Santa Barbara Launches 'Adopt a Home' Crowdfunding for Homeless Housing

Wealthy California city asks public to fund furnishings for 31 studio apartments for formerly homeless residents.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Santa Barbara, California, where the median income is over $100,000, has launched an 'adopt a home' crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 to furnish a new 31-unit apartment complex for formerly homeless residents. The city has linked an Amazon wish list with items ranging from bath towels to gas grills that community members can purchase to outfit the studios.

Why it matters

This initiative highlights the challenges even wealthy California cities face in providing housing and support services for their homeless populations. While the new apartment complex aims to offer stability and a 'fresh start' for formerly homeless individuals, the city's reliance on public donations to furnish the units raises questions about the sustainability of this approach and whether the high cost of living in Santa Barbara is exacerbating homelessness.

The details

The 31-unit apartment complex, located at 3055 De La Vina Street, was formerly a Quality Inn hotel. The purchase and conversion was made possible through a loan from the City of Santa Barbara, funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Housing Authority. The apartments will accept Section 8 vouchers and are intended to provide a stable living situation for formerly homeless individuals. However, the city is now asking the public to 'adopt a home' by purchasing items from an Amazon wish list to furnish the studios, including items like bath towels, white noise machines, area rugs, and gas grills.

  • The apartment complex is scheduled to open its doors in June 2026.
  • In 2022, DignityMoves opened a tiny cabin village for the formerly and chronically homeless in Santa Barbara.

The players

Santa Barbara Housing Authority

The local housing authority overseeing the new apartment complex for formerly homeless residents.

Frank Quezada

Resident Programs Analyst at the Santa Barbara Housing Authority.

Rob Fredericks

Executive director and CEO of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority.

Bill Brown

Santa Barbara County Sheriff who has touted the success of the city's previous homeless housing project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You're talking about everything from a shower mat to a bed. And so we're looking to not only the business community, but also the private community to help raise these funds.”

— Frank Quezada, Resident Programs Analyst, Santa Barbara Housing Authority (KCLU)

“By helping us furnish these studios, our supporters are doing more than donating. They are helping us turn this former hotel into a true home for those who have been without one for far too long.”

— Rob Fredericks, Executive Director and CEO, Santa Barbara Housing Authority (The California Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.