Ventura’s Willett Ranch. Courtesy images
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 not be possible without ongoing community funding support and grants.
Recently, HTF Ventura County was notified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that it is one of 73 recipients of a Technical Assistance grant. The $125,000 grant doubles to $250,000 due to State Proposition 1’s fund matching program.
“Earlier this year we set a lofty $5 million fundraising goal by the end of 2019,” stated Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “With this newest grant we are now within striking distance of achieving that goal.” In 2017, HTF Ventura County became a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which certifies private and non-profit financial institutions that are 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help low-income and other disadvantaged people join the economic mainstream. Being a CDFI opens new funding opportunities for HTF Ventura County, allowing for program expansion to help better serve Ventura County residents in need of affordable housing. Below are three such projects.
Ventura’s Willett Ranch, located at 54 and 55 Willett Street, is part of the new Solana Heights residential community. It will include the new construction of 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments for extremely low income seniors, with 15 apartments designated for permanent supportive housing for homeless households. The community will include on-site supportive services such as community gardening and meals, as well as targeted workshops and classes attractive to seniors. HTF Ventura County provided a $1.4 million acquisition and predevelopment loan to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura to make this project a reality. It is estimated that 75-80 seniors will become residents of Willett Ranch. Construction is set to begin in November 2019.
Ventura’s El Portal Building.
Ventura’s El Portal Building, located at 1238-1288 North Ventura Avenue, is a two-story building constructed in 1929. After falling into disrepair, Triad Properties, a nonprofit corporation associated with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura purchased the mixed-use property with plans to reconfigure 33 current living spaces, storage and commercial space into 28 to 30 more suitable apartments for homeless individuals, those with special needs, and very low income adults. HTF Ventura County provided a $700,000 construction loan to kick-off the project. It is estimated that 28-38 individuals will become residents of El Portal, which is set to begin reconstruction after all health and safety standards are brought up to code.
Fillmore’s Mountain View Apartments
Fillmore’s Mountain View Apartments, centrally located near downtown Fillmore at 210-220 Santa Clara Street, will provide 77 one-, two-, and three-bedroom housing units for very low income families. The project is anticipated to be designed in an agrarian Craftsman-style architecture inspired by Fillmore’s unique history and will enhance the neighborhood with charming buildings that create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The community will offer an abundance of open space, common courtyards, and recreational opportunities. HTF Ventura County provided a $1.26 million acquisition loan for this project, which is estimated to provide housing for 125-140 individuals. The Mountain View Apartments project is set to begin construction in fourth quarter of 2020.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2012, Ventura County Housing Trust Fund became Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTF Ventura County) in July 2019. HTF Ventura County 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 July 2019, HTF Ventura County has invested $4.7 million through its revolving loan fund, creating 143 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle- income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.