From: Vanessa Acain
To: Web-City Clerk
Subject: ILRC Public Comment
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 3:36:49 PM
*** EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please use caution when opening links or attachments.*** Dear Santa Maria City Council,
The Independent Living Resource Center has proudly served Santa Maria residents for 49 years, empowering people with disabilities and older adults to live independently, with dignity and choice. We are an organization led by, for, and with people with disabilities:
over 80% of our board and staff identify as such. This lived experience shapes the compassionate, effective care we provide. As the only cross-disability service provider in the city, we offer free, person-centered support that connects individuals with the resources they need to thrive in their own homes and communities.
Last fiscal year, we delivered 1,870 services to 252 Santa Maria residents—94% of whom made measurable progress toward their goals. Notably, 98% of those served were low- to moderate-income, underscoring the critical need for continued support.
CDBG funding is not just support—it’s a lifeline that allows us to continue serving some of Santa Maria’s most vulnerable residents. Without funding, we would have to reduce staff, leading to a reduction in services and lengthy waitlists. At worst, we could be faced with the very difficult decision of closing our doors in Santa Maria. The individuals we support are on timelines with housing, or live in an institutional setting and need to transition back into their community; we are the only organization that provides these services in Santa Maria.
CDBG funds will ensure that Santa Maria residents with disabilities are getting the services and advocacy they need to increase or maintain their level of independence and prevent or recover from institutionalization or homelessness.
I am writing this letter to urge City Council members to use discretionary funds to support ILRC.
Thank you for your consideration,
Vanessa Acain
Program Manager
Vanessa Acain
Manager of Independent Living Programs
Access Central Coast
423 W Victoria St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
phone: (805) 963-0595 x113
fax: (805) 963-1350
[email protected]
Out of the office every other Friday