In collaboration with Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation Little Free Libraries program
Who: Housing Trust Fund VC, Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation, Mesa
What: Unveiling and dedication of community lending library for transitional-age youth residing at Mesa
When: Thursday, October 31, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Where: 400 Gorham Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
Why it matters: To support literacy and access to books, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, an early funder for the development of Mesa–a nonprofit in Ojai providing housing and services to transitional-age youth facing homelessness–is donating a free Community Lending Library. The library will feature books donated by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation (OVLFF) and join OVLFF’s internationally award-winning Little Free Libraries program which aims to increase access to books and promote literacy across America. The Community Lending Library will be installed at the entrance to Mesa and will be accessible to the public.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County, provided Mesa with a $2,506,749 acquisition loan and a $499,500 bridge construction loan to bring this development to life for 13 Transitional Age Youth (TAY). As of October 2024, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $40 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,669 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.
Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation is a volunteer organization dedicated to building community support for and the development and continuation of programs within the public libraries of the Ojai Valley. OVLFF believes libraries, no matter how small, are most effective as public-access community centers that encourage literacy, promote the joy of reading, and provide the tools for informed decision-making.
Mesa fosters a community-centered environment where its 13 TAY residents can advance personally and professionally through a holistic program tailored to their individual needs. Mesa focuses on employment, housing, education, community connections, nutrition, mental health, and healthcare. Residents are encouraged to build a culture of wellness with access to safe housing and unique amenities like a community building, health programs, and vocational training. Emphasizing the Ojai lifestyle, Mesa also promotes reconnecting with nature through sustainable farming on its 10-acre property.