Watch Video Recap
Community leaders, local officials, and residents gathered on August 15 to celebrate the opening of Buena Tierra, a new supportive housing development providing affordable, safe, and permanent housing for those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The event marked a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the region. Watch a video recap here.
Located in the heart of Old Town Goleta, Buena Tierra is designed to offer not just permanent housing, but comprehensive support services to its residents. The development features 60 units, 15 of which have been designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care. Units are equipped with amenities that create a comfortable and dignified living space for its residents. In addition to the residential units, Buena Tierra offers on-site case management, mental health services, job training, and community-building activities, all tailored to help residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
In attendance was Governor Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness, Hafsa Kaka, who emphasized the State’s commitment to providing housing options to the most vulnerable through initiatives such as Governor Newsom’s Homekey 2.0 program, which provided much of the project’s funding. “Since Homekey’s inception in 2020, Homekey has awarded $3.6 billion to support 259 projects that will include 15,850 homes to serve more than 172,000 Californians. So this is huge,” said Kaka. She included a statement on behalf of Governor Newsom, stating, “We are proud to stand with local partners who are serving their communities by providing much needed housing to alleviate homelessness. We’ll continue to support local governments who are doing the work to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”
Also in attendance were representatives from the project’s key partners, including local non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector contributors who played a pivotal role in bringing Buena Tierra to life.
Councilmember James Kyriaco highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the development possible. “Buena Tierra is bringing badly needed rental housing for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents. I am proud of this partnership with leaders at all different levels of government that is changing lives for the better. This project alone won’t solve homelessness, but it’s an effective and compassionate step forward,” said Kyriaco.
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps echoed the sentiment. “Buena Tierra is a commitment to new beginnings and underscores the County’s dedication to tackling the homelessness crisis head on. I could not be prouder to live and work in a place that extends compassion and care to all of our neighbors. My heartfelt thanks to the Housing Authority, the State, and the City of Goleta for being champions to bring more safe and supportive housing to our community,” said Capps.
Representing the 3rd District, County Supervisor Joan Hartmann emphasized the hope that projects like Buena Tierra can offer communities who are seeking solutions to homelessness. “The realization of this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we stay committed to a vision of providing stable, supportive housing for those in need. This development is more than just housing; it’s a beacon of hope for the residents who will find stability and community here,” said Hartmann.
Paula Perotte, Mayor of the City of Goleta, highlighted the physical and metaphorical transformation of the renovated structure. “This former Super 8 hotel has been physically transformed into something that presents an opportunity to truly transform people’s lives. Developing the kind of permanent housing we’re celebrating today provides our community with a real solution to help end homelessness. This project integrates permanent housing with the services needed to KEEP people housed. That is Buena Tierra’s formula for success,” said Perotte.
Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Steve Lavagnino, was also on hand, bringing attention to the development’s long-term vision. “Buena Tierra is another important piece of the puzzle to help break the cycle of homelessness. By providing permanent supportive housing and comprehensive support, we are creating a foundation for long-term success,” said Lavagnino.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, followed by self-guided tours of the facility, where guests had the opportunity to meet some of the development’s first residents and learn more about the services offered on-site.
Residents expressed their gratitude for the new opportunities Buena Tierra provides, with many sharing stories of how the development has already made a positive impact on their lives. “The best thing about being here is that I can go to places that have canned foods or vegetables, I can take them home and cook them, whereas before, I couldn’t take those things because I had no place to cook them,” said Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins, adding proudly, “Two weeks ago I sat down at my kitchen table and cooked some warm beef and cabbage,” a statement that received a thunderous round of applause from the crowd. “It sure felt good to eat a decent meal in my own place.”
Buena Tierra is expected to serve as a model for future supportive housing projects across the region.
For more information about Buena Tierra including how to apply, visit www.hasbarco.org.
Pictured above: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte speaking at the event
Celebratory cutting of the ribbon
HASBARCO Executive Director Bob Havlicek speaking to the crowd
Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins speaks to the audience
Buena Tierra resident in her unit