Celebrates $5+ million in raised funds, welcomes five new board members,
and re-launches its Community Impact Note
VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) proudly welcomed over 85 participants to last week’s Annual Meeting. Held virtually, the meeting highlighted successes including, $10 million in approved loans since 2012 ($2.1 million in 2020), helping to produce 598 affordable homes in socio-diverse neighborhoods throughout Ventura County, and raising $5+ million in local funds for affordable housing. Housing Trust Fund VC emphasized the power of impact investing by leveraging $2.15 million in funded 2020 loans for three new Oxnard developments.
A highlight of the afternoon came from CEO, Linda Braunschweiger who announced a 2020 milestone of $15 million in early funding requests for planned affordable housing developments, with a need for acquisition and construction financing. “These developments include rental housing for the homeless, farm workers, veterans, youth transitioning from foster care, and the majority of the units are expected to help low to extremely low-income families and individuals,” said Braunschweiger.
Continuing to provide safe and equitable homes built in richly diverse neighborhoods is made possible in part through the organization’s Revolving Loan Fund. Capital for the fund is raised through donations, grants and Community Impact Notes, which provide a modest financial return to mission-minded investors such as Ventura County corporations and foundations interested in helping to solve the affordable housing crisis.
Supporting the notion of community impact investing, keynote speaker Michael Anderson delivered a compelling presentation focused on the significant impact of trust funds, “We think about not just the number of apartments and homes, but all of the different families that have benefitted in them, and the generations that will benefit going forward.” Anderson provided a big picture idea of the expanse each investment makes, “The impact that you’re making is definite and part of this larger story of trust funds across the country, where this movement continues to grow, even in difficult economic times.”
Braunschweiger closed the meeting highlighting a new development, funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC, Willet Ranch, in Ventura, with a special touch for senior citizens, “When complete this community will offer on-site supportive services such as a community garden and meals, as well as targeted classes attractive for seniors.”
To view Housing Trust Fund VC’s 2020 Annual Report, visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org. To learn more about the Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund Community Impact Note, visit www.housingtrustfundvc.org/cin