VENTURA — United Way of Ventura County (UWVC) has been awarded two grants totaling $1.7 million from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. Both grants are from the State of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 5 for Homeless Prevention, and Rapid Re-Housing. This funding will bolster key programs, including Home Safe which aims to place homeless and keep them housed as well as the countywide Landlord Engagement Program (LEP), which aims to increase housing stock and utilize existing housing vouchers and subsidies provided by local jurisdictions and community partners. By recruiting and retaining landlords willing to assist, the program seeks to prevent and end homelessness in the community.
“This significant funding will enhance United Way’s efforts to provide permanent housing solutions and supportive services for people and families experiencing homelessness in Ventura County,” said Mitchel Sloan, president and CEO.
United Way’s United to End Homelessness Ventura County Initiative has served more than 1,000 people, housing 426 families and singles for a total of 827 individuals. In February 2024, homelessness prevention became a crucial addition, requiring services to ensure families and individuals can stay housed. To date, 100 families and 200 individuals have received prevention services. These efforts translate into a 97.5% housing retention rate. These successes reflect the effectiveness of programs like United to End Homelessness Ventura County and underscore the importance of continued investment in housing solutions and supportive services.
“United Way, working with 134 service providers in Ventura County, have successfully avoided evictions for the past five years, while maintaining a 97% or higher housing retention rate, said Carie Bristow, director, Homelessness Initiatives. “This is a testament to the team’s commitment to not only getting people housed but keeping them housed.”
One recently assisted client, Joseph, recalls a family hardship, “I’m a husband and a father of two wonderful boys. Me and my family went through a tough time financially and emotionally when my wife had an ectopic pregnancy. So, when rent came around, we were sort of in a panic as we both were out of work due to this hard time in our life. Thanks to my case manager and United Way’s quick response and help, they weren’t only able to help us pay rent, but also gave us wiggle room preparing for next month’s rent and ensured us that we wouldn’t be homeless again. I thank United Way for their help in a desperate time for me and my family.”
To learn more about the United to End Homelessness Ventura County Initiative and how to get involved, please email Carie Bristow, at carie.bristow@vcunitedway.org
About United Way of Ventura County — Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. When we work together in common purpose, we LIVE UNITED. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org