Staff Report
In the continuing effort to financially support individuals and families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is partnering with the County of Santa Barbara to offer rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families– the grants pertain to those living in Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria and Guadalupe as well as those living in unincorporated areas of the County (listed below). There is a total of $890k available for eligible applicants who must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal CDBG grants.
If approved, families can receive a max of $5,000 of rental assistance over three months. Payments would go directly to landlords to ensure the assistance goes directly to rent payments.
In addition to Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria, and Guadalupe, funds are available for those living in unincorporated areas, which include but are not limited to:
– Burton Mesa
– Casmalia
– Cuyama
– Eastern Goleta Valley
– Gaviota
– Isla Vista
– Los Alamos
– Los Olivos
– Montecito
– Orcutt
– Santa Ynez
– Summerland
– Vandenberg Village
“With the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic, many local residents are unable to pay rent and meet other basic needs,” said Steve Ortiz, President and CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County. “The prospect of losing one’s home is a sad reality for many local families and individuals and the County of Santa Barbara and United Way are doing all that we can to keep that from happening,” said Ortiz.
Families or individuals seeking the assistance must have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in unincorporated areas of the County and can check if their address is eligible using the online map from United Way. Eligible families must also fall below certain income thresholds. Other COVID-19 grants are also listed at the website. To check eligibility requirements and to apply visit www.unitedwaysb.org.
About United Way of Santa Barbara County
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local nonprofit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families and seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.
