Make Room for Emancipated Foster Youth

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The Artisan Court studio apartments are intended to provide affordable housing for young people who have recently aged-out of foster care. To raise fund for supplying the apartments with basic, starting essentials, Second Story Associates, a nonprofit affiliate of the City of Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority, has launched the Adopt-a-Room campaign.

Thirty-two percent of foster kids experience homelessness within three years of emancipation, according to a Santa Barbara Housing Authority press release. Hopefully, the 55-unit Artisan Court, currently under construction at 422 E. Cota Street and expected to be ready for occupancy December, will improve that statistic and the cruel reality behind it. The apartment will also house other special needs groups, such as people with disabilities and low-income downtown workers.

In partnership with local nonprofits Noah’s Anchorage and PathPoint, the Housing Authority will provide on-site supportive services, as well as furniture and appliances. However, it is looking to the public to contribute funding for such necessities as cookware, dishware, lamps, sheets, pillows, towels, glasses, and basic hygiene supplies. One hundred percent of proceeds will go towards these supplies, according to a press release, and contributions of any size are appreciated.

“With the grim future faced by youth aging out of foster care, there is a clear need to provide a place for them that is safe and secure,” said Robert Pearson, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority in a press release. “Having a home, a community, and the support that Artisan Court will provide are critical to their becoming thriving members of the community.”

Donations are tax deductible and can be made, by mail or in person, to 2nd Story Associates at Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, 808 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or online at 2nd-story.org.

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