**VENTURA, CA — **In a major move to shift away from temporary "band-aid" fixes, Ventura County has been awarded $5.6 million in state funding to expand permanent housing solutions and critical support services.
Announced on March 10, 2026, the grant is part of California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 6 program, which rewards regions that demonstrate a coordinated, results-driven approach.
Rather than funneling money into short-term encampments, the county and the Ventura County Continuum of Care are prioritizing long-term stability for those currently living on the streets or in the Santa Clara River bottom.
**Where the $5.6 Million is Going
County officials have outlined a specific roadmap for this "massive boost," focusing on moving individuals into safe, stable homes through several key programs:
- Permanent Housing & Rapid Re-Housing: The bulk of the funds will go toward securing permanent apartments and providing the necessary support—such as rental assistance and case management—to ensure families don't return to homelessness.
- Youth Outreach (The "Break the Cycle" Plan): A significant portion of the award is dedicated to street outreach for youth. By identifying unhoused young people early, the county aims to provide specialized mental health support and housing navigation before they fall into chronic adult homelessness.
- Immediate Safety Nets: While the focus is on "permanent" solutions, the grant also funds motel vouchers to provide immediate, dignified shelter for vulnerable individuals while they wait for their housing placements.
Accountability and Results
This funding comes at a time when Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature have added "new strings" to homelessness dollars, requiring local jurisdictions to show clear progress.
Ventura County was selected as one of only 20 regions statewide to receive this latest batch of awards, a testament to its collaborative regional planning between cities like Oxnard and Ventura.
"This investment by the State will help advance local solutions that are focused on prevention, housing access, and achieving long-term positive outcomes," stated Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer.
The "Safe Place" Strategy
The $5.6M award also aligns with other recent wins for the county.
On March 9, 2026, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal announced an additional $250,000 specifically for an interim shelter in the City of Ventura, designed to bridge the gap for those transitioning from encampments into the permanent housing funded by the HHAP grant.
By combining federal and state resources, local leaders hope to transform the "river bottom" culture into a "housing-first" culture, prioritizing the dignity of a front door over the insecurity of a tent.