VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded a $25,000 operating grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing in Ventura County. The new funds will be used to support new loan program development and operations as Housing Trust Fund VC continues 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. The grant is part of the Mechanics Bank Corporate Giving Program which aims to support community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations that directly support low- to moderate-income individuals, families and communities.
“Mechanics Bank has been a supporter for many years. Their Corporate Giving Program is an important catalyst for change in our community,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger, “We are grateful to have their continued support as we work to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.”
This grant announcement follows Housing Trust Fund VC’s successful annual Compassion Campaign, “Unlocking Affordable Living – Reshaping Housing Solutions,” which gathered a sold-out crowd and set a fundraising record. The event featured speakers including Mark Stivers, Director of Advocacy, California Housing Partnership and case studies from Dan Parziale, Executive Director, Mesa and Karen Flock, Deputy Director of Real Estate Development for the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. Mechanics Bank was also a Foundation Sponsor for the Compassion Campaign.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping 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. As of June 2024, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $40 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,669 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.