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The Housing Authority has many affordable housing opportunities for seniors. We have housing designed for seniors only, and seniors can also apply for any of our other housing programs such as Public Housing and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. For all of our senior housing, applicants must be 62 years of age or older.

To apply, please download and complete the application below and forward to our office at 808 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Senior Application 

This application will place you on the waiting list for all senior developments including Section 8, Public Housing, & SHIFCO.

Information and applications for Garden Court may be obtained below.

A Tour of the Housing Authority's Senior Developments...

SHIFCO • 418 Sante Fe Place

SHIFCO is a 107-unit senior apartment complex located on the Mesa of Santa Barbara that receives Rent Supplement from the federal government via HUD

• Managed by the Housing Authority since 1976; title transferred to HACSB in 1988
• 2009 monthly rents range from $133 to $560
• Most households pay rent equaling 30% of their adjusted income
• In no case does any household pay less than the minimum rent or more that the maximum rent
• Income is reviewed at annually except for households paying the maximum rent

SHIFCO boasts a view  of the Pacific Ocean and over 8 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Spread over the property are 106 one-bedroom units, all ground floor, with full kitchens, bathroom and private patios. Amenities include newly refurbished community room with regularly scheduled resident activities and meetings, community garden, full time on-site resident manager, on-site parking and laundry facilities.

El Patio  •  4007- 4011 Via Lucero

El Patio is a 48 unit senior development and managed by the Housing Authority.  It is part of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and as such the income limits and rents are restricted at 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), see below. Amenities include one-bedroom apartments with full kitchen and bathrooms, generous closet space, on-site laundry, community room, garage parking and manager.  

Garden Court on De La Vina • 1116 de La Vina Street            Garden Court Application       Garden Court Information

Garden Court, a 97-unit, service enhanced, senior complex offers affordable rents to income eligible seniors 62 years and older. The Garden Court is designed to primarily house seniors who have difficulty with activities such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, driving, and keeping up with housework. The Garden Court is located on De La Vina Street between Figueroa and Anapamu convenient to shopping, public transportation and the senior center.

In addition to studio apartments, the complex offers residents 3 meals per day (Monday - Saturday), 2 meals Sunday, a full program of social activities, 24-hour staffing, and beautiful common areas and grounds.

Rent level maximum is $940.00 per month for housing, utilities, and services. Some residents may be eligible for additional rent subsidy through the Housing Authority's Section 8 program.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is currently accepting applications for Garden Court on De La Vina. Submitted applications that are deemed eligible based on low income and related factors will be placed on the appropriate waiting list in accordance with program requirements.

In addition to suitability and need for the housing and services provided at Garden Court, selection for occupancy is governed by the following preferences:

Resident of unit currently operated by Housing Authority (HACSB)

HACSB Section 8 recipient

Referral from social service agency

Displacement by governmental action or disaster

In addition to the above preferences, ranking shall include South Santa Barbara County residency and Veterans status

Villa La Cumbre, a 60 unit senior development, is owned and managed by the Housing Authority. The 60 one-bedroom units are situated on beautifully landscaped grounds and include full kitchens, bathrooms, washer/dryer hook-ups, patios and balconies. Amenities include laundry facilities, carports with storage, on-site resident manager, community garden space and a newly refurbished community room equipped with pool table, computer with high speed internet and kitchen. 

Cottage Gardens • 227 West De La Guerra Street

Cottage Gardens, a quaint 17 unit senior development, is located just a few blocks from downtown Santa Barbara. The property was developed in 1993 using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and is currently owned and operated by the Housing Authority. Each one bedroom unit has a spacious full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, and either a balcony or private patio. Amenities include on-site laundry, community room and limited parking. Cottage Gardens is guided by the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program and therefore income limits and rents are restricted at 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), see below.