The Basics
The Santa Barbara Lighthouse Foundation (SBLF) is a 12-step based, non-profit chain of men-only sober living facilities, located in Santa Barbara, California. Owner, Steve Hartman founded SBLF in 2001, inspired by witnessing his grandfather’s struggle with alcoholism. SBLF has since had up to five different houses running at a time, including a “Dads in Recovery” program and a “Young People in Recovery” home that worked with adolescent clients. Today, just one SBLF home still remains on Spring Street, in the Milpas neighborhood, just a short walk from downtown.
Accommodations and Amenities
Located on a quiet street, SBLF is a sprawling white stucco house with six bedrooms. It houses clients three to a room when they first arrive and moves them to two per room once they have gained some seniority. Each guy gets his own dresser for personal belongings. There are five bathrooms. SBLF also features digital cable and a free landline telephone.
Some food staples, such as canned goods, vegetables, bread, and cereals are supplied by SBLF. Otherwise, residents must buy groceries and prepare their own meals. Once a week, SBLF staff cooks dinner on Wednesdays, after an on-site AA meeting.
Rules and Regulations
SBLF wholeheartedly embraces the 12-step philosophy. Clients are required to attend the in-house meeting on Wednesdays, during which they can share about any issues going on in the house. Further meetings off-site are highly encouraged and SBLF organizes a carpool for those who need transportation to outside meetings. Clients are also asked to get a sponsor and work the steps, although that is not considered to be mandatory.
There are stringent guidelines for the first 180 days of this year-long program, after which clients move into a more relaxed second phase of residency, under “grad” status. Random drug and alcohol testing is required for the entire duration and a clean test is a prerequisite for client’s stay. Testing positive is grounds for immediate expulsion, but each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. A chore board keeps clients on top of taking care of their own living space, while curfew is set depending on the individual’s situation. New clients start at a curfew between 9 and 10 pm, while more seasoned residents are allowed to return to the house at 11 or midnight. The men are mandated to maintain steady employment or pursue higher education.
There is a resident manager on-site at SBLF who is available to offer support as well as enforce the rules and get groceries or supplies for the home.
In Summary
The inspiration behind the creation of the 12-step based Santa Barbara Lighthouse Foundation cannot be questioned. However, the fact that there is only one facility still running when there were once five may cause second thoughts for prospective clients. SBLF does offer decent sober living services, at a comfortable facility in a beautiful locale. What’s more, in an expensive city, it offers services at an affordable cost, which may make it worth thinking over a third time.
Santa Barbara Lighthouse Foundation
721 Spring Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Santa Barbara Lighthouse Foundation Cost: $675 (30 days); $175 (deposit); $40 (registration fee). Reach Santa Barbara Lighthouse Foundation by phone at (805) 882-2294 or by email at info@sblighthouse.org.
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