See how Ventura County conducts its homeless count in Simi Valley
Simi Valley police officer Scott Holty talks about the annual homeless count conducted Wednesday across Ventura County. He was part of group in Simi.
- Funds targeted for homeless including those living in Ventura River bottom.
- Portion of funds to aid in conversion of La Quinta Inn to housing.
- City requested $12 million so will have to determine funding gaps.
Ventura was awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to address homelessness through the state’s Housing and Community Development Encampment Resolution Funding Program.
The money is expected to provide shelter, services and long-term housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness, including those in the Ventura River bottom and other encampment areas, according to a news release.
“Addressing homelessness remains a top priority for our City Council, and we are committed to investing in programs that tackle root causes while offering both immediate and long-term solutions,” said Mayor Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios in a statement.
What will the money be used for?
The funding will be used to increase emergency shelter options, enhance case management and mental health resources and strengthen partnerships with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura for more permanent housing opportunities.
“This is a big win for the city to get this grant,” said Jeffrey Lambert, housing authority CEO.
The city requested $12 million in funding but received $9.8 million, said Jennifer Nance, spokesperson for Ventura.
Some of the funding was scheduled to go to the former La Quinta Inn at 5818 Valentine Road, which is transitioning from a 142-room hotel into permanent supportive housing. Called the Valentine Road apartments, the new housing will provide 134 studio units for the homeless.
Because the city didn’t get all of the funding it requested, it’s unclear how much will be allocated for the apartments, Lambert said. He planned to work with the city on addressing any funding gaps.
The City Council has to accept the funding through a resolution to allocate and disburse it, said Leona Rollins, the city’s housing services manager, in an email on Monday.
After the resolution, city staff members will present contracts to council members for approval including interim shelter options, a funding allocation for the apartments and a proposed permanent supportive housing project, Rollins said.
When will the city receive the funding?
The city has not received the awarded funding but anticipates getting the money in the next few weeks, Rollins said.
“This grant will be instrumental in advancing both temporary and long-term housing strategies identified in the City Council’s recent strategic priorities,” said Rachel Dimond, the city’s community development director in a statement.
For more information on the city’s housing programs and resources, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/HousingServices.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at [email protected], 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
