Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — Ventura Housing (formerly the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura) hosted its sold-out inaugural State of Ventura Housing breakfast on October 9th at The Livery at Rumfish y Vino. Nearly 200 community changemakers, civic leaders, housing champions, and local community partners gathered with a shared mission to ensure that every resident of Ventura has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. During the event, the agency also debuted its new name and visual identity, as the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura officially became Ventura Housing. The refreshed logo and color palette reflect a modern, approachable brand, and the new name aligns with how residents already refer to the organization, reinforcing its commitment to serving the community.
At the heart of the event was a reminder of the important role that affordable housing holds in residents’ lives. Thomas Ray, a Housing Choice Voucher program participant, was recognized in 2025 as one of Ventura Housing’s Annual Scholarship Program recipients. With support from the scholarship program, Thomas was able to continue his education at CSUCI, where he is studying Environmental Science and Resource Management. He plans to earn a doctorate in Marine Sciences and pursue a career as a professor, where he can pass on the same inspiration and support that have guided his own educational journey.
“Being included in this program allowed me opportunities like I never dreamed, and it completely transformed my life. I’m able to afford a place to live, focus on school, and I look forward to giving back to the community,” said Ray. His words inspired cheers and applause throughout the room, underscoring Ventura Housing’s belief that affordable housing is more than shelter; it’s a foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and generational change. Proceeds from the event support ATLAS, the nonprofit partner of Ventura Housing that connects resources, community support, and opportunity to Ventura Housing participants, including funding the scholarship program for participants like Thomas Ray. Learn more at atlas-venturahousing.org.
The event also featured remarks from elected officials and policymakers to highlight the importance of advocacy and support at all levels of government. California State Senator Monique Limón, the incoming president pro tem of the Senate, representing District 21, addressed the audience discuss the continued commitment to bring more housing to California at the state level, encouraging local communities to continue their support for legislation. California State Assemblymember Steve Bennett, representing the 38th district, emphasized the need for federal assistance to properly address the affordability crisis and the homeless crisis. “You will never have enough money without a federal partner. We need a grassroots movement that starts here in Ventura County,” said Assemblymember Bennett. “We have the right partner in Ventura Housing. This meeting is an example of their leadership.”
California Housing & Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez opened by addressing a lack of affordable housing as the single main issue driving homelessness in
California, with 2.5 million new homes needed by 2030 to address the crisis. “Our goal is to bring people inside and make sure they stay inside. The state should be a facilitator, not a gatekeeper,” said Velazquez. “Ventura Housing’s collaboration with community partners, including developers, behavioral health providers, transportation, non-profits, and philanthropists, is a demonstration of their leadership and dedication to bring lasting housing stability to Ventura, keeping local economies strong.”
Ventura Housing CEO Jeffrey Lambert spoke throughout the event, highlighting how Ventura Housing’s 76 years of success are rooted in collaboration, both with community partners and through cross-agency efforts. From expanding affordable housing and improving transportation access on Ventura Avenue to advancing new developments like Valentine Road Apartments through the state’s Homekey initiative, along with significant funding by Ventura County, City of Ventura, and Enterprise, Lambert emphasized that these achievements reflect not just organizational growth but a deep commitment to empowering families and strengthening the community through strong localized partnerships.
“This is an opportunity to gather and discuss one of our community’s most immediate challenges,” said Jeffrey Lambert, CEO of Ventura Housing. “We’re bringing together the stories, the data, and the community leaders in one place to reflect on the progress that we have made and explore ways to ensure we can continue our mission through collaboration.”
The State of Ventura Housing breakfast was made possible through the generous support of Gold Sponsors Enterprise and McCarthy Companies, and Silver Sponsors Bank of California, The Port of Hueneme, S.L. Leonard & Associates, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and the City of Ventura.
Ventura Housing – The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is now Ventura Housing. The agency serves as the community’s trusted housing partner with more than 75 years of experience helping residents and future generations to thrive. Ventura Housing’s refreshed name and look better reflect its commitment to opening doors, empowering lives, strengthening communities, and advancing housing affordability. Ventura Housing administers multifaceted housing programs that support low-income families within Ventura, from developing new and rehabilitating existing properties to managing the Housing Choice Voucher program and monitoring city income-restricted properties. It also provides access to case management and service coordination, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), Resident Opportunities & Self-Sufficiency Program (ROSS), and Student Scholarship Program. www.venturahousing.org