The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is proud to announce the selection of its first Executive Director, Shakira Miracle. Her hiring comes at a critical time when the strain and stress on our local food system is at an unprecedented high due to COVID-19.
The Coalition for Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence in Ventura County with the means to help escape from abuse, has seen a 10 to 15 percent increase in crisis calls to its hotline since the COVID-19 stay-at-home order took effect.
“Financial and emotional stresses are taking a toll. Victims are calling our hotline, fearful about staying in their home with an abuser but also worried about leaving and possibly being exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Coalition For Family Harmony executive director. “They are in desperate situations.”
Now, more than ever, VCCDC strives for this unifying vision. Even during these challenging times, homeownership is still considered to be a foundation for building financial stability. As we pivot to address the recent challenges in our communities, we will continue to empower and connect people through all our programs.
After conducting a recent survey, we found that some of our most affected neighbors are homeowners at risk of foreclosure and frustrated tenants who are struggling to pay rent with limited understanding of their options or fair housing laws. We have also noted that a fair number of senior homeowners have reached out to us, asking about their options with their current mortgages. As a result, we are renewing focus on foreclosure prevention counseling, tenant education and reverse mortgage counseling to address these critical issues.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been named as one of 29 grantees receiving funding support from Weingart Foundation through their Unrestricted Operating Support (U.O.S.) program. Housing Trust Fund VC will receive $50,000 over two years to help with capacity building in support of the Fund’s overall mission to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle.
United Way of Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County. The Effort will provide assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $2 million has been secured and fundraising continues to help those most in need.
The good news is that physical distancing is working. Our County Public Health Department and the hospitals have worked to increase hospital bed capacity to about 590 countywide, yet our hospitalizations are at 40 (confirmed patients). Lives have been saved by our combined efforts, so please keep it up as the State wrestles with how long the “Shelter in Place” order will last and we wrestle with what we will do if the order is lifted or modified.
Steven Hintz, Ventura County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector, on April 7 announced that beginning April 11, 2020 he will accept taxpayer applications for waiver of late-payment penalties and fees for the second installment of the 2019-2020 secured property tax billings. If the applications are granted, the new payment due date will be August 31, 2020. There is no additional grace period.
Newsletter | April 2020 Give Now! Support the Resident Assistance Fund Dear Friend, Even before the statewide “shelter at home” order was issued by California Governor Newsom, because of crisis scenario planning by my key staff, I had redesignated our…
OXNARD — In an effort to continue to serve the community during the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Beach Resort is now offering a “To Go” menu from their onsite Coastal Grill Restaurant. The menu provides a wide…
An Update from us on COVID-19 Dear VCCDC Friend, We wanted to take a moment to reach out to you during this unique period of uncertainty. We admire the passion and strength we see as our community pulls together during this critical…
Includes daily meal distribution, distance learning, and wellness checks CENTRAL COAST — As the effects of COVID-19 continue to emerge, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has enhanced their resident services. With a portfolio of over 52 properties, PSHH support over 5,000…
CORONAVIRUS SCAM ALERTS There are a growing number of scams related to the coronavirus. Here are a few known examples for you to be aware of. Visit: ftc.gov/coronavirus. *** ALERTAS DE ESTAFA DEL CORONAVIRUS Hay un número creciente de estafas…
PSHH Accepting Intake Forms for Self-Help Home Program Architectural Rendering of Mustang Court homes KING CITY — Earlier this month, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) hosted a lottery in anticipation of their upcoming home ownership opportunity in King City: Mustang Court.…
“My family benefitted from the availability of affordable housing in our community.” – Cesar Hernandez VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has elected Cesar Hernandez to its 19-member Board of Directors. In this capacity, Hernandez will…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing’s Sierra Madre Cottages to provide 40 units of new housing for seniors CENTRAL COAST — Applications are now available for Sierra Madre Cottages, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) newest affordable housing for seniors in Santa Maria, CA. Primary applicants…
There is very new and important information on COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”). California Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced that large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled. Smaller gatherings held in venues…
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Announces New Board Members Kevin Clerici of Downtown Ventura Partners and Hazel Davalos of CAUSE Kevin Clerici, Executive Director of Downtown Ventura Partners, and Hazel Davalos, Community Organizing Director for CAUSE, have been appointed to the Peoples’…
FROM HOPE TO HOME stories from our clients “When I found out about this class i didn’t really know something like this existed. I thought you kinda just go about it on your own. “ What is the homebuying process…
Newsletter | February 2020 Employee of the Year, Gabriela Ruiz, Property Manager at Villas on Higuera, pictured with U.S. Congressman 24th District Salud Carbajal President’s Award Winner, Lauren Nichols Project Manager, pictured with President & CEO John Fowler Greetings! After…
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority Of The City Of Santa Barbara (HACSB) on Feb. 14 came together with the community to celebrate the grand opening of Johnson Court – the first housing development in Santa Barbara County specifically for…
Guadalupe Court waiting list opens February 28 Architectural rendering of Guadalupe Court CENTRAL COAST — Applications are now available for Guadalupe Court, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) newest affordable housing for farmworkers in Guadalupe, CA. Primary applicants must earn a substantial…
CONEJO VALLEY — The Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show, celebrating its 25th year, will be Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake (880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village). The show is accepting vendor applications from…
CONEJO VALLEY — Homeowners who are planning spring and summer projects around their house can talk with professionals for ideas and advice at the 46th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show. Celebrating 25 years (shows are held twice a year), the…
On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, the County of Ventura Planning Division will conduct a virtual community meeting to discuss the 2021-2029 County of Ventura Housing Element update. The Housing Element is a planning document that identifies the housing conditions and needs and establishes goals, policies and programs that will be the foundation for the County’s housing strategy for unincorporated areas through 2029.
According to a recent survey distributed by the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), tenants and landlords are interested in becoming better educated on housing priorities and issues unique to our region. The hot-button topics includes tenant rights and responsibilities, resources for rent and mortgage relief during the COVID-19 economic downturn, rental mediation and workforce housing. To address these and other important housing matters, 2nd story will host the 3rd annual Housing Santa Barbara Day, which has been expanded to a
5-day virtual event with workshops on Saturday, October 24th, Monday the 26th, Tuesday the 27th, Wednesday the 28th and Thursday the 29th. All workshops are free with online registration; to sign up, click here.
OPAC, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation, will host a virtual Town Hall on the Pending Eviction Crisis on Thursday, November 19 from 4 to 6 pm on Zoom. The event is part of a two-year project called “CLOSE TO HOME: A Community Conversation Spotlighting the People, Places, and Perspectives Surrounding Homelessness.”
SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) is pleased to announce that 2019 marks the agency’s 50th anniversary. Established in 1969, HACSB is at the forefront of solving our local housing crisis by working to…
VENTURA — As a service to the community, the County Human Services Agency launched an online Community Events and Resources page which highlights workshops and resources offered by public and nonprofit agencies that may be of benefit to agency clients, staff,…
Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara to House Veterans in our Community SANTA BARBARA — The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara broke ground on Veterans Housing “Johnson Court” apartments at 813 E. Carrillo Street in…
To all our Clients and Stakeholders, Our hearts and thoughts are with all impacted by the recent wildfires. A State of Emergency has been declared by Governor Gavin Newsom due to the recent fire and wind events beginning on October…
Organization on course to reach $5 million goal by December 31st, 2019 VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTF Ventura County) announced this week that it has recently received funding support from The McCune Foundation, The Lluella Morey Murphy…
Ventura County Public Works Agency provides testing, education and additional resources to reduce impact of flooding on communities. VENTURA COUNTY — In the wake of fire season, it is imperative to understand the damage and risks of flooding that can…
Our hearts and thoughts are with all impacted by the recent wildfires. Fire season has come all too soon this year. In an effort to assist you in preparing your business for the unexpected, EDC has compiled a list of…
Three Jackson Bills Signed Into Law Assist Older Californians SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara) bill to establish a comprehensive plan for addressing the needs of the state’s aging and disabled residents. Senate Bill…
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Community Development Corporation is proud to announce Jill Shaffer as a new addition to their team of professionals working to strengthen and sustain vibrant communities by empowering low to moderate income individuals and families to build wealth…
Annual Storm Day 2019 training focuses on preparing for flooding due to a natural disaster VENTURA — While Ventura County’s weather patterns can be unpredictable, it is key to always be prepared when a natural disaster hits, such as a fire…
VENTURA — The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) recently honored the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) with the 2019 Award of Merit in the Resident and Client Services category for the Housing Plus…
Also receives $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTF Ventura County) is helping to successfully change the landscape of Ventura County’s affordable housing market. Its three newest funding projects would…
Click here for the entire e-newsletter President’s Message Dear Friends, Next week, on Saturday, September 28, we celebrate our 30th Annual Day of Caring. Volunteers from across the community will spend a selfless Saturday morning helping others. It’s one of my…
SANTA BARBARA — Whether it was gardening, painting or maintenance, nearly 1,000 volunteers made the South Coast shine brighter during United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) 28th Annual Day of Caring on Saturday. Teams, friends, families and individual volunteers…
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Economics Miguel Delgado Helleseter, Ph.D. has been appointed to the board of Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME). HOME addresses the need for balance between jobs and housing in Ventura County and works…
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops on topics ranging from Homebuyer Education to Estate Planning! REGISTER – Aug. 17 REGISTER – Sept. 21 Taller en Español – agosto 17 HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Workshops Cost: $25 fee waived…
Click here for the entire e-newsletter As Ventura, like other CA communities, braces for widespread outages, solar-paired battery storage presents powerful solution VENTURA, CA — Community Environmental Council (CEC) and the City of Ventura present a free Home Energy Storage Workshop…
Prop 1 match brings total raised at event to $200,000 and takes organization halfway to its $5 million year-end goal for Ventura County affordable housing. VENTURA – Kicking off the summer, Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTF Ventura County) hosted its…
From Renter to Homeowner stories from our clients We’re excited to celebrate another happy homebuyer this month – Maria! Maria and her family of 4 had been renting for 10 years until she found VCCDC. Three years ago, Maria decided…
VENTURA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) has been awarded $18,983,730 from the California Strategic Growth Council for its Ventura Westside Housing and Active Transportation grant application. The award is granted through the state’s Affordable…
Ventura County workshop to be held July 25 Hi, Hope you’re well. I’m not sure how familiar you are with you and/or your members’ new utility, Clean Power Alliance. Their mission is to provide clean energy at competitive prices. Communities…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State officials have submitted final inspections reports to officials in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for 77.97 percent of the 926 properties affected by last November’s Woolsey and Hill fires that are participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 98 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from more than 900 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties whose owners are participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris…
PIRU — Piru Gateway will host a Grand Opening of its new community on June 15th 2019 from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Guests can tour the new, fully furnished and decorated model homes while enjoying food, drinks, music and…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Officials coordinating the removal of debris caused by the Woolsey and Hill fires on June 12 reminded property owners participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program that the removal of debris from their properties is not the…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 94 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors involved in debris removal operations related to the Woolsey and Hill fires will suspend operations from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, to observe Memorial Day weekend, officials at the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC)…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — As the rainy season in Southern California tapers off and more cyclists are using the roads, officials with the Debris Removal Operations Center (DROC) in Calabasas are urging cyclists in areas affected by last November’s Woolsey and Hill…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from the first 709 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties whose owners are participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have finished installing fiber rolls and applying a biodegradable, wood-based mulch to prevent erosion on 310 of the first 690 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires and cleared…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have cleared eligible debris from more than 72 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations…
OXNARD — The Ventura County Community Development Corp. in Oxnard is hosting a free Homeownership Fair for the community, sponsored by City National Bank and others. Local families in Ventura County will have access to a multitude of resources and will be…
Registration Now Open for Students and Mentors CAMARILLO — Middle and high school girls from throughout Ventura County will participate in a two-day computer coding event presented by the Ventura County Office of Education on June 21 and 22 in…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA —State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from nearly 65 percent of the properties affected by the Woolsey and Hill fires that are currently eligible to participate in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal…
Upcoming Workshops Take advantage of VCCDC’s FREE upcoming workshops ranging from Estate Planning to Homebuyer Education! REGISTER NOW Know Your Rights – Fair Housing Speaker: Gabriela Muñoz, Homeownership Specialist Cost: Free Date: Tuesday, April 30 Time: 6pm – 7pm Where:…
VENTURA — Sometimes the small things make a big difference. For many people without a permanent home, a pair of clean, warm socks brings comfort that the more fortunate take for granted. The Ventura County Continuum of Care recently applied…
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — State contractors have removed debris generated by the Woolsey and Hill fires from 209 properties in Los Angeles and Ventura counties whose owners are participating in the state’s Consolidated Debris Removal Program, officials with the Debris Removal Operations…
CONEJO VALLEY — The 45th Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show will feature new home and outdoor designs, technology and upgrades. The show takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake (880 S. Westlake Blvd.,…
