This editorial originally appeared in KCLU, on Feb. 22, 2018,
“New Housing Development On South Coast To Specifically Target Homeless, Low Income Veterans”
They served their country in uniform. But now, they call the streets of Ventura County home.
One survey puts their numbers in the dozens, while some non-profit groups think the numbers could be in the hundreds. A new, first of its kind project in Ventura County is hoping to get some of those homeless veterans into homes.
Work is getting underway on Ormond Beach Villas, a brand new affordable housing project in Oxnard targeting veterans.
Rick Schroeder is President of “Many Mansions,” a Conjo Valley based non-profit dedicated to creating affordable housing in the region. He says the development will include five buildings, and 40 residential units. Residents will range from homeless to disabled, and low income veterans.
The complex is being built on a nearly three acre chunk of land near the intersection of Saviers Road and Hueneme Road in Oxnard. Scott Whitney, who’s both Oxnard’s Police Chief and the city’s Interim City manager, says the need for this type of housing is critical. Whitney says it will not just improve the quality of life for the veterans, but for the community as a whole.
Schroeder says a number of local, and state agencies, along with foundations took part in funding the $19 million dollar project.
Construction will start in March, with the goal of having the affordable housing development for veterans ready for its first residents in May of 2019.