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VENTURA — The Valentine Road Apartments unveiled the first of its newly renovated units during a progress celebration at the largest Homekey initiative in Ventura County, marking a major milestone in the region’s efforts to address homelessness through permanent supportive housing.
Led by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB), the Valentine Road Apartments are the result of a $32 million Homekey award secured in 2023 through the California Department of Housing and Community Development. That funding marked the largest Homekey grant in both City and County history and initiated the conversion of the 142-room hotel into 134 studio apartments for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“This is what transformation looks like,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Executive Director, HACSB. “From vision to action, this project reflects what’s possible when we work together with urgency, compassion, and shared purpose. We’re not just building housing—we’re building opportunity, stability, and hope.”
As of this month, 63 apartments are ready for residents to move in. Construction is underway on the remaining units, with full project completion expected by January 2026. In addition to safe, dignified housing, residents will benefit from on-site supportive services coordinated by HACSB, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and other local providers. These services include case management, mental health resources, and employment support designed to promote long-term stability.
“For a street that’s named for love, the Valentine Road housing project is a powerful reminder that Ventura leads with heart, for our neighbors, for our unhoused community members, and for those seeking a fresh start,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez Palacios. “This project is about belonging.”
We were thrilled to present our first $2.5 million distribution from the Encampment Resolution Funding grant,” said Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager for the City of Ventura. “This investment marks a meaningful step in turning policy into action and reinforces our commitment to converting emergency resources into long-term housing, especially for those transitioning out of encampments in the Ventura River bottom and surrounding areas.
The milestone was celebrated at the Valentine Road site, where local, state, and funding partners gathered to mark the project’s progress. Leaders, including HACSB CEO Jeff Lambert, Supervisor Matt LaVere, the Governor’s office, state housing officials, Mayor Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Councilmember Jim Duran, and project funders shared remarks. Resident James Workman also shared a powerful story about how stable housing has transformed his life, and the life of his loyal companion, Sargent, his Doberman.
“With the progress of the Valentine Road Apartments, we mark a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to combat homelessness in Ventura County,” said Ventura County District 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere. “Hundreds of lives are being transformed, with impacts likely to span generations for the people who will call this place home. This sustainable housing solution exemplifies our commitment to addressing homelessness through comprehensive, collaborative efforts, by providing not just shelter, but a foundation for lasting change.”
Through a mix of grants, loans, and service funding totaling more than $15 million, the County is helping ensure this development delivers lasting stability for our most vulnerable residents.
The project has been made possible through collaboration with multiple public and private entities, including the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Enterprise Community Partners, JP Morgan Chase Bank, the Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, the County of Ventura, and the City of Ventura, with HACSB leading the development and service coordination.
For more information on the Valentine Road Apartments, or more projects from Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, visit www.hacityventura.org.