HOPWA Housing & Utility Assistance in Santa Barbara County
housingsbc@asn.org
Our Service Program
In 1984, the founders of the Access Support Network (ASN) witnessed an urgent need in the community to provide advocacy and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. From then on, the ASN has grown and adapted to the community’s unique needs. In 2001, the SLO Hep C Project was developed, offering support for community members living with hepatitis C. The ASN remains the sole community based, non-profit organization in San Luis Obispo, Monterey Counties, and Santa Barbara that provides supportive services to residents living with HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and their loved ones. The agency strives to improve its clients’ quality of life and independence by providing support individually and meeting the unmet needs of our community members.
Secure, stable housing is health care. Through the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program, ASN offers rental, mortgage, and utility assistance plus hands-on housing case management to low-income Santa Barbara residents living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal: keep you in safe, affordable housing so you can focus on your health—not your next rent payment.
Services include: security-deposit grants, short-term rental subsidies, emergency mortgage relief, utility shut-off prevention, personalized housing searches, and ongoing support from a dedicated case manager.
Ready to apply? Email housingsbc@asn.org or call (805) 549-4750.
Our caring and committed staff look forward to assisting you with the following services:
- Deposit Assistance
- Rental Assistance
- Mortage Assistance
- Utility Assistance
- Housing Search
- Housing Case Management
Eligibility Requirements:
- Person Living with HIV
- Low Income Household
- Willing to provide required documents
- Live in Santa Barbara County
What We Can Help With
How the Application Process Works
Reach out – Email housingsbc@asn.org or call (805) 549-4750.
Get scheduled – Our Housing Case Manager will set up a one-on-one appointment (in-person, phone, or video).
Complete a housing assessment – We review your current situation, verify eligibility, and identify the level of emergency support you need.
Funding request submitted – Your case manager reviews request with Program Manager. Follow up may be required.
Checks cut weekly – Accounting issues checks once a week, mailed to your landlord/utility provider or to you.
Tip: To keep the timeline short, have your proof of income, HIV status documentation, and a current lease or utility bill ready for your first appointment.
Contact Us
Frequently asked questions
Through ASN’s HOPWA housing program, low-income Santa Barbara residents living with HIV/AIDS can get rental assistance, mortgage relief, and utility support—plus one-on-one housing case management that keeps you stable and secure.
1. What is HOPWA and how does it help Santa Barbara residents living with HIV/AIDS?
HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS) is a federal program that funds rent, mortgage, and utility assistance plus housing case management, keeping low-income residents with HIV/AIDS stably housed in Santa Barbara County.
2. What types of housing assistance can I receive?
Depending on need and eligibility, ASN can provide rental subsidies, one-time security-deposit grants, short-term mortgage payments, and limited utility assistance to prevent shut-offs.
3. Who is eligible for ASN’s HOPWA services?
You must (1) live in Santa Barbara County, (2) have a documented HIV diagnosis, (3) meet HUD low-income limits, and (4) supply required paperwork such as proof of income and residency.
4. How do I apply for rental or utility assistance?
Email housingsbc@asn.org or call (805) 549-4750 to schedule an intake. A housing case manager will guide you through the application, collect documents, and submit for approval—typically within two weeks.
Still have a questions ?
Whether you’re facing an unexpected job loss, a steep rent increase, or the risk of utility shut-offs, our team is here to help you stay housed while you focus on your health.
What We Can Help With
Benefits & what we do ?
1. Can ASN cover part of my monthly rent if I’m struggling?
Yes. We offer short- to mid-term rental subsidies that bridge the gap between what you can afford and what’s due, preventing eviction while you regain financial stability.
2. Will ASN help with upfront housing costs like security or utility deposits?
Absolutely. Our deposit assistance provides one-time funds for security deposits (and, when required, utility deposits), helping you secure safe, long-term housing faster.
3. What if I own my home but have fallen behind on payments or bills?
We can step in with emergency mortgage and utility assistance, covering past-due balances or impending shut-off notices so you can stay in your home and keep essential services running.
4. Do I get any ongoing guidance beyond financial aid?
Yes. Each client is paired with a dedicated housing case manager who helps you search for affordable units, negotiate with landlords, gather documents, and connect to other community resources.
