Casa Cacique

The program is currently operated by Mercy House Living Centers, a nonprofit organization with extensive experience in homelessness services throughout Southern California. Mercy House was awarded an interim contract in January 2026 to ensure uninterrupted shelter operations following PATH’s transition out of the site, and while the City evaluates long‑term needs for both the building and the program. Mercy House’s operations are grounded in a housing‑first approach, emphasizing individualized case management, robust supportive services, and a commitment to dignity and stability for all participants. Their work focuses on creating achievable pathways to permanent housing and long‑term self‑sufficiency.

For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara Finalizes Purchase of 816 Cacique Street Shelter Facility and Announces Interim Service Provider.

The name Casa Cacique brings together themes of home, community leadership, and guidance. The word “cacique” originates from the Taíno language, historically referring to a community leader and rooted in a term meaning “to keep house.” The Spanish later adopted the term to describe leaders of Indigenous communities across the Americas. This connection between home and leadership reflects the purpose of the center: to offer stability, support, and a clear path forward for individuals working to rebuild their lives.

Using the site’s street name provides a straightforward wayfinding for participants, service providers, and first‑time visitors. The community has long referred to the location by its address, and the name reinforces that familiarity. Cacique Street itself has a notable place in Santa Barbara history - it once served as a short segment of the Pacific Coast Highway during the 1920s and 1930s, linking the neighborhood to a broader coastal route. Local historians note that the street does not reference one specific leader or village; rather, it is understood as honoring Indigenous leadership broadly, including Chumash leaders recorded during the Spanish period. Naming the center Casa Cacique reflects this inclusive and respectful heritage.

Rooted in the idea of guiding participants toward a sense of home, Casa Cacique reflects the City’s commitment to providing care and stability. The City looks forward to continuing this work under a name that honors both the neighborhood’s history and the forward‑looking mission of the services offered there