HOMELESSNESS, HOUSING & LOCAL BUSINESS IMPACT 

A Community Forum Hosted By Northern Santa Barbara County United Way

Background:

The Central Coast is at a regional housing crossroads. The cost of living, particularly the cost of housing is restricting access to talent for our growing businesses and causing long commutes for many workers. The geographic divides between our communities continue to hamper regional thinking about environmentally sensitive, sustainable economic growth and development.

At the same time, the collective shame of people living on the streets has seen a sharp increase in recent years.

• Aside from the social tragedy, the impacts of people on the streets with obvious mental health problems or substance misuse to local businesses are catastrophic. 
• Retail shopping, already in decline, is hampered by increases in loitering, aggressive panhandling, and public urination and defecation. 
• Hotels and restaurants often struggle with uninvited people using their property to panhandle, steal food, sleep on the property and use the restrooms.

A significant part of the solution to these twin problems is access to housing in sufficient numbers and types to meet the needs of all markets, from those who need supportive services to those looking to have a decent middle class life.

• Yet, 40 years of collective constraints to development has made this simple solution nearly impossible. It is time for business leaders to take action.

Join us:

Business Leaders from across Santa Barbara and Southern San Luis Obispo Counties are invited to a community forum on Homelessness, Housing & Local Business Impact, hosted by Northern Santa Barbara County United Way.

• The event will take place April 28th from 1-2:30 p.m. and available both in-person and streaming live.
• Learn about statewide efforts to address the worsening housing shortage and increasing homelessness.
• Participate in a conversation on the effects that homelessness and the housing shortage is having on your business.
• Collaborate with us on local solutions to housing and homelessness.

Taking steps towards solving the housing and homelessness issues on the Central Coast is good for our region and good for local business.

We hope you will join us in taking the first steps to be a part of the solution.