On Wednesday, October 15 about 45 faith based and city of Ventura officials gathered at Ventura Missionary Church to discuss further ways they can partner to help address the homelessness issue in Ventura. Pastor Mark and Pastor Jesse facilitated the meeting which focused on three specific issues.

Issue #1
Steve Bennett from the County Board of Supervisors shared that a collaborative effort is developing between the County of Ventura, City of Ventura, the Business Community, the Faith Community and Community-Based organizations in order to meet the immediate need to provide emergency transitional services to the individuals and  families that will be displaced as a result of the upcoming Ventura River Arundo removal. Supervisor Bennett shared that the faith based community could stand ready to help move the belongings of these homeless people as needed over the next few weeks. Supervisor Bennett also shared that faith based communities can also help by providing donations such as food coupons and gift cards, as well as donations of essential items like jackets, sweatshirts, tents and sleeping bags. A team of faith based leaders, county officials and staff, and a representative from the city was formed to help meet the needs that will surface as the homeless people are displaced during this River Arundo removal project.

Issue #2
Peter Brown of the City of Ventura shared that one of the identified needs of the ten-year strategy to end homelessness in Ventura is an emergency shelter. While a winter shelter is provided each year, the need for a permanent, year-round emergency shelter for homeless is still in dire need. Currently Ventura has over 500 homeless people, yet within the city, only ten emergency beds exist other than during the winter months when the emergency winter shelter is opened. Peter Brown shared that a growing frustration is mounting over the fact that while everyone agrees that an emergency homeless shelter is needed in Ventura, no one wants it in their back yard. A team of faith based leaders and city officials was organized to begin relooking into possible locations for a year-round emergency homeless center in Ventura. Ideally we would like to identify a shelter with a courtyard on or near the avenue, where many of the services exist for the homeless.

Issue #3
Peter Brown also shared the need for additional transitional beds/rooms for the homeless. Transitional housing is a 9-24 month location that will help a homeless individual or family get back on their feet (until they can find a job and become self-sufficient). Pastor Dave Schulz shared about a program entitled, Room in the Inn, that brings churches together to provide transitional housing for homeless. Each church would provide shelter and services for a group of 8-14  homeless one night per week. A team of faith based leaders, city officials and a county representative was formed to pursue ways the faith based community could come together to provide more transitional options for the homeless of Ventura.

If you would like to learn more about the Homelessness issue in Ventura, you are encouraged to view this 23-minute video of a presentation by Peter Brown, Community Services Manager for the City of Ventura. He describes the current problems of Homelessness, and the solution.