|
 Transition House made a major step in solving family
homelessness by acquiring apartments that would be rented at
affordable rates to client families. Transition House
purchased a 13-unit apartment complex at 320 S. Salinas
Street that was later named Casa Marianna, after longtime
Transition House supporter Dr. Marianna Masin. The
acquisition of the Salinas Street property launched
Transition House’s efforts to develop affordable housing.
In February of 1998, Transition House began keeping the
shelter open during weekend days. This allowed clients to
experience a “normal” weekend in which they could stay in,
and sleep in a bit, too. Knowing how important familiar
things are to family stability, the agency also opened the
kitchen to families for weekend breakfasts and lunches. Moms
and Dads were able to cook favorite family recipes for their
kids.
In 1999, Transition House began its efforts to acquire more
administrative office and program space. The opportunity to
purchase 421 and 425 E. Cota Street arose, and a blitz of
publicity helped to raise funds for the purchase. With these
two properties, located on the back side of the block of the
shelter, came eight apartment units. Transition House HOMES
clients moved in as apartments opened up due to attrition.
The additional space also allowed Transition House to launch
the Homelessness Prevention Program.
Renovation work was completed on the Cota Street property
and staff moved in during the late Fall of 2000.
In January 2001, Transition House began offering the same
kind of program services its clients received to low-income
community families at risk of losing their housing with the
launch of the Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP). During
the first year of operation, the agency partnered with the
Santa Barbara City Housing Authority to deliver classes and
case management to HPP clients. Santa Barbara City College
provided the equipment and staff for an onsite computer lab,
as well as an instructor for ESL classes. The physical space
also allowed for onsite free childcare for participating
families who could not otherwise afford care during classes.
Program offerings included ESL, Computer, Career
Development, and Parenting classes, all held during evening
hours.
Transition House began dispensing clothing, household items,
and furniture to clients and participants in the
Homelessness Prevention Program in its clothing closet in
the vacant Mom’s restaurant property at 421 E. Cota Street
while predevelopment work commenced on a plan to enlarge
Mom’s to a three story affordable housing and children’s
program facility.
The first stage of shelter renovation began by adding a
dedicated children’s program room and an indoor waiting
room, located between the front and back buildings of the
shelter. A dedicated sick room and doctor’s office were also
established.
 Transition House designed and built six more units of
affordable housing on its property at 320 S. Salinas Street.
Five of the units had two bedrooms and one was a
three-bedroom unit. The apartments were much needed to house
clients ready to move from the Firehouse to the HOMES
program.
In 2003, Kathleen Baushke, longtime volunteer, past board
member, and the existing Assistant Director, became
Executive Director. The agency began plans to raise money
for a much needed renovation of the shelter at 434 E. Ortega
Street. With over half the money raised, construction
drawings have begun. Transition House has also been working
on predevelopment plans for 421 E. Cota Street. When
complete, the former restaurant will house 10 affordable
housing units and comprehensive program space.
Transition House’s history of community support
continues with over 40 service or faith-based organizations
and 1,200 volunteers donating their time and talents each
year. Area merchants help by donating time, materials, and
contributions to the agency’s efforts. Many businesses also
offer meaningful employment with benefits to residents of
Transition House. Santa Barbara’s compassion, generosity and
commitment to its neighbors will continue to support
Transition House’s efforts in years to come. |
