habitat ventura happenings

Vista Campanario Build Updates

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for our Vista Campanario homeownership opportunity on Monday, July 29! We're excited to share the next steps as we move closer to making affordable homeownership a reality for the families who partner with us on this project.

What's Next?

Our selection committee is currently reviewing dozens of applications. The selection process is a lottery system, ensuring equal opportunity for all who apply. Our committee will evaluate and review submitted information, and then verify its accuracy through home visits, financial document checks, and ensuring the applicants' capability to complete sweat equity hours and pay an affordable mortgage.

Timeline for Selection

Applicants will be notified via email within the next month on whether they have been selected and the journey to first-time homeownership will officially begin for eight families!

For Those Not Selected

If your application was not selected, you will receive an email from us soon. Additionally, our team will reach out with resources on how to prepare for future homeownership opportunities and direct families toward available resources when appropriate.

Looking Ahead

We have exciting projects lined up for the future, including new builds in Ojai, Simi Valley and other cities across Ventura County. Stay tuned for more information and how you can get involved!

We appreciate your continued support and commitment to building homes, communities, and hope here in Ventura County!

For more information about the Vista Campanario project in Camarillo, please click the button below.

family fun this August 🎉

Join us for our Ventura County Volunteer Fair!

Please join us on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Portside Ventura Harbor for our inaugural Ventura County Volunteer Fair! This will be a day of food, fun, games, drawings, prizes, and generating excitement around volunteerism in Ventura County.

This is a fun event for all ages!

To learn more about the event, click below or contact Emily Cornell, Events Manager, at emily@habitatventura.org.

16 families' lives changed... and counting

Habitat to the Max

The Habitat to the Max ministry from St. Maximilian Kolbe Church gathered together at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village on July 17.

Thank you St. Maximilian Kolbe Church for 19 incredible years of partnership, helping us build and repair homes, communities, and hope across Ventura County!

At the recent Habitat to the Max event, we had the honor of showcasing stories of Habitat Ventura families whose lives have been profoundly changed by the safe, affordable homes we've built together with St. Max.

We want to extend our gratitude to St. Max, who continues to help hard-working families realize the dream of homeownership and build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Their generosity and volunteerism are what make these life-changing moments possible.

Be sure to check out our event recap reel by clicking the button below!

new faces this summer!

Nicole's Journey with Habitat Ventura

Nicole and James on day 2 of their national leadership summit in Washington D.C., picture taken in front of the MLK memorial.

At Habitat Ventura, we believe that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve a decent life. This summer, we’ve had the privilege of working with Nicole Diche and James Miller, our Bank of America Student Leaders. Nicole's internship experience reflects this belief in action.

Nicole, a dedicated student at Channel Islands High School, arrived at Habitat Ventura with a background rich in leadership and a passion for giving back. Her dream of pursuing a career in law is driven by a desire to help others, and her time with us has only deepened that commitment.

When Nicole joined our team, she had no idea what to expect. Her initial image of Habitat Ventura was formed from a quick Google search. "I thought I would be showing up to the office with a hard hat and metal-toed boots." Her expectations transformed as she dove into every aspect of our operations. From designing flyers for build projects to meeting with Senator Monique Limón and her staff to discuss housing issues affecting our county, Nicole embraced each challenge with determination. “I am beyond thankful to be a part of HFHVC for the summer,” she says, “It is a privilege to work with an organization that empowers individuals to fight against the issues affecting our community.”

James and Nicole (middle center) on day 4 of the national leadership summit with Ventura County and LA County student leaders meeting with Rep. Julia Brownley’s staff.

Nicole’s journey with us has reinforced her belief that we all deserve strength, stability, and the power to build our own futures. Her experience here has shown her the profound impact that a career in non-profits can have. “My time with HFHVC has motivated me to use my skills to help those in need,” Nicole reflects. “It has validated my dream to serve my community.”

Nicole’s story is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity and the strength that comes from stepping up to help others. At Habitat Ventura, we’re proud to lift up future leaders like Nicole, who are committed to building a better future for all of us.

Habitat Ventura is thrilled to get to work with such incredible young people and is grateful to our partnership with Bank of America for making this possible.

To learn more about Bank of America's Student Leaders program, click the button below.

reserve your sponsorships!📢

Our Playhouse Build Blitz is fast approaching

We invite you to join our third annual Habitat Ventura Playhouse Build Blitz! This year it will be on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bank of America in Westlake Village.

Our Playhouse Build Blitz is a unique opportunity for multiple teams to work together to construct and decorate 25 children's playhouses, which are donated same-day to military and veteran families with small children in Ventura County.

Participants will get the opportunity to interact with the military and veteran families who arrive to pick up their completed playhouses. In many cases, the playhouses are a surprise to the children, and their reactions are priceless! Proceeds raised by the event will provide direct support for our programs that help struggling families obtain safe, affordable housing in Ventura County. 

We ask that your company, faith group, family, friends, or other organization get involved in Habitat's mission by sponsoring a playhouse and participating in this unique event! 

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor and Event Host, Bank of America!

To learn more about the event, contact Katie Norris, Chief Development Officer, at katie@habitatventura.org.