Ventura homeless shelter receives transit vehicle donation

VENTURA, Calif. - A Ventura City homeless shelter received a transportation vehicle donated by Gold Coast Transit District.

The refurbished vehicle was picked up Thursday and will be utilized by the shelter, which is operated by Mercy House. The vehicle will be used to transport residents and features a mobility lift for users of wheelchairs, scooters and walkers. The vehicle also runs on natural gas.

The Gold Coast Transit District has been working with the City of Ventura since February. As the district began retiring some of their older vehicles, a handful were saved and refurbished for donation.

On Thursday, James Brook, Orange County Programs Director of Emergency Services for Mercy House picked up the vehicle along with City of Ventura Councilmember and GCTD Board Chair, Cheryl Heitmann, Ventura City Manager Alex McIntyre, and Deputy City Manager Barry Fisher.  

“As a community partner, we look for opportunities to support other social service programs benefiting the most vulnerable populations, many of which are also our customers.  We are thrilled we were able to work with the City of Ventura and Mercy House staff to make this a reality,” said Steve Brown, Gold Coast Transit District General Manager in a news release.

The homeless shelter is expected to open in January and will operate year-round. The shelter is operated by Mercy House under contract with the City of Ventura.

For more information about the shelter, click here.