Dan Parziale and Karen Flock present their case studies. Courtesy photos
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) set another fundraising record at its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign for affordable housing in Ventura County. Supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), the Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme, Unlocking Affordable Living – Reshaping Housing Solutions.
Mark Stivers, director of Advocacy, California Housing Partnership was the guest speaker.
The sold-out crowd heard from Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy, California Housing Partnership as he shared the legislative landscape and what’s on the horizon for California to ensure affordable housing is accessible for all. Other speakers included Housing Trust Fund VC Board Chair Tracy McAulay, Housing Land Trust VC Board Chair Alex Russell, and Linda Braunschweiger, CEO for both nonprofits. On display, an oversized map showcased 26 developments spread throughout Ventura County that are or have been funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC since 2013. Another innovation on display featured structural insulated panels that lower the costs of construction and quicken the build time in support of more affordable housing.
Evan and Katrina discuss their experiences with affordable housing with Linda Braunschweiger.
An event highlight was the presentation of two case studies – Mesa in Ojai and Westview Village in Ventura. Dan Parziale, Executive Director of Mesa in Ojai was moved to tears as he spoke of the dream that is becoming a reality, as 12 transitional-age young adults at risk of homelessness will be welcomed into beautiful and safe housing paired with vocation training, wellness offerings, and community. Karen Flock, Deputy Director of Real Estate Development for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura presented Westview Village II, providing 50 affordable apartments for seniors, part of the larger Westview Village, the City of Ventura’s oldest and largest public housing development now revitalized into 286 affordable rental apartments and 34 for sale homes.
Guests also heard from Evan Pugh and Katrina Aguon, two Ventura County residents whose lives have been improved in part due to receiving housing assistance. Aguon and her husband are now proud homeowners, citing their ability to create stability for their children while saving for their future.
“Tonight’s attendance shows just how supportive our community is about affordable housing,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “Ventura County is in a housing crisis. We are the most unaffordable metropolitan area in the country; our work has never been more important.”
Joining HOPE in supporting Compassion Campaign 2024 is a prominent list of sponsors including, Bank of the Sierra, City of Ventura, City National Bank, CBC Federal Credit Union, Ventura Investment Company, Mechanics Bank, Plaza Development Partners, and the Port of Hueneme.
A full of list of our sponsors and an event photo gallery can be found here