approved low-income housing units. The average property rent in Santa Maria, CA is $3,429, with significant variation by bedroom count.
| Apartment Type | Rent Range (Santa Maria) |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,864 - $2,796 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,121 - $3,181 |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,622 - $5,434 |
| Fair Market Rent (2BR) | $2,994 |
The median home sale price in Santa Maria hovers around $618,000-$651,667 as of mid-2026, with homes going pending in approximately 10-28 days. This makes rental assistance programs critical for families unable to enter the homeownership market.
Recent Developments and Projects
The housing authority continues to expand affordable housing options through multiple initiatives. A proposed 184-unit affordable housing complex at Miller Street and Plaza Drive was under review, with affordability defined as accessible to people earning 60% or less of area median income. New projects are adding affordable senior housing units in Santa Maria as of March 2026.
The agency's 5-Year Action Plan (2024-2029) charts a course to address the community's affordable housing demands, while the 2025 Annual Report highlights progress, partnership, and continued commitment to the community.
Contact Information and Resources
For immediate assistance with Housing Authority Santa Maria services, residents should contact the appropriate office based on their location and needs.
- Santa Maria Office: 925-4393
- Main Administration: 736-3423
- Toll-Free (Statewide): 433-0333
- Email: info@hasbarco.org
- Website: www.hasbarco.org
- Online Portal: rentcafe.com/onlineleasing/hasbarco/guestlogin.aspx for tracking applications
The Housing Authority Santa Maria remains committed to providing safe, stable, and affordable housing while supporting all members of the diverse community with compassion and kindness.
Helpful tips and tricks for Housing Authority Santa Maria Decisions Affect Families Deeply
How do I apply for Section 8 in Santa Maria?
To begin, your newly submitted application is scanned and entered into the computer system, and your name is placed on the appropriate waiting list(s); the tenant-based voucher program wait list is currently closed to new applications, but you can apply for the project-based voucher program through the official website.
Is the Section 8 waiting list open in Santa Maria?
The tenant-based voucher program wait list is currently closed to new applications as of 2026; however, the project-based voucher program remains open for applications at specific housing locations.
What documents do I need to apply for housing assistance?
Applicants must show proof of income to verify eligibility, and families must demonstrate total annual gross income and family size meet program requirements.
How long is the waiting list for housing authority Santa Maria?
Waiting times vary significantly by program; applicants should contact the Santa Maria office directly at 925-4393 to check the status of applications and current wait times.
Does housing authority Santa Maria serve homeless individuals?
Yes, the authority partners with organizations like Hope Village (opened March 2024, 113-resident capacity) to provide interim supportive housing for transitional-age youth, veterans, and individuals needing medical care.
