A community works together to combat housing and food insecurity
Resident Manager Cristina Heredia and resident volunteers set up food bags filled with bananas, rice, beans and other essentials from the Port. Courtesy photo
PORT HUENEME — The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CabrilloEDC) and the Port of Hueneme hosted a food distribution on June 11. The event was hosted at Villa Cesar Chavez apartments that include 51 spacious apartments that house eligible low-income farmworker families.
Cabrillo EDC staff, resident volunteers and the Port came together to sort and distribute groceries tohelp local residents facing food insecurities. According to a 2020 California Association of Foodbanks report, food insecurity in California spiked to unprecedented levels statewide with more than 25% of California households experiencing food insecurity – about 10 million people, and 2.5 times higher than before COVID-19.
“Over the past two years, our residents have come together to support each other through thepandemic,” CEDC Board Member Cesar Hernandez stated. “Our Cabrillo communities are like family; they help each other and ensure the community as a whole is thriving. We are grateful for our community partners and collaboration of the Port of Hueneme allowing us to reach more families.”
Recognized as a leader in affordable housing statewide and nationally, CEDC has worked to contribute to positive and sustainable change in the region and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents by providing affordable home communities, resources, socialopportunities, and educational programs. These programs include food distributions, homework clubs, adult empowerment, nutrition and fitness, and youth leadership development.
“Throughout the Pandemic, the Port leveraged its customer relationships, staff, and resources to help address the needs of those who were deeply impacted by food insecurity, farmworkers and their families. Sixty-six (66) neighborhood food distributions later, we are happy to continue ensuring that families within our reach do not go without food and essential items. It is not only the creation of a community benefit, but also part of our responsibility as a lead economic driver in our county. The Port is essential, and it is part of our mission to create pathways to prosperity for our community,” said Miguel Rodriguez, Community Outreach Manager for the Port of Hueneme.
“Food insecurity is a?complex issue?and does not exist in isolation for low-income families.?Many of the same families also struggle with issues like affordable housing, medical costs, and low wages,” stated Mary Anne Rooney, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners.
“In these challenging times, we need community organizations like Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) to continue providing affordable housing and valuable resources as COVID-19and the rising costs of living continues to impact our communities. We are honored to be a part of helping to distribute much needed food to our children, youth, and families in Ventura County.”
About Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation — The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has been making dreams come true, one home at a time, since 1981. Proud to be the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County, Cabrillo’s success is the result of decades of passion, dedication, and vision. With a mission of providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities, Cabrillo facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity. At Cabrillo, home is more than a place to live – it is the cornerstone of the community’s economic,environmental, and social wellbeing. https://www.cabrilloedc.org/
About the Port of Hueneme — The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.2 billion in economic activity and creating 20,032 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $173.2 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org