“The community played a pivotal role in creating this report as well as the 33 governance committee members who collaborated on and helped shape and inform the plan and work to date,” said Quinn Brady, Project Director of Uplift. “We are excited to share the outcomes of this collective effort.”
As of February 3, 2024 Governor Gavin Newson issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency for damages to businesses and homes in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties resulting from the Storm and Flooding that occurred February 3, 2024.
See the Disaster Proclamation for the recent February storm HERE.
Ventura County Resources
Report Damage to Homes & Businesses: Ventura County Sheriff’s Emergency Services is collecting data on damaged property following the recent storms. This information is then shared with Cal OES and FEMA to assist with qualifying Ventura County as a disaster area. You can submit a damage report through February 12 HERE.
SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom thanked first responders for their efforts over the past few weeks to help keep Californians safe during record-breaking winter storms.
Starting in late January, Governor Newsom directed an all-of-government response to storms that have impacted nearly all residents. The response included over 8,500 boots on the ground to support communities with roadways, flood operations, rescue teams, sheltering, and more.
State swift water rescue teams, composed of both California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE assets, made a combined 47 rescues and assisted six locally-led rescue operations. These state operations complemented the work of local governments conducting their own rescues.
SANTA BARBARA — Chronic homelessness is a health and safety risk for an entire community, including those who are homeless. High concentrations of homeless persons often result in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, police intervention, incarceration and drug and sanitation issues. This is just one reason why organizations like DignityMoves are working to reduce homelessness by providing safe, dignified housing for homeless individuals and families. This service improves the lives of both the residents of DignityMoves housing sites as well as those living throughout Santa Barbara County.
“We do have many safety issues associated with where people are camped here in Santa Barbara County,” said Mark Hatwig, Fire Chief of Santa Barbara County. “Most of these homeless encampments are not safe living spaces. …
SAN LUIS OBISPO — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has opened its newest affordable housing development: Broad Street Place.
Located at 3720 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, this new construction development is comprised of 40 units with three commercial spaces available. Residents have access to a community center, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, laundry facilities, bike storage, playground, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site property management, free internet, and supportive services. Some units provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations.
“This is a very collaborative project. While we can do a lot on our own, we do so much more when we work together.” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President. “It’s really fun to celebrate this moment.”
CENTRAL COAST — Throughout 2023, 3C-REN (Tri-County Regional Energy Network), a partnership between the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, served more than 500 homes in the region with energy-saving projects, representing a local investment of over $800,000 via incentives paid out to projects. 3C-REN also upskilled hundreds of local workers and supported design and trade professionals adjusting to new, more efficient building codes.
“We are very proud of the work we accomplished and the energy-saving projects we completed in 2023 as we move our region closer to meeting local and state climate goals,” said Marisa Hanson-Lopez, 3C-REN Multifamily Program Manager. “As we continue to provide new opportunities to save money and energy, we encourage residents and businesses to get in touch when replacing furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, windows and more. 3C-REN incentives for these systems can lower energy bills while creating healthier, more comfortable homes that are better for the planet. We know it can be confusing, but we can help!”
The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support Pacific Coast Business Times’ Emergency Preparedness guide. The guide is designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations prepare for natural disasters and be aware of recovery options.
If disaster strikes, is your business prepared? View the report HERE.
In California, 2023 saw the passage of a number of pieces of legislation to ease the production and delivery of affordable housing to our region. One such success, was SB4 which now provides a streamlined process for religious organizations and nonprofit colleges to develop affordable housing on their property. People’s Self-Help Housing is now one of the first developers to evaluate the application of this new law in our partnership with College United Methodist Church in Ventura. Part of the streamlining afforded by SB4 includes the ability to streamline the CEQA process when land is to be developed for affordable housing.
SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves’s Santa Barbara Capital Campaign has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder. The funds will support a housing community called “La Posada Village,” with the goal of reducing homelessness in Santa Barbara County.
“DignityMoves is honored to be the recipient of a James M. Cox Foundation grant. We are incredibly grateful for this type of community support. Without partners like Cox, we cannot help as many people as we do,” said Jack Lorenz, Regional Advancement Director for DignityMoves.
Volunteers Needed: Point In Time Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care needs volunteers for the upcoming Point In Time Homeless count on January 24th! The count serves as a crucial tool for understanding the extent and nature of homelessness within the region while securing critical federal funding.
Conducted annually, this count provides a snapshot of the homeless population on a specific day (January 24th), aiding policy makers, service providers, and advocates in assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and shaping future strategies. The data collected helps identify trends, allocate resources more effectively, and measure progress towards addressing homelessness in Ventura County.
Sign up to volunteer by scanning the QR code or by visiting this website: https://ventura.pointintime.info.
OXNARD — Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.
CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills where it emits greenhouse gases.
“The grant funds will help Agromin move forward on expanding our composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula,” says Bill Camarillo, Agromin CEO. “We’re currently processing over one million tons of organic waste a year. Once the expansion is complete, we’ll be able to boost that amount to almost 300,000.”
VENTURA COUNTY — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to non-farm businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters who suffered losses caused by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred December 21 through December 23, 2023.
A SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center has been opened at the South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
SANTA BARBARA — The DignityMoves community in downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Street Village has been a proven success for both housing and supporting those who were previously homeless, and it has not gone unnoticed by local leaders. Last year, the County Board of Supervisors voted to partner with DignityMoves to build an additional 300 rooms County-wide – enough interim supportive housing to help close the “shelter gap” in the county.
The County has identified several county-owned parcels across the County based on the regional distribution of unsheltered homelessness.
The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications from Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 through Tuesday, Feb.13, 2024 for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program from very low income households.
You do not need to rush to apply. Waiting list placement will be based on the random lottery process and not on a first come first served basis.
Beginning Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 8:00am through Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 4:00pm applications will be accepted online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) begins 2024 by announcing $88,000 in new funds for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. The funds come in the form of $85,000 in grants from U.S. Bank, First Citizen’s Bank and PennyMac Financial Services as well as $3,000 in year-end contributions from private donors. The amount will be applied toward the increased need for affordable housing funding as the staggering need for housing continues to grow.
Located at 10 & 12 McMurray Road, near essential services, this new development is comprised of 89 units. Including one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for low-income households, it features a welcoming community room, well-resourced learning center, and onsite supportive services for residents.
VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) invites the public to attend the second community meeting for the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project. The meeting will be held at the Rio del Valle Middle School Gymnasium in Oxnard on Jan. 29, 2024, at 6:30pm. The El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project encompasses the installation of sidewalks, accessible ramps, crosswalks, drainage improvements, and more. These improvements aim to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents.
Located at 3720 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, this new construction development is comprised of 40 units with three commercial spaces available. Residents will have access to a community center, shared kitchen, barbeque space, outdoor patios, laundry facilities, bike storage, playground, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will provide ADA-certified accessibility for those with mobility, hearing, and vision limitations.
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON
Homebuyer Workshop
Saturday, February 3, online
Saturday, February 24, in-person @ Harvest at Limoneira in Santa Paula
If homeownership is one of your goals this year (or anytime in the future), our Homebuyer Education Workshop is the place to be! Learn all about homebuying – from credit to down payment assistance and everything in between! There is no cost for you to attend and you’ll enjoy hearing from a variety of expert speakers who will give you the latest and greatest on credit, money management, real estate, mortgage loans, insurance and more! Plus get your HUD certificate which can be used to access down payment assistance programs like the upcoming California Dream for All. Register for FREE today!
Cleaver & Clark Commons is an affordable housing community that will serve families, farmworkers, and those at risk of homelessness. Comprised of two buildings, this new development will bring 53 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units to the City of Grover Beach. Features of the site include an interior courtyard, drought-tolerant landscaping, and two community rooms for resident gatherings. Residents will also have access to onsite property management, and service-enriched support.
VENTURA COUNTY — Those interested in working to identify unique and innovative affordable housing solutions in Ventura County, are invited to provide input during Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’sAnnual Meeting. During the meeting the nonprofit will present a 2023 year in review and itscurrent programs and services, along with “A Home for Education: Housing solutions on educational properties,” on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Salon at California State University Channel Islands.
Attend and get a HUD Certificate to help you access first-time homebuyer loans and down payment assistance programs
SANTA BARBARA — On Friday, April 12, 2024 at 5 pmDignityMoves will host the grand opening of its La Posada Interim Supportive Housing Community located at 4500 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be hosted by NCIS actor, Duane Henry.
La Posada Village will house individuals living in encampments near the 101 freeway and railroad tracks in the immediate area. This community will have 80 rooms, provide 24/7 security, intensive case management for each resident, 3 meals a day, and mental and physical health care services and transportation.
Spring into action and mark your calendars for our workshops this month! From in-person workshops to webinars, we make it convenient for you to access the information you need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
CENTRAL COAST — On Saturday, April 27, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) will be hosting the 2024 Builder Games from 3-7PM at their San Luis Obispo Corporate Office (1060 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo).
Announced in a new promotional reel on YouTube, the Builder Games is back for its third year, bringing together local teams to construct unique playhouses for children. Returning teams RRM Design Group, Architects FORA, OMNI Design, 1st Capital Bank, and host People’s Self-Help Housing will be joined by two new teams, Blosser Urban Garden and Arris Studio Architects. Only one slot remains for anyone looking to take on these seasoned champions. The event promises much more than just competition, as guests can enjoy Santa Maria Style BBQ, a curated selection of local wine and craft beer, and great music from DJ Manuel Medina. All proceeds raised will be reinvested in the Central Coast, benefiting the education and supportive housing programs of PSHH.
SANTA BARBARA — Join Community Environmental Council, the Santa Barbara Independent and Santa Barbara City College School of Extended Learning for a thought-provoking panel discussion at CEC Environmental Hub (1219 State Street) on Thursday, May 9, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The discussion is about advancing sustainable development in an era of unprecedented housing growth. Learn more about the challenges such significant growth poses to advancing goals for sustainable development, and hear possible solutions that can inform further community discussion. This is an effort to understand the impacts and planning of nearly 15,000 housing units on the South Coast by the County of Santa Barbara and its incorporated cities over the next eight years. Register for the panel discussion.
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced on April 9 that its 5th Annual Compassion Campaign will feature Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy for the California Housing Partnership, a private nonprofit organization created by the State Legislature in 1988 to help provide housing that is sustainable and affordable for working families, homeless, veterans, seniors and disabled individuals.
EVENT POSTPONED —
Located at 855 4th Street, adjacent to bus routes, and community resources, this new construction development is comprised of 50 units. Residents will have access to a community center, picnic area, laundry room, playground, on-site property management, and supportive services. Some units will be designated for No Place Like Home households.
Spring into action and mark your calendars for our workshops this month! From in-person workshops to webinars, we make it convenient for you to access the information you need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo, People’s Self-Help Housing is developing the former Motel 6 located at 1433 Calle Joaquin.
The project will bring 76 units to extremely low-income individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. Residents will have access to a community center, laundry room, outdoor recreational spaces, on-site property management, and supportive services.
This Project Homekey program was made possible through innovative funding from the California Department of Housing & Community Development.
Oct. 5 — Taller para Compradores de Casa aprobado por HUD
Consulado de México en Oxnard
9:00am – 3:00pm
Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? With VCCDC’s Advancing Communities Program, you can access a low-interest personal loan of up to $2,500 and gain essential financial management skills! We believe that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and that’s why our newest program aims to provide a pathway to empowerment. Our program, made possible with funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, includes free personalized coaching and workshops designed to elevate your financial knowledge and confidence. Join a community of like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and unlock the tools you need to create a brighter financial future. It’s time to invest in yourself!
RSVP by October 15
Located at 714-716 West Harvard Boulevard, People’s Place is a new construction development made up of 69 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, serving households earning 30-60% of the area median income (AMI). The property also has 21 units set aside for farmworker households making 30-45% of the AMI.
On-site amenities include a community center, learning center, outdoor courtyards, shared gardens, designated bike storage, onsite parking, and playgrounds. All residents also have access to free onsite supportive services.
VENTURA — The City of Ventura is taking proactive steps to solicit feedback from the community on tenant protections and housing. As part of the implementation of the 2021-2029 Housing Element, staff is exploring the potential for programs that support tenants and property owners. This approach ensures that both tenants and property owners can thrive in a balanced, well-protected environment. The City’s Housing Services Division is hosting a series of workshops to garner various perspectives on tenant protections and housing rights in the City of Ventura.
VENTURA — The Ventura County Environmental Health Division (EHD) and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) will host a workshop for homeowners with partially or fully destroyed properties who wish to participate in the County-led Debris Removal Program or the Private Debris Removal Program (Phase 2). Homeowners will receive a detailed overview of each program and step-by-step guidance on completing “Right-of-Entry” (ROE) forms that are required prior to the start of the County-led debris removal process.
The next meeting of the County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for
9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024
County Administration Building
Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor
105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara
The public may participate virtually, or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
SANTA BARBARA — The California Coastal Commission will hold a hybrid public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 9:00 AM to consider certification of the County of Santa Barbara’s Housing Bill Implementation Ordinance into the County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Agenda Item Th12a).
The Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the Housing Bill Implementation Ordinance, Ordinance No. 5204, into the County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance on February 13, 2024. Please see the February 13, 2024 Board meeting details for the staff report, adopted ordinance, and additional materials. On June 4, 2024, the Board authorized the submittal of the ordinance to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification. Please see the June 4, 2024 Board meeting details for the Board letter and resolution authorizing the submittal to the California Coastal Commission.
In this interactive session, you’ll gain valuable insights on key topics, including:
Understanding the do’s and don’ts of homebuying
Exploring financing options and mortgage types
Learning about down payment assistance programs
Managing your finances effectively
Building or improving your credit
Tips for navigating the real estate market
Dear Friend,
This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like this possible.
CENTRAL COAST — This month, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) have unveiled their new Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver award at their corporate headquarters in San Luis Obispo.
Achieved in collaboration with In Balance Green Consulting and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this certification recognizes properties built with exceptional sustainable construction practices. The goal of LEED is to create ‘better buildings that promote sustainability, enhance individual human health, and protect and restore water resources’.
