Ventura— The City Council, during its Tuesday, January 21 meeting, approved the Foul Weather Shelter Program.
Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins explained that the Foul Weather Shelter, established in 2019 with River Community Church, aims to protect lives during severe weather and offer temporary emergency shelter in hotels for those experiencing homelessness.
“This program prioritizes individuals ages 65 and over or live with chronic health conditions,” she said. “Those who can’t get a hotel room are provided with stay-warm packs with sleeping bags, ponchos, tarps, and blankets.”
She said the City used its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which was capped at $25,000 per year due to restrictions.
“With a limited allocation, the City could only reserve 20 motel rooms a night for 10-12 nights per season,” she said. “Foul Weather Shelter Program for the upcoming season is budgeted and authorized for $90,000, and it’s anticipated to cover the increased costs in hotel rooms 20 nights per season.”
She stated that Ventura County’s 2024 homeless study indicates a 15 percent decrease in homelessness.
“Out of the 536 homeless people, 360 people are experiencing unsheltered homelessness,” Rollins said. “The remaining hotel rooms are offered on a first come, first served…
