Home hardening assistance and training program for lower income communities

There is a need for financial and logistical assistance to undertake home hardening in Lompoc. While there is ample information available to assist property owners (and renters) with preparing their residence to remain safe from fire, there are no funds to support this work, and no locally trained workers who can complete the upgrades. Project scope: Allan Hancock college has been approached to consider a certification program for home hardening training, which would also provide workforce development and improve community safety. Having local certified experts who could be contacted to complete home hardening would be the goal of this project, along with a fund to support the physical and labor costs to complete this work. This project would require specific funding to support the execution of the project (both for the development of the certification program and for the actual home hardening in the community).

Status: Partially Funded (The portal being prepared by the FSC will identify funding and connect homeowners who need assistance once it is available.)

Cost: Medium

Partners: Allan Hancock College, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center, Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, SB County Fire Safe Council

Permitting: Home hardening improvements need to be assessed on a case by case basis and may require building permits from the County of Santa Barbara. Home hardening can consist of minor improvements to help reduce fire risk, but more intensive repairs, such as replacing roofing, would require building permits.

Funding Sources:

Additional Notes: LOWER PRIORITY for more urbanized areas, Burton Mesa/Mission Hills, New Cuyama, Tepusquet Canyon should be considered for north county. Needs to be developed and funded.