Daytime Navigation Center (FARO Center)
About the FARO Center
The FARO Center brings together a network of service providers to offer comprehensive support services in a centralized, one-stop-shop location. These services include:
- Case Management: Personalized support to navigate various services.
- Documentation Readiness: Assistance with acquiring essential documents such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.
- Workforce Development: Life skills building, job search assistance, and employment support, with resources provided by the Santa Barbara City Public Library.
- Housing Referrals: Guidance and referrals for stable housing options.
- Health and Mental Health Support: Access to healthcare and mental health services.
By offering these essential services in a safe and welcoming environment, the FARO Center eliminates the need for clients to navigate multiple service providers in various locations, ensuring greater accessibility and support for individuals in need. Additional client meetings will also be available by appointment-only outside regular business hours.
The Need for the FARO Center
As of the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, there are an estimated 987 people experiencing homelessness in the City of Santa Barbara, marking an increase for the first time in three years. This growing demand underscores the critical need for day-to-day basic needs and supportive services for our unhoused population. In addition, during the day there is limited capacity for emergency shelters to remain open for overnight guests. Having a place for people experiencing homelessness to receive services during the day will help people exit street level homelessness.
Building on Past Success
The FARO Center builds on the success of the Neighborhood Navigation Centers (NNCs) operated by SB ACT, which provided “one-stop-shop” services at multiple locations weekly. By consolidating these services into one location with regular service hours five days a week, the FARO Center ensures individuals have a consistent and reliable place to receive support.
A Collaborative Effort
The FARO Center is staffed by SB ACT and is supported by key service provider partners with proven success in reducing homelessness. SB ACT will coordinate outreach and case management support at the center using the Coordinated Entry System (CES) to identify individual needs and facilitate access to interim and permanent housing solutions. Specific strategies around safety, de-escalation, diversion, and reunification will be implemented to create a supportive and intentional setting conducive to service provision and exits from street-level homelessness.
Consultations with individuals who have lived experience in homelessness will help expand and adapt the FARO Center's services to better meet the needs of unsheltered individuals.
Center Hours and Additional Information
The FARO Center is open for walk-ins Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., initially and will later expand those hours to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional client meetings will be offered by appointment only on weekdays until 5:00 p.m.
To learn more about the FARO Center, please visit SB ACT's website.
Pictured is the front of FARO Center, where clients can sit outside and be directed to the Center's Welcome Room.
Pictured is the FARO Center's "Welcome Room". The Welcome Room is the first room clients enter when they visit the Center. This is where they will be welcomed by the FARO Center's Lived Experience Ambassadors, guided through the intake process, and wait to enter the Center.
Pictured is the FARO Center's "Community Room," with ample seating for clients to wait for their case workers to help them find housing.
Pictured is the FARO Center's "Community Room," where clients can rest and eat snacks provided by generous faith communities partnered with SB ACT.
Pictured is the TV and charging station at the FARO Center's "Community Room". The Community Room is the main room in the Center where clients wait to be seen by case workers, charge their phones, and enjoy the community of people looking to find housing and receive services.