FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jessica Villeda, Marketing Manager Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County

805-485-6065 x104

jessica@habitatventura.org

Community Spirit Shines at the Ventura County Volunteer Fair:

A Day of Connection and Celebration

Fun moments at the Ventura County Volunteer Fair included playhouse builds for local military families, interactive booths with Market by the Sea vendors and local nonprofits, as well as a fun crafts section!

[Ventura, CA] – August 24, 2024: The Ventura County Volunteer Fair, organized by Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County in partnership with Portside Ventura Harbor, also the event sponsor and host, turned into an inspiring day of unity, service, and celebration. On Saturday, August 24, the event brought together hundreds of community members and organizations, all eager to connect, volunteer, and enjoy a fun-filled day.

The fair was a celebration of community spirit, made even more special by our partnership with Market by the Sea and their wonderful vendors, who joined us and our host, Portside Ventura Harbor. Visitors enjoyed the interactive booths set up by local nonprofits and vendors, creating an engaging environment throughout the day. Meanwhile, volunteers were hard at work on a Playhouse Build in Portside's plaza.

Our Playhouse Build program offers a special way for participants to build and decorate playhouses that are later donated to military and veteran families in Ventura County. The proceeds raised provide direct support for Habitat Ventura's efforts to help families achieve safe, affordable housing. What makes Playhouse Builds even more heartwarming is the chance to meet the recipient families at the end of the day, often surprising children with their new playhouse. Witnessing their joy was truly priceless!

Learn more about Playhouse Builds here.



Towards the end of the fair, local military families arrived to see and take home the one-of-a-kind playhouses built just for them!

"We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the energy at this year's Volunteer Fair. It's clear that the spirit of giving and community involvement is alive and well in Ventura County," said Autumn Wassel, Lifestyle Director for Portside Ventura Harbor. "This event was all about bringing people together to support the causes that matter most to our Ventura County community, and we're so proud of what we accomplished today."

Habitat Ventura's CEO, Darcy Taylor, added, “It was heartening to bring together so many local organizations doing incredible work throughout Ventura County. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for all of us to attract new volunteers and amplify our causes. We also extend a special thank you to Portside Ventura Harbor, our sponsor and co-host, for generously providing the space and helping make this event such a success.”

As the day came to a close, the Ventura County Volunteer Fair left a lasting impression. The connections made, stories shared, and the collective energy of our Ventura County community served as a reminder of the strength and unity that can be found in volunteerism. We are grateful for the overwhelming support and participation, and we look forward to continuing our mission of building and repairing homes, communities, and hope. Through shelter, we empower, and together, we aim to build a better future for families in Ventura County.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome our new volunteers to upcoming projects, including our eight-home Camarillo build, dozens of home repairs all over the county, and the start of our "tiny" home build in Ojai next year. The energy and commitment from the fair will help us move forward and make a tangible impact in the lives of those who need it most.

For more information about future events, and sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, please contact Katie Norris, Chief Development Officer, at katie@habitatventura.org.