What is Studios at Montero (SAM)?
Studios at Montero (SAM) is the conversion of a 50 year old motel into 60-units of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. We are thrilled by the opportunity to partner with Burbank Housing and the City of Petaluma on this project. This project is made possible by the support of the State of California Homekey program, Providence Health, the City of Petaluma, the County of Sonoma, and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Moving is stressful for anyone, but can be especially hard when you have been without a home for a while. Many of our participants moving into their new home don’t have basic household supplies or food – and are limited on cash to purchase these items. These Welcome Home Baskets and Starter Food Kits can be a life-saver for these families and individuals as they get back on their feet.
COTS is looking for welcome home baskets for clients moving into permanent housing.You can find a list of items needed for welcome home baskets and starter food kits by clicking here.
Please deliver welcome baskets to the Mary Isaak Center, 900 Hopper St Petaluma, CA, 94953.
Apply for SAM
SAM tenants must be referred by the Coordinated Entry System, which assesses Sonoma County’s unsheltered individuals and families to match them with the appropriate housing programs. More information about enrolling into Coordinated Entry can be found here. After referral, SAM staff will assist with the application process and gathering supporting documentation (ID, social security card, proof of income, etc.)
Rent Costs and Affordability
Thanks to a subsidy from the Sonoma County Housing Authority, there is not a rent minimum. If a tenant does not have an income upon move-in, they can work with their care manager to work on obtaining an income.
Leases and Security Deposits
Tenants sign a one-year lease agreement and are expected to adhere to the terms, just like any other renter. The leases are recertified annually.
Security deposits will be $700.00. During the application process, tenants will be connected to various resources that offer deposit assistance.
Community at SAM
SAM has an onsite pantry, social supports provided by Fionn, onsite computers with access to the internet, and community events for residents.
Supportive Services
Tenants are assigned an onsite care manager with whom they will have the option to work on housing, income, and personal goals. Care managers also connect tenants to community resources, including healthcare. If needed, care managers will work with the tenant to correct behaviors that lead to lease violations. The goal is to keep tenants safely and stably housed.
Furnishings
Each SAM unit will come with a full-size bed, nightstand, dresser, and kitchenette. Bedding, towels, and basic dining ware will also be provided, upon availability.
Guests and Pets
Overnight guests are permissible, but just like any other apartment rental, there are time limitations.
Tenants may have a service animal or an emotional support animal, as defined by California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, with a written statement of medical need by their healthcare provider.
Criminal History
Criminal convictions do not necessarily a barrier to being accepted to SAM, although some violent, drug-related and sexual offenses may disqualify applicants. The Sonoma County Housing Authority will perform its own Criminal Background check on each applicant to determine if they are eligible for the Project-Based Housing Voucher required to live at SAM. Clients referred to SAM by Coordinated Entry who have criminal histories should still fill out the application for SAM and see what happens.
Learn more about the Studios at Montero from residents and staff.
Hear first hand from SAM residents about what moving into SAM means to them.