Just in time for the holidays, the Mental Health Association in Santa Barbara opened a new 113,000-square-foot living facility for people with mental disabilities.

Through the persistence and generosity of numerous community members and organizations, MHA’s “Building Hope” program opened its doors in early December, offering what MHA Executive Director Annmarie Cameron calls “a comprehensive and broad scope of programs, services and living space for adults with mental health disabilities and their families.”

The mixed-use Garden Street building consists of 51 apartments, a new administration office and community meeting space for residents and their families.

Despite county funding cutbacks, MHA was able to complete the project with just over $27 million in funding from sponsors including the Redevelopment Agency of the city of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, which secured an Affordable Housing Project grant for MHA through the Federal Home Loan Bank.

“This miracle could not have been possible if it weren’t for the many supporters and partners of this grand undertaking,” Cameron said. “This is a community resource and blessing to those who are among the most vulnerable in our society.”

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