A Message from Battistone CEO

There was recently a “Letter to the Editor” published about the sale of the Battistone properties that could be misunderstood. After reading it, I thought I should reach out to provide important information about the potential sale.

For over 50 years, the Battistone Foundation has been dedicated to its charitable purpose of providing low-cost housing for economically disadvantaged senior citizens in Santa Barbara. This commitment remains the same moving forward.

The Battistone Foundation’s assets are currently tied up in high value real estate. The Foundation is looking to sell the properties to an organization that will continue to operate the properties as low-cost housing, then use the sale proceeds to establish a rent subsidy program to provide grants to qualifying senior citizens in Santa Barbara.

This shift from an operating foundation to a grant making foundation will allow the Battistone Foundation to help even more senior citizens than it does now. We envision being able to help twice as many seniors in need, and that provided the motivation to make the change. The plan is the same as when we started – to help more people, whether they live at the current properties or elsewhere in the community.

At the beginning of August, the Foundation’s marketing team released a “Call for Offers.” This “Call” was sent to a list of qualified potential buyers – from local prospects to those across the nation. Offers will be due in mid-September and will be reviewed and evaluated by the Battistone Foundation board and professional experts.

We know that change can be uncertain, but please rest assured that we are keeping our tenants informed every step of the way with consistent communication, and my door is always open to each of our tenants who may have questions or concerns.  

Sincerely,

Cindy Hill, CEO
Battistone Foundation