The Community Programs Division administers the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and other related Federal and State grant programs. The Division supports many special projects and programs related to affordable housing, public services, public and non-profit facilities, economic development, and downtown revitalization.

Contact Information:

Email: communityprograms@cityofsantamaria.org

Phone: (805) 925-0951 extension 2118       

Address: 110 South Pine Street, Suite 103, Santa Maria, CA 93458

Staff: 

• Rosie Rojo, Community Programs Manager
• Alicia Vela, Grants Specialist II
• Deisy Ruiz, Housing and Community Services Technician

Human Services Guide

The Division has put together the Human Services Guide which contains helpful information and resources that local agencies offer in the Santa Maria Valley. This guide is available in both English and Spanish. 

                 English                                               Spanish

           

Division Objectives

CDBG Program

Administer the CDBG Program, in close coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including the supervision of a variety of programs and projects designed to build a stable economic environment, maintain suitable living conditions, and expand the supply of decent, affordable housing.

Public Services

Assist approximately a dozen non-profit agencies annually in providing public services that prevent homelessness and address the critical emergency, housing, health care, and service needs of persons and families living in poverty, elderly, frail elderly, persons with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities, and persons living with diseases. Support and develop social services that prevent crime and provide positive educational and youth development opportunities needed by at-risk youth and families to achieve success.

Affordable Housing

Develop and support programs and projects to increase the supply of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households and maintain and upgrade existing low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Administer the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program to facilitate permanent housing for low-income households.

Revitalize Existing Neighborhoods

Revitalize existing neighborhoods in low- to moderate-income areas by increasing services such as supportive social services, and upgrading public infrastructure, such as street lighting, improved sidewalks, parks, and recreational public facilities. 

Public and Non-Profit Facilities Program

Ensure funding to expand and upgrade City-owned public and non-profit facilities and improvements that benefit low- and moderate-income persons and neighborhoods in the community. An example of this is the installation of several Wi-Fi locations that provide free hotspots for residents. Click here for a map.

Grant Coordination

Seek and secure new grants and outside funding sources for the City to reduce financial burdens on General Fund departments. Also, provide technical assistance to City departments in grant writing and management.