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ROSS Program (Public Housing Only)

For a printable version of the ROSS (Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency) Program brochure (which includes all content as listed below), click here. 

Participation in the ROSS Program is limited to current residents of Public Housing.

An Introduction to The ROSS Program
The ROSS or Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency Program is a holistically designed program dedicated to serving the needs of the entire family by providing educational services, financial management training, supportive health/disability services and resources to help both children and teens.

Case Management Services through the ROSS Program are also available but are not required for participation. The ROSS Program addresses the family unit as a whole, while assessing and supporting the needs of individual family members. Services are provided in five primary categories as follows:  

  1. Education
  2. Employment
  3. Health/Disability
  4. Finance and/or Homeownership
  5. Child and Family

Interested families should complete the form below and return it to your local Housing office addressed to the attention of the Resident Services Program.

Apply for ROSS (Public Housing Tenant’s Only)

Resident Services Center
Maria Ayala, Lead Resident Services Specialist
204 W. Williams Street
Santa Maria, CA 93458

Phone: 805-925-4393 Ext 3300/3309 or email Maria Ayala


ROSS Opportunities

The ROSS Program provides a family with opportunities to create a positive change that will improve their quality of life. Under the ROSS program, the Housing Authority coordinates with local resources, such as community-based organizations, educational and banking institutions, business and other affiliates to provide services that are designed to address family needs.

Identifying a need will begin with a short survey, which will be followed by a personal interview, and a case management plan will be developed. The family's need will be addressed through supportive services within the ROSS Program, or the family will be referred to a partnering organization in the community.

There is no charge to participate in ROSS, and ROSS attempts to connect with community partners who will provide services either free of charge or at reduced rates. A family will receive ongoing case management, encouragement, support, and assistance throughout their participation in the ROSS program.

What is Self-Sufficiency?

The term Self-Sufficiency can mean different things to different people. For some families, it will mean the opportunity to own their own home, yet others may see Self-Sufficiency as being able to hold down a job or pay their bills on time each month. Some families might be looking for help to keep their kids off drugs and in school, while others may see Self-Sufficiency as an opportunity to receive medical treatment or learn English. Senior / Disabled families could be looking for help taking out the trash because they are unable to do it alone, while other families may be looking to volunteer their assistance to those in need.

Self-Sufficiency means different things to different people, but what does it mean to you?

Community Partners

  • Community Health Centers: Provides on-site free medical / dental services from mobile units such as: blood pressure check, eye exam, general health counseling, free prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
  • Food Bank of Santa Barbara County Provides food assistance, and links to Food Stamps (Cal Fresh), Brown Bag Program for Seniors, Healthy Lunch Program for Kids, Farmer's Market and other food assistance services, including Nutrition Classes and Public Training Presentations.
  • Boys & Girls Club Provides free memberships to all resident youth. Provides team and individual sports, camping and special activities. Career counseling, youth mentoring, leadership and character building.
  • Rabobank Provides free FDIC Money Smart Financial Literacy Classes consisting of 10 separate training modules covering subjects such as introduction to banking services, budgeting, credit, lending, and homeownership.
  • Girl Scouts Provides free memberships to all resident girls, building character and skills for success that will serve them throughout their lives, such as leadership, and self-worth.
  • American Red Cross Provides free emergency and disaster preparedness training to residents which can help save lives through increased personal safety and security.
  • Allan Hancock College Provides re-entry counseling, help with financial aid packets, guidance and technical assistance with admissions paperwork, educational counseling for preparation of a personal action plan, community no-credit classes such as ESL and GED preparation, and parenting classes in Spanish.
  • Workforce Resource Center (WIB) Provides career assessment, workforce related training / counseling, including vocational education, job search assistance, resume preparation, life skills workshops, and links to other assistance programs.