Community & Business Directory

The Cuyama Valley Resource & Business Directory is available for download here:

Reproduction is permissible so long as the full report is printed intact, with all resources, introduction, and acknowledgements.

Overview

This Cuyama Valley Resource Directory is intended for local residents and visitors to the Cuyama Valley. This document provides an introductory look at locally available resources along with listings of local businesses and services. The information within this document relates only to what is known and reported as of late 2019. Although best efforts were made to ensure accuracy of the information, contact information changes and resources open or close over time.

Many of the directory entries also provide a number of other services outside of what is listed. As resources and funding specifics are always changing, all information should be confirmed with the organization or business providing the resource or service. For the housing resources specifically, every household has specific needs and not all requirements are addressed in this directory. It is important to develop direct communication with the agency and reach out on a case-by-case basis.

The PDFs above are the version as of January 2020. Up-to-date versions and any recent edits to the non-housing related resources are available on visitcuyama.com. Housing-related resources are available and kept up to date below.

Should any information need to be updated at any time, please contact Blue Sky Center at 1000 Perkins Road, New Cuyama, CA, or email corrections to hello@blueskycenter.org.

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Cuyama Valley Community Association, Blue Sky Center, AmeriCorps VISTA, Enterprise Community Partners, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (HUD disclaimer: “The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of HUD.”) This report was designed by Julia Warner, juliawarnerdesign.com. The original printed version of this report was printed by Eastwood Print & Copy, Birmingham, Ala.

Key

^ Citizenship status NOT REQUIRED
* Eligible non-citizen, legal immigrant, or permanent resident status REQUIRED
SB: Available in Santa Barbara County
SLO: Available in San Luis Obispo County
V: Available in Ventura County
K: Available in Kern County

^ Accessible Housing Assistance (SB, SLO, V)

Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC)

Assistance with applying, locating, advocating for, and obtaining affordable and accessible housing. Community Living Advocates, located in each office, are trained to assist you in finding and keeping housing. We can help you understand and apply for affordable housing programs. Additionally, we know housing is hard to find; we can help with the search. ILRC can also help advocate with landlords to assist you to keep your housing.

SB, SLO, V / Contact: 805-963-0595, 423 W Victoria St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website

^ Adult In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program (SB, SLO, K, V)

Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services, Kern County Adult & Aging Service, County of San Luis Obispo Social Services, County of Ventura Human Services Agency

Provides support services so that low-income elderly, blind, and disabled people can remain safely in their own homes and avoid costly nursing home care. In-home caregivers provide services that can include bathing and dressing, bowel and bladder care, feeding, meal preparation, and household chores. The cost of these services is about 50% less than the cost of nursing home care.

SB / Contact: 805-346-8303
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-474-2103
Website

V / Contact: 805-654-3236, 855 Partridge Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
Website

K / Contact: 661-868-1003, ihssinfo@kerncounty.com, 5357 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Website

Emergency Cash Assistance (CalWORKs) (SB, SLO, V, K)

State of California

CalWORKs is a public assistance program that provides cash aid and services to eligible families that have a child(ren) in the home. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. Apply online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org.

Qualifications: proof of all income and property; proof of citizenship; social security number
Website

* Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (SB, SLO, V, K)

State of California

A State program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income. It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

Qualifications: Be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled; be a legal immigrant to the U.S.; be a California resident; NOT be a citizen of the U.S.; NOT be receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment

SB / Contact: 866-404-4007, Social Services Office, 1444 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-781-1600
Website

V / Contact: 888-472-4463, Ventura Community Services Center, 4651 Telephone Road, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003
Website

K / Contact: 661-631-6000, 100 E. California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Website

^ Fair Housing and Employment (SB, SLO, V, K)

California Department of Fair Housing

The Federal Fair Housing Act and California state law protects your rights. Everyone should be able to rent or purchase a home as long as you qualify financially. No one may be denied housing based on his or her race, gender, color, nationality, religion, disability, marital, or family status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, please call the Fair Housing Hotline at 800-884-4684 or file a complaint online.

All counties / Contact: 800-884-1684 (English, español)
Website

Homelessness Prevention (SB, SLO, V, K)

State of California

The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance Program can provide temporary and permanent shelter for families who are homeless or have a "Pay Rent or Quit" notice. Permanent shelter payments for a security deposit and/or last month's rental and/or utility deposit payment can be made onetime for the same period of homelessness. The requesting family must have apparent eligibility to CalWORKs and have less than $100 in liquid assets to be considered.

Website

Food Assistance (CalFresh, WIC) (SB, SLO, V, K)

State of California

CalFresh is a federal nutrition program for low-income individuals and families that can help households buy healthy foods and seeds. Formerly known as the food stamp program and federally known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), this program provides a monthly nutrition benefit which is used via an Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) card similar to a debit card. The benefit is used to purchase groceries at markets, small retailers and even farmer’s markets. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is specific to women who are pregnant or families with young children.

Apply at: Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center or online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org

Qualifications: Income limits; applicant must be a citizen or legal resident (undocumented parents are able to apply on behalf of their children who have citizenship without affecting potential future citizenship)

^ Foreclosure Support (SB, SLO, V, K)

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA)

CRLA's work includes assisting clients with loan modifications, refinancing, transition assistance, and fair lending issues. Staff also investigate mortgage related scams and assist clients report scams to appropriate enforcement agencies. CRLA also provides foreclosure workshops and training to homeowners.

All counties / Contact: Sylvia Torres, 805-544-7994, storres@CRLA.org, 175 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Website

^ General Assistance Cash Aid (SB, SLO, V, K)

County departments of human or social services

A County-funded cash aid program to help needy individuals and families with no child(ren) under the age of 18 living with them. The General Assistance program provides minimal assistance with rent, utilities, transportation and personal needs. In-person appointments may be required.

SB / Contact: 805-346-7135, 2125 S. Centerpointe Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-781-1600, 3433 S. Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: 888-472-4463, Ventura Community Service Center, 4651 Telephone Road, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003
Website

K / Contact: 661-763-0200, 119 N. 10th Street, Taft, CA 93268
Website

* Home Rehabilitation, Repair, or Preservation (SLO, V, K)

Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire

Called by different names by different Habitat affiliates, the home rehab, repair, or preservation program provides painting, landscaping, and minor repair services for homeowners in need; some offices help with accessibility and safety issues in the home (grab bars, ramps, smoke detectors). The home improvement programs help low-income homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances, who struggle to maintain their homes, reclaim their homes with pride and dignity. Depending on the scale of the project and the individual Habitat office, repairs may either be granted or repaid by the partner recipient family/individual.

Qualifications: US citizen or permanent resident, proof of homeownership, willingness to partner through sweat equity, remain in home for at least 3 years beyond project completion, demonstrate financial need

SLO / Contact: Home Preservation Program, 805-782-0687, 265 South Street, Suite A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: Home Repair Program, Jacqueline Jimenez, 805-485-6065 x110, homerepair@habitatventura.org, 1850 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030
Website

K / Contact: Home Preservation Program, 661-861-8449, info@habitatbakersfield.org
Website

^ Legal Assistance (SB, SLO, V, K)

California Rural Legal Assistance

CRLA provides a wide-range housing protection including: unlawful evictions, substandard housing, and lack of utilities.

All counties / Contact: Syliva Torres, 805-544-7994, storres@crla.org, 175 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Website

^ Legal Assistance (SB, SLO, V, K)

Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County

Free legal assistance to: eligible low-income families and individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking or other abuse who are residing in Santa Barbara County. Assistance for eviction, fair housing, domestic violence, elder abuse, immigration (for victims of crimes), guardianship and conservatorship, mortgage foreclosure prevention, consumer protection (fraud), and first-time home buying.

Qualifications: some services require proof of income to establish income eligibility; no citizenship requirement

All counties / Contact: 805-922-9909 (English, español), Legal Resource Center, 201 S. Miller Street, Suite 209, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website

New Home Construction (SLO, V, K)

Habitat for Humanity for San Luis Obispo County, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to building simple, decent and affordable homes with and for families in need. Homes are mortgaged with 0% interest.

Qualifications: Need for adequate shelter, ability to repay mortgage, willingness to partner (sweat equity of 250-500 hours building the home).

SLO / Contact: No new construction planned for the near future in Cuyama; 805-782-0687, 265 South Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: 805-485-6065, info@habitatventura.org, 1850 Eastman Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030
Website

K / Contact: 661-861-8449, info@habitatbakersfield.org
Website

Rental Assistance Voucher (Housing Choice Voucher, AKA “Section 8”) (SB, SLO, V, K)

County Housing Authorities

NOTE: Waiting lists are often “closed” for this program, due to high need. It’s important to check

back regularly, as new applications are only accepted for short periods of time with a notice posted 30 days in advance. As of January 2020, all four Cuyama counties report closed waiting lists. This program will help pay your rent if you are an income-eligible family or individual. Participants need to find their own rental units. Tenants receive rental assistance based on income and household size. Eligible families and individuals pay 30% to 40% of their gross annual income towards the gross rent. The Housing Authority pays the balance of the rent.

Qualifications: Income eligible; rental property passes health and safety inspection

SB / Contact: 805-735-8351, 815 W. Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-543-4478, 487 Leff Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: 805-480-9991, info@ahacv.org, 1400 West Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park, CA 91320
Website

K / Contact: 661-631-8500 x3, 601-24th Street, FRNT, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Website

^ Senior Home Repair Program (SB, SLO, K)

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara & The Area Agency on Aging, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department

This program provides free minor home repair services including professional installation of handrails/grab bars, hand-held shower heads, safe-T-pole installation, stair treads, toilet seat riser, appliance safety testing, and smoke/carbon monoxide alarm installation. It is for both low-income homeowners and renters.

Qualifications: No income qualifications; no citizenship requirements; head of household/applicant must be 60 years or older

SB / Contact: 805-617-2897, energyinfo@cacsb.com, 5638 Hollister Avenue, Suite 301, Goleta, CA 93117
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-541-4122, hotline@capslo.org, 1030 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

K / Contact: Catherine Vasquez, 661-862-5062, kerncd@kerncounty.com, 2700 M Street, Suite 250, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Website

* Single-family Housing Direct & Guaranteed Home Loans (SB, SLO, V, K)

USDA Rural Development

Also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, this program assists low- and very-lowincome applicants obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income. May be used to buy, renovate, or build a new home. Direct loans: 1-4% interest loans, 33-year mortgage. Guaranteed loans: interest rate determined by USDA-approved bank. Must be used for a primary residence.

All counties / Contact: Arogeanae Brown, 661-281-2737, arogeanae.brown@usda.gov, 5080 California Avenue, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Website

* Single-family Housing Repair Loans and Grants (SB, SLO, V, K)

USDA Rural Development

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Maximum loan $20,000, maximum grant $7,500 (combined $27,500 maximum). 20 year maximum term. 1% fixed interest. Qualifications: US citizen or eligible noncitizen; be the homeowner and occupy the house; and have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income. For grants, be age 62 or older to be eligible.

All counties / Contact: Armando Aparicio, 661-281-2743, armando.aparicio@ca.usda.gov, 5080 California Avenue, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Website

^ Tax Preparation Assistance (SB, SLO, V, K)

United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County, United Way of San Luis Obispo County, County of Ventura Human Services Agency, and Community Action Partnership of Kern

Volunteers assist in preparing and filing individual income tax returns. Some offices only open during tax season.

SB / Contact: Sandy Soria Sosa, 805-922-0329 x103, sandy@liveunitedsbc.org or call 211
Website

SLO / Contact: San Luis Obispo County Libraries in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Atascadero or call 211
Website

V / Contact: 800-339-9597, text your ZIP code to 898211, or call 211
Website

K / Contact: 661-834-1724, vita@capk.org, or call 211
Website

* Utility Assistance (Governmental) (SB, SLO, V, K)

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara, Community Action of Ventura County, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, and Community Action Partnership of Kern

Federal funding (LIHEAP) for home heating expenses directed to states and local jurisdictions for distribution based on application. Up to $300 for one-time payment to utility company for non-emergency, or $1,000 for emergency shut-off danger. Also is able to help with furnace maintenance or replacement. Operates year round.

Apply at: Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, call for an application to be mailed, or submit by email; additional service locations in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Ojai, Ventura, Bakersfield

Qualifications: One head of household must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen; 18 years or older; proof of residence; proof of income and income eligibility; copies of utility bills Additional resources: weatherization (via same application); 211; HeadStart; senior home repair program

SB / Contact: 805-617-2897, energyinfo@cacsb.com, 5638 Hollister Avenue, Suite 301, Goleta, CA 93117
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-541-4122 x14, HEAP@capslo.org, 3970 Short Street, Suite 110, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: 805-436-4021, 621 Richmond Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030
Website

K / Contact: 661-336-5200 x2, walk-ins at 300 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Website

^ Utility Assistance (Charitable) (SB, SLO, V, K)

Local Churches

Most churches have funds to support their members in crisis circumstances. Many do not require membership. Churches individually set limits based on their own evaluations and policies.

Qualifications: no citizenship status required

All counties / Contact: individual church offices

* Weatherization (SB, SLO, V, K)

Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, Community Action of Ventura County, Community Action Partnership of Kern

This home energy upgrade program provides energy-saving services for your home. Services include, but are not limited to, safety testing of gas appliances, caulking, installing weatherstrip, reducing air infiltration, water conservation, carbon monoxide detectors, heater/hot water heater/oven/refrigerator upgrades/replacements, and installing attic insulation.. Weatherization will reduce your fuel and electric costs by an average of $400 per year and make you more comfortable throughout the whole year. This is a grant program so there is no cost to you and is a one-time basis service. It is for both low-income homeowners and renters.

Apply at: Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, call for an application to be mailed, or submit by email; additional service locations in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Bakersfield, Oxnard, and San Luis Obispo

Qualifications: One head of household must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen; 18 years or older; proof of residence; proof of income and income eligibility; copies of utility bills

Additional resources: utility assistance (via same application); 211; HeadStart; senior home repair program

SB / Contact: 805-617-2897, energyinfo@cacsb.com, 5638 Hollister Avenue, Suite 301, Goleta, CA 93117
Website

SLO / Contact: 805-706-8663, hotline@capslo.org, 1030 Southwood Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Website

V / Contact: 805-436-4035, khernandez@ca-vc.org, 621 Richmond Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030
Website

K / Contact: 661-336-5203 x4324 or 661-336-5200 x6, 300 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Website