Affordable Housing Options Hard To Find

More than 4,000 people living in the city of Santa Barbara are living in Section 8 housing subsidized by the Federal Government, but there are about 7,000 people on a waiting list.

Housing Authority staff members said the government recently increased funding for vouchers, but few landlords are offering rooms at the reduced rate.

The program offers $1,474.00 for a one bedroom, but one bedrooms rent for up to $300.00 more than that.

Petra Lowen, an advocate with Independent Living, said it is heartbreaking for people on a tight budget. Clients pay about 30 percent of their income when they can find housing.

The lack of affordable housing also means members of the workforce are forced to commute.

Mickey Kmieciak said she is being evicted for the second time in two years.

She is hoping another Section 8 apartment will take her, otherwise she may have to move out of state.