In
Santa Barbara, the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,259. In
order to afford this level of rent and utilities, without paying more than 30%
of income on housing, a household must earn $50,360 annually. With minimum wage
only $8.00 in California, the majority of our local workforce do not earn
enough to afford decent and affordable housing. (By comparison the amount of
rent which would be affordable at the current minimum wage is $416.)
Habitat for Humanity provides homes for those who often cannot afford rent. Partner Families
purchase homes from Habitat through interest-free loans tailored to each
family's income, allowing them the stability of a permanent home and the
resources to devote attention to jobs, education, and health.
*Figures from NLICH: National Low Income
Housing Coalition
