VENTURA — As a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has mobilized to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
In consultation and partnership with the County Executive Office and Ventura County Continuum of Care team, UWVC’s United to End Homelessness COVID-19 Rapid Response will provide motel vouchers and meals for our unsheltered homeless veterans (those not currently in transitional housing nor shelters), and hygiene kits for our unsheltered homeless population at large. The homeless care kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team.
“Our veteran neighbors experiencing homelessness cannot wait for help – they need it now, as the COVID-19 pandemic exposes and intensifies the homeless crisis,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “It is inspiring to see the community come together during this unprecedented public health crisis.”
The County of Ventura, with guidance from the California Department of Public Health, has been taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable populations in the community. County agencies are coordinating to provide housing options, transportation, medical and mental health care, nutritional needs and on-site security. Referrals are made by community homeless service providers including nonprofit organizations, county service providers, city partners and homeless liaison officers. Individuals are medically evaluated before they are cleared for intake.
“County agencies are placing medically fragile homeless individuals in shelters. This protects the homeless and our entire community,” said County of Ventura CEO Mike Powers. “In that same spirit, we appreciate that United Way and all our community groups for focusing on housing our unsheltered homeless veterans and their families. They have sacrificed for us and it is our duty to shelter and support them for their benefit and the benefit of community health.”
United to End Homelessness COVID-19 Rapid Response partners include:
• County of Ventura Veteran Services Office
• Ventura County Health Care Agency
• DJ’s California Catering
• Gold Coast Veterans Foundation
• People Assisting The Homeless (PATH)
• Salvation Army Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF)
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, HUD-VASH Program
“The unprecedented COVID-19 emergency is mobilizing our community to respond to our most vulnerable population and dictating a shift in how we provide services,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO. “We’re grateful to all of our community partners and local businesses that have stepped up to serve our unsheltered homeless veterans and veteran families.”
United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response
United Way of Ventura County’s COVID-19 Rapid Response has organized to temporarily house and feed an initial 23 veterans and their families. The number may increase as the public health crisis intensifies and exposes our most vulnerable population.
United Way of Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits
United Way of Ventura County’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Homeless Care Kits campaign aims to provide essential hygiene supplies for our unsheltered veterans and individuals during the COVID-19 public health crisis. These vital kits will be distributed by our county’s Healthcare for the Homeless Backpack Medicine team. It costs $7.50 to provide a care kit for an unsheltered individual in need. Since Monday, when the campaign launched, we’ve collected more than 600 kits. Help us reach the goal of 900 by contributing to the virtual collection drive at
roonga.com/uwvchomelesscarekits.
For more information about the United to End Homelessness Landlord Engagement Program and COVID-19 Rapid Response, contact program manager, Amy Duganne at
amy.duganne@vcunitedway.org or 805.485.6288, x228.
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