Category: Home

Santa Barbara County receives $3 million in federal funds for emergency housing vouchers for homeless

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Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) intended to help prevent and end homelessness are now available for Santa Barbara County residents in desperate need. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law in March by President Biden, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $5 billion in funding for emergency housing vouchers to be distributed nationwide for housing the homeless. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “Homelessness in the United States was increasing even before COVID-19, and we know the pandemic has only made the crisis worse. HUD’s swift allocation of this $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding reflects our commitment to addressing homelessness as a priority. With this strong funding, communities across the country will have the resources needed to give homes to the people who have had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic without one.” 

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Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Commercial Eviction Moratoriums Expired June 30

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On June 30, 2021, the current commercial eviction moratoriums protections (Executive Order N-03-21) expired. The EDC understands the significant impact COVID-19 has had on our business community. If your business has experienced economic injury due COVID-19, you do not have walk alone. The following recommendations are for landlords and tenants during this unprecedented time.

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for June 30 2021

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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

Please note there have been changes to the hours of operation.

Vaccination clinics will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday

Ventura County Fairgrounds (Now closed)

North Oxnard – Public Health
2240 E. Gonzales Rd, Suite 140
Oxnard, CA 93036
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm. Open until 6:30pm on Thursdays.
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen

Oxnard Rose Avenue (New hours of operation)
(Babies R Us Building)
2340 N Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030
Walk-in hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00am-6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)

South Oxnard C Street
(Tent in the parking lot, near Las Islas Clinic)
2500 S. C Street, Oxnard CA, 93033
Walk-in hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm
Vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen

Oxnard College (New hours of operation)
3250 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033
Walk-in hours: 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday-Monday, 12:00pm-7:30pm Thursday-Friday
Vaccine: Pfizer and Janssen (Now offering Janssen)
*State operated.
Closed on July 4

Anyone in need of a second dose does not need an appointment to get vaccinated at the above clinics. Please be sure to select a clinic offering the vaccine you received for your first dose.

For more information, visit https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/

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Grocery Outlet Announces Eleventh Annual ‘Independence from Hunger Campaign

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Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, on June 24, launched its 11th consecutive Independence from Hunger Food Drive to combat food insecurity. Through July 31, 2021, the campaign will collect cash donations and pre-made bags of nonperishable foods in-store at Grocery Outlet’s 400 locations that will be distributed to local food agencies partners. In addition, online donations can be made at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. …Latinos Are Nearly Twice As Likely to Experience Food Insecurity than Non-Hispanic White Individuals. Program to Support Organizations Food Share of Ventura County, The Salvation Army Oxnard Corps and The Simi Valley Council on Aging

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County awarded $1,826,265 in CDFI grant funds

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that it has received $1,826,265 from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution’s (CDFI) Rapid Response Program, to support economic relief efforts in Covid-19 impacted communities. This award will directly impact affordable housing in Ventura County through Housing Trust Fund VC’s Revolving Loan Fund and provides an opportunity to double to potentially $3.6 million in lending capital under California’s Proposition 1 Local Housing Trust Fund matching grant program.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — No more procrastinating, it’s time to register for the 2021 Homeownership Conference!

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It’s time to stop procrastinating and get registered! Introducing our Homeownership Conference host…Lady Jade! We’re SO excited to have her back for the second year in row! Check out her video below and get ready for a day that could change the trajectory of your life in JUST ONE WEEK!

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Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Graduates Honored for Achievements by Housing Authority

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is honoring two Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program graduates who used the stability of subsidized housing to build the skills and assets needed to become financially independent. Anna Carranco and Iris Manzanarez have worked hard over the last five years to achieve the goals they set for themselves, completing the program this year despite the global pandemic.  

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Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara Announces $10 Million for the Development of Affordable Housing for Special Needs

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The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) allocated $10,301,010 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to a local project to be developed by the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) through its instrumentality non-profit, Santa Barbara Affordable Housing Group (SBAHG). The new housing will be constructed for those with special needs including the homeless. Total development costs are estimated at $17.6 million. 

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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS Warning, June 15 Changes, & Boat Wreckage Cleanup!

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This week there will be a lot to watch for! There is a Red Flag Warning effective Monday, 6/14 at 6:00 pm until Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 am in the mountains and south coast due to forecast winds, low humidity, and very hot temperatures. There will be an Excessive Heat Watch in effect starting Wednesday, 6/16 morning to evening. Drink water and keep your family, including your pets, cool and hydrated. Monitor the forecast for updates, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Which one will you attend?

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There’s so much to learn about homeownership and it can feel overwhelming! Not for long! Our Virtual Homeownership Conference provides you with bitesize workshop sessions to get a clear and concise look at a range of different homeownership topics! Topics include mastering your credit, rent relief programs, mortgage options for homeowners, first-time homebuyer tips and tricks, down payment assistance programs and how to avoid foreclosure.

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People’s Self-Help Housing — NeighborWorks Week 2021

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People’s Self-Help Housing is celebrating NeighborWorks Week alongside hundreds of NeighborWorks America organizations throughout the country. This week is aimed at highlighting neighborhood vitality and nationwide efforts in building strong communities. 

In recognition of NeighborWorks Week, we invite you to watch a new videofrom the PSHH IDEA Commission to see how they are building strong communities through Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and most importantly, Action!

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VCCDC announces California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma as keynote speaker of June 26 virtual Homeownership Conference

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We’re excited to announce California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Homeownership Conference! Ma has had a renowned career in public service, having been involved with many initiatives and committees in California’s government. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state’s history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position.

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People’s Self-Help Housing — Introducing Building Together | PSHH’s 2021 Annual Appeal

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Home is where it all begins. Health, well-being, and career success all stem from having a safe and supportive place to thrive. Every day at PSHH we are building so much more than housing, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in building vibrant communities, independence & resilience, and successful futures. Let’s all ‘Build Together’! 

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‘Caring Together’ Transitions to Countywide Campaign

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A group of Santa Barbara County nonprofits and community organizations announced they have joined forces to help family caregivers self-identify and find supportive services. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a community awareness campaign to inform residents that they are not alone in their caregiving efforts, and there is a network of organizations to support them.

Previously, the Alzheimer Association, Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Family Service Agency (FSA), Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC), Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVHCO), Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Santa Barbara County Promotores Network focused on sharing their message within their local communities.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Less than a month to register for June 26 Virtual Homeownership Conference

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Join us right from your couch on Saturday, June 26!

Whether you are a homeowner, first-time buyer or repeat buyer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about homeownership in Southern California. At this year’s virtual conference, we want you to know that “Homeownership is Within Reach”! It’s our mission to provide you with the best guidance and practical tools to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. You will leave inspired and equipped to begin or continue your path toward homeownership!

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Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. and NeighborWorks on June 10 to celebrate 2021 graduates

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In partnership with national nonprofit NeighborWorks, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) will be hosting a special celebration for 2021 graduates of all ages during NeighborWorks week.   

Since its inception in 1983, NeighborWorks Week showcases how the NeighborWorks network strengthens communities and celebrates their collective impact as a network, while this year’s theme aims to reflect on the power of unity and resilience. Through this event, Cabrillo EDC recognizes the united community effort needed to support online learning, from hardworking students and teachers, homework clubs, and more.   

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Calls Mount for Advance Warning of Ag Pesticide Spray 

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Californians in farmworker communities gathered Thursday online as well as in-person, calling on the state and county governments to web-post advance warning of agricultural pesticide use, citing the known health impacts of pesticide exposure and the tendency of pesticides to drift far from where they are applied. Currently, no notice is provided to the public. Advocates say that knowing in advance about hazardous chemical use near homes and schools would enable residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from harm. 

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Bilingual report — Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan Update

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The Ventura County Department of Airports would like to thank community members who participated in the public workshop that was recently conducted to kick off the Camarillo and Oxnard Airport Master Plan update. Based on the feedback received to date, the Department has decided to pause the Master Plan process for a period of approximately one year or more if needed to broaden community engagement.

The intent of the Airport Master Plan Update is to both share information and listen to community members to seek their input and vision for how the two County owned Airports should serve our local communities and region. The County hopes to have a shared understanding through broadened engagement, of the community’s concerns and interests in how the Airports are being planned and operated to best serve all in our communities.  

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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara — Join us TOMORROW | FREE Sunset Beach Yoga & Mediation

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oin us for two upcoming community classes in collaboration with Santa Barbara Beach Yoga. Sign up now for the free classes listed below and meet us in the sand! 
TOMORROW
SUNSET BEACH YOGA
& MEDITATION
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 
6:15 – 7:15 PM
East Beach
Sign up for free >>

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Our latest homeownership success story is in! YOU could be next on June 26

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Meet our newest homeowners, Mario and Alyssa! They’ve just closed on their home in Ventura thanks to $57,000 in down payment assistance. When we first spoke to Mario and Alyssa, they were under the impression that homebuying programs were too good to be true. Well, their doubts turned into hope fast after speaking to Alex and the lending team at VCCDC.

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CSUCI Environmental Science & Resource Management faculty receive almost $400,000 to study beach access inequities

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The beach belongs to everyone. But sea level rise caused by climate change means certain populations may be less and less able to access this natural resource.  

Two Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM) faculty members from CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) will study the problem after receiving $396,060 for a project called “Sustaining Beaches and Social Equity under Higher Sea Levels: An interdisciplinary case study of the Santa Barbara Littoral Cell.” 

Assistant Professors of ESRM Kiki Patsch, Ph.D. and Dan Reineman, Ph.D. are leading the research team, which is creating job opportunities for CSUCI students—13 of whom will be hired over the summer. 

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May News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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Our exciting partnership with the Templeton Unified School District, now sees students with access to free, afterschool support at Templeton Middle School.  Our continued thanks to must! Charities for bringing this much-need program and Camino Scholars on campus!

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Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter

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1. Economy: There is strong business case for racial equity that is independent of the human to human considerations that we all have felt. Would you believe that ensuring that people of color across the country have equitable wages will lead to an additional $1 trillion in earnings (a 15% gain), an additional $800 billion in spending, and an increase of $450 billion in federal taxes collected? Equity is great for business!

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Registration NOW OPEN! for Home Ownership Conference

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Does up to $100,000 in down payment assistance sound too good to be true? You could be the next family to benefit from our incredible programs and resources. Find out more at our Homeownership Conference where we have a magnificent line up of breakout sessions for you to chose from! Topics range from boosting your credit score, down payment assistance programs, rental relief help and more! Attend our sessions and join the Session Q& A after.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Help with Rent Relief Program Now Available at VCCDC

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Get rent relief at VCCDC! If you’re struggling with paying rent due to a COVID-19 financial hardship, and you’re an income eligible household, you may be eligible for the State of California’s COVID-19 Rent Relief Program! You can receive help with past due or future rent and utilities, especially if you’re at risk of eviction. VCCDC is a Local Network Partner approved to assist you with applying for this program!
Contact VCCDC to schedule an appointment today:
805-273-7800 or vgalicia@vccdc.org

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2nd Story Associates Provides “Quality of Life” Health, Education and Social Services to Low-Income Families and Seniors

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This past year brought many challenges to our community as many families and seniors faced hardships brought on by the national pandemic — including loss or reductions in income, job loss, as well food and health insecurity. During this time, the nonprofit 2nd Story Associates, responded by continuing its efforts to support low-income families and individuals with critical needs in the Santa Barbara area.  

2nd Story Associates is the nonprofit arm of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), created to support the development of affordable housing and promote social services for the benefit of low-income members of the Santa Barbara community. 2nd Story creates opportunities for low-income residents, many of whom are residents of HACSB housing and/or Section 8 Voucher recipients, to receive the support needed to preserve their home as well as improve their education, well-being and quality of life. They strive to ensure there is always hope for someone’s “2nd story.”   

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Gardens on Hope, Affordable Sanctuary for Independent-Living Seniors Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

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In a year shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and local affordable housing challenges for low-income seniors, the Housing Authority City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) had something to celebrate with the residents of  Gardens on Hope (GOH). On April 13, 2021 they joined together to mark the first-year anniversary of this residential complex designed for seniors located at251 South Hope Avenue in Uptown Santa Barbara. The celebration was hosted by HACSB, Garden Court, Inc. and The Parsons Group, agencies that collaborated in the conception and subsequent development of this housing development.

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United Way of Ventura County — An exciting new resource to share …

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United Way of Ventura County is excited to share with you that we’ve created a website to exclusively cover our United to End Homelessness Initiative efforts. This website will be a central hub that features resources, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, tenant and landlord testimonials, resources and beyond.
The website will continue to evolve and expand as we develop more efforts related to this initiative.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Join us from wherever you are – FREE Workshops

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Upcoming Workshops Must-have information accessible from wherever you are! If you are a tenant or a landlord, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss! Learn about rights and responsibilities when it comes to fair housing. Plus learn about…

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Bilingual report — County Board of Supervisors approves MOU with City of Oxnard for a permanent emergency shelter

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The County Board of Supervisors on April 27 voted unanimously to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the City of Oxnard detailing the conceptual framework for the development and operation of a permanent Homeless Solutions Center for people experiencing homelessness.

“We appreciate our partnership with the City of Oxnard and their leadership in addressing the needs of the unsheltered in our communities,” said County Executive Officer Michael Powers. “Homelessness can happen to anyone: a job loss, a medical condition, missing a rent payment, a costly car repair; any type of crisis. There are many ways in which someone can become homeless and only one way really to solve it. Homelessness ends when everyone has a home. Providing supportive services and housing helps those in need make it home.”

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Bilingual report — Transitional Aged Youth between 16-25 Deserve Loving Homes Now  

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Homes with Heart VC, a program of Ventura County Children and Family Services, is recruiting loving families in Ventura County to open their homes to older youth in care. Transitional aged youth (TAY) are between the ages of 16-25 and are at a point in their lives where love, guidance, and mentorship are critical for their future independence.   

Currently, the county has over 200 TAY youth and homes are in higher demand than ever before. A safe place to call home can provide older youth with stability and teach them valuable skillsets in preparation for a successful future. By taking the first steps to become a resource family, you can make a large difference as they step forward into the rest of their life.  

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Bilingual commentary — The Termite Doll House

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More destructive than earthquakes, thunderstorms and floods, termites are a potent force of nature. Termites are insidious. They are one of the biggest threats to our homes, though they are minuscule, nearly invisible, and silent.

In 2018, the National Pest Management Association produced a video that would strike fear into the heart of any homeowner: Tiny Termite House. A team of researchers built the “Tiny Termite House,” a miniature, doll-house version of a typical “dream home.” It even had hardwood floors, electricity, and plumbing. Upon completion, the researchers introduced a mass of termites onto the idyllic “property,” much like a swarm might arrive to colonize their chosen real estate. The researchers then filmed and watched the results over time with a combination of horror, awe, and fascination. The video shows the massive, horren

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83 student-authors from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties compete for the best project proposals to reduce their home’s environmental footprint & receive awards

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On Friday, April 30, 7th-12th-grade students from seven public schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties participating in the MERITO Foundation’s EECCOA Challenge 2021 will be competing for cash and in-kind prizes with their environmental business proposals focused on water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction in their homes, or to educate a community about ocean acidification. In the past, the program focused on reducing the environmental footprint of school campuses, but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most students have been learning remotely. As a result, the challenge was adapted to allow students to submit proposals that reduce the environmental footprint of their homes. The main sponsors and partners of the EECCOA Program and EECCOA Virtual Challenge 2021 Awards Event are NOAA B-WET Grant, Ventura Water, Clean Power Alliance, and the City of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability. The event will take place virtually on Friday, April 30 between 4:00 and 5:30 pm and will be live-streamed on the MERITO Foundation’s Facebook page.

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April News from People’s Self-Help Housing

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If you are a regular reader of our eNews, you will have noticed from past ‘People of People’s’ articles that we are a diverse and talented organization (see the following story on Top 50 Women in Business!) With over 200 employees, working across fifteen departments, our mission is executed by industry professionals with wide-ranging talents, a variety of perspectives, and all from very different backgrounds.
 
Our investment in internally creating opportunities for advancement has yielded impressive bench depth, cross pollination of ideas, and strong communication within our teams. Being able to move our mission forward through a ‘shared leadership’ model is not only allowing us to stay in tune with our team members, but also importantly with the cherished residents we serve.

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The City Center Difference: Promoting Growth and Success Among Residents

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Finding a way to ensure homeless families in need are given a chance to have success in life is a challenging task. The City Center however, has a 100 percent success rate at helping graduates rebuild their lives. Since 2014, 253 people have graduated from its program debt free with full-time employment and reliable transportation, representing 78 families who will never return to homelessness. 

 Led by Executive Director, Jim Duran, The City Center has worked to lift people out of homelessness or defeat with the help of its onsite staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors.  

“It’s giving a hand up, rather than a handout,” said Duran. “Each family receives the help and guidance they need to find and hold jobs, leave all government support behind, and learn to care for themselves and their children.” 

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County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for April 21, 2021

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COVID-19 Update

There are 28 new COVID-19 cases. There have been 4,942 new tests performed. There have been 0 additional deaths.

Doubling time is 1,930.9 days.

The current R-effective (average number of people each infected person will pass the virus onto and represents the rate at which COVID-19 is spreading) is .83 which means that spread of COVID-19 is likely decreasing; R-effective for CA is .78 right now.

597,454 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. 54.6% of the population age 16 and older have received the 1st dose of the vaccine.

Click here for information about COVID-19 testing.

Click here for information about the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for information about the guidance for different sectors. The County remains in the Orange Tier for at least 2 more weeks.

Vaccine eligibility is now open to everyone 16 and older. Make your appointment today at myturn.ca.gov or 833-422-4255.

www.venturacountyrecovers.org

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County receives City of Oxnard land on behalf of newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County

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Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC), on behalf of the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County, has entered into a disposition and development agreement to receive donated land valued at $840,000 from the City of Oxnard. Located at 241 West Second Street, the unused city land will be developed as the future home of the Homeless Solutions Center, a supportive housing development that will provide 55 permanent housing units, 120 shelter beds and 24-hour supportive services for the homeless population.

“In 2020 we formed the Housing Land Trust Ventura County as a way to provide lasting community assets and permanently affordable housing opportunities for families, workers and fixed-income residents in our County,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust Ventura County. “By working to acquire donated land and preserve it for affordable housing developments we remove the most cost-prohibitive part of building affordable homes, which is the high cost of land.” Braunschweiger notes that Housing Land Trust Ventura County is designated by the State of California as a Supporting Nonprofit comprised of an 11-member Board of Directors who are working to identify and receive donated land in the region that can be developed to provide affordable housing on a 99-year lease for either rental housing or home ownership. The new nonprofit will not act as a developer but rather work with affordable housing developers selected through an RFP process. The land donated by the City of Oxnard is the first such project for the newly formed Housing Land Trust Ventura County.

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Guest commentary — In defiance of City of Ventura officials, unpermitted disturbance of lead-contaminated soil takes place at SoCal Gas facility, as community concerns escalate

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When Westside Ventura resident Matthew Bello went on a walk in his neighborhood on April 14, 2020, he saw something he did not expect: 

Cars and trucks parked inside the SoCalGas property at 1555 North Olive Street, and a flurry of activity on the usually quiet site. At least a half-dozen workers with shovels were digging a trench in the large dirt lot adjacent to the hulking natural gas compressor station. 

Most passersby might not think much of this activity. They’d likely chalk it up to another construction project along The Avenue’s always-busy corridor. But lucky for his neighbors, Bello is part of the newly formed Westside Clean Air Coalition, a community group focused on protecting air quality for all who live and go to school on The Avenue. The group has been following plans for 1555 North Olive closely – a property that has a history of soil contamination and air pollution dating back at least one hundred years. He knew what many would not: 

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Bilingual report — Community Feedback Helps Ventura County Public Works Agency Receive First Statewide Grant for Pedestrian Improvement Project

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Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT) announced today the adoption of its first ever Active Transportation Project (ATP) statewide grant totaling $6,195,000 for its El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School Project. ATP funds support active transportation projects including pedestrian, bikes and transit.

Funding allocation for design of the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement and Safe Routes to School project is expected in 2022, with construction planned for 2024. The project’s safety improvements include construction of 2.15 miles of sidewalks on both sides of Stroube, Walnut and Cortez Streets respectively, traffic-calming curb extensions, water-retention areas, rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB), and crosswalk improvements.

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — We’re hiring!

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If you have a heart for helping others and want to make a positive impact in your community we’d like you on our team! You’ll enjoy a fast paced and collaborative working environment and a comprehensive benefits package including a generous paid time off plan, paid holidays, various health insurance plans including a plan offering 100% premium coverage for employee. Click below to learn more about our open positions.

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Eliminating bias and encouraging collaboration between tenants, private landlords and Housing Authority staff is key to success for Santa Barbara’s Housing Choice Voucher Program 

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As the massive national vaccination effort gains momentum for winning the war against COVID-19, the economic damage from the pandemic persists and will be felt by Americans well into the future. According to Out of Reach 2020, a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in the first half of 2020 alone, “the economic situation for low-wage workers has precipitously worsened: in June the Department of Labor reported that over 34 million people were receiving or had applied for unemployment insurance. More than half of all low-income households experienced job or income loss because of the pandemic. Many low-wage workers could not afford their housing before the crisis, and they will need even more help now.” What has become clear during the public health crisis is that housing IS healthcare; staying at home is key to protecting public health. The report goes on to emphasize that, “Not everyone, unfortunately, is stably housed in a safe and adequate environment, and government action to help secure that environment is both morally vital and prudent.”  

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Village Properties Realtors ranks among top brokerage firms in nation based on sales prices

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Locally owned, independent real estate agency Village Properties has garnered recognition as one of the nation’s top brokerage companies based on average sales price for homes sold last year.

RealTrends, the country’s leading source of analysis and information on the residential real estate industry, placed Village Properties among the top three firms nationwide in the average sales price by volume category for 2020. The Santa Barbara-based brokerage ranked ahead of all but two real estate agencies across the country.

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United Way of Ventura County — United We Can End Homelessness

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This Friday, we have a wonderful speaker for you to hear at our first annual United to End Homelessness Symposium. I will have the honor of interviewing author and Pulitzer Prize winner, Dr. Matthew Desmond. His book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, was named one of Time’s Best Nonfiction Books of the Decade. It was also hailed by Bill Gates: “Desmond has written a brilliant portrait of Americans living in poverty. He gave me a better sense of what it is like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read.”

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RISE Invites all of SLO County to Pledge to Believe Survivors

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.

By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.

“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”

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Bilingual report — Rent Assistance Now Available for Income Eligible Households and Landlords

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In keeping with Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to ensuring individuals and families stay housed during – and despite – the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians who have experienced a financial hardship because of the pandemic and who are most at-risk of eviction can now apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program to help pay past due rent. Beginning today, renters and landlords can check eligibility and apply by visiting HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122 toll-free, seven days a week.

“For hundreds of thousands of renters and small property owners, there is more light at the end of the tunnel,” said Governor Newsom. “We have the strongest eviction protections in the nation and, beginning today, we are providing greatly needed financial support to both renters and small property owners in need of assistance to pay their mortgages, with a focus on racial and geographic equity.”

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