Local housing authority beginning construction of the largest HOMEKEY project in Ventura County
VENTURA, Calif. – The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura has started construction on the Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura.
“Homelessness is one of the most vexing issues in California, particularly in Ventura we are no different than other cities and we we play a role and trying to solve homelessness in Ventura … one way of doing that is providing safe housing for those that are currently experiencing homelessness," said chief executive officer Jeffrey Lambert of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura.
The housing authority secured about $32 million through the state’s HOMEKEY program to acquire the former La Quinta Hotel.
Crews are repurposing the hotel to provide more housing for the community.
“We decided to get into the homeless solution business a couple years ago … and we’ve done it in small pieces across our properties. this is the first time we’ve taken an entire property just to solve the homeless crisis Ventura," said Lambert.
“This is exactly what our city needed a place where people can come 134 units where people are going to be able to come off the street and get the help that they need and thrive," said member Jim Duran of the Ventura City Council.
In the next several months, the housing authority is going to give out 40 keys to residence moving into the units.
Ventura city leaders believe every city plays a part in improving housing in the community.
"Regionally Santa Barbara is doing a phenomenal job working with their surrounding cities to make sure that they end homeless i mean we’re all together … Santa Barbara … Ventura … tri-counties we can make this happen," said Duran.
The housing authority believes this housing project represents not only a celebration of 75 years of service, but also a renewed dedication to addressing the pressing housing needs of Ventura.
The project will be completed in two phases, with Phase 1 expected in early 2025.
By the end of the month, individuals housed under Project Roomkey in Ventura will transition into temporary units at Valentine Road while permanent units are being finalized.
This anniversary project underscores the power of partnerships and resource leveraging, reflecting the evolution of traditional housing authorities in meeting modern housing challenges while remaining committed to their core mission.
As Ventura’s largest affordable housing developer, HACSB continues to play a critical role in addressing the community’s housing needs.
