NEW PERMANENT HOUSING COMMUNITY OPENS IN CAMARILLO, TRANSFORMING LIVES OF LOW-INCOME DISABLED AND FO

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NEW PERMANENT HOUSING COMMUNITY OPENS IN CAMARILLO, TRANSFORMING LIVES OF LOW-INCOME DISABLED AND FORMERLY HOMELESS SENIORS
Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments models community partnership to provide permanent homes and live-saving supportive services to Veterans transitioning out of homelessness

CAMARILLO - Wednesday, March 4 - A new affordable housing complex was officially unveiled as a new home for senior citizens with extremely low incomes and histories of chronic homelessness. Outside the City of Camarillo, an audience of c ommunity members, partner organizations, and civic leaders from West Ventura came together to celebrate the grand opening of Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments, which feature 50 one-bedroom units and permanent wraparound services for disabled and homeless seniors. Created by a partnership between Many Mansions and the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura, this project kicks off an exciting new chapter for Ventura County in the ongoing mission to provide safe and affordable housing for all citizens.
"In many ways, this project represents exactly the kind of investment we need in our County, and I'm proud that the County of Ventura is one of the many partners working with Many Mansions and the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura that helped make these new homes and supportive services possible. By bringing together strong partners and wraparound resources like the food pantry, this development is far more than a place to live, it will be a supportive, connected community where residents can thrive. Housing is health. Housing is stability. Housing is hope."
- Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez
At a time when seniors represent almost half of the entire homeless population in California, not to mention the fastest-growing homeless population in the United States, Rancho Sierra provides a safe haven for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Recognizing how quickly factors such as health issues, financial strain, and disappearing government benefits can force senior citizens into poverty and increase the risk of losing one's home, Many Mansions has created a state-of-the-art facility built specifically to cater to the needs of its new residents. In addition to permanent onsite supportive services and case management, the residents of Rancho Sierra have access to community programming like game nights, skill workshops, and volunteer engagement opportunities that encourage them to bond as a community and thrive together in their new home.
"Rancho Sierra represents what is possible when mission-driven organizations come together with a shared commitment to serving Ventura County's most vulnerable residents. We are proud to have collaborated with Many Mansions in creating a community where residents can not only live, but truly thrive."
- Michael Nigh, Executive Director of the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura
The first modular construction development in Ventura County, Rancho Sierra was manufactured as individual modules off-site concurrent to the site preparation stage of construction. The facility itself was then assembled on-site, reducing traffic and noise for neighbors as residential units were seamlessly joined together. Low-flow plumbing fixtures, solar power, and drought-tolerant landscaping further increased the structure's sustainability and long-term durability. Now completed, this unique and elegant structure is designed to provide a tranquil environment in which seniors can enjoy their golden years. Each unit includes a full bath, kitchen, a patio, and living and dining room space, while the building offers a community room, a reading nook, management and services offices, laundry, and IT access. Each of these amenities are centrally located in order to foster social interactions and incentivize residents to explore the full range of opportunities available to them.

" With seniors now the fastest-growing homeless population, the burden is on us to provide safe, dignified housing and comprehensive services for older generations. Nobody ages out of being a human being who deserves compassion and support from their community. Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments is an important step forward in the work of caring for our senior citizens."
- Rich Schroeder, CEO and President of Many Mansions

In addition to a warm home and loving community, Rancho Sierra provides nourishment to its residents through a weekly volunteer-run fresh-food pantry, made possible through a close partnership with Food Share Ventura County and generous sponsorship from Community West Bank. This pantry is also open to the surrounding public, and serves as a source of fellowship and sustenance for the entire community. A non-perishable pantry is also open 5 days a week, making sure that no residents are left hungry or in need.
Rancho Sierra is a long-awaited step forward in Many Mansion's mission to develop and maintain quality affordable housing and to provide services that enrich the lives of residents, uplifting the community. Through partnership with incredible organizations like Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura, and after years of sustained labor, impoverished and disabled seniors in West Ventura County have the support they need to thrive as they transition out of homelessness and into a caring community.
" The people at Rancho Sierra and Many Mansions have a very human heart. They truly care, and they figure out a way to make the impossible happen. ... At Rancho Sierra, my life has completely changed for the better. I can't thank people enough, from the carpenters to the architects to the case managers at Many Mansions, for creating this wonderful place. Thank you, Many Mansions, first for saving my life and then for making it beautiful. "
- Jeffrey Fischer, Rancho Sierra resident

About Rancho Sierra Senior Apartments:

• 50 units for seniors (62+) living between below 30% and with disabilities, with half reserved for seniors emerging from chronic homelessness (all tenants qualify under HUD's Project-Based Section 8 voucher guidelines)
• Project Size: 31,983 SF
• Developer: Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura and Many Mansions
• Architect: RRM Design Group
• General Contractor: Cannon Contractors South
• Property Manager: Many Mansions
• Service Provider: Many Mansions

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura is an independent, nonprofit agency serving the residents of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. It is a leader providing opportunities and assistance to people in need of affordable housing through development, acquisitions, and partnerships. Learn more at www.ahacv.org .

Many Mansions is the premier provider of affordable housing and services in Ventura County, responding to the acute need for housing and expanding into Los Angeles and other areas of Southern California. Its proven model of housing coupled with intensive, on-site programs and services has demonstrated success, with 95% of residents remaining stably housed. Many Mansions currently provides housing and services to over 2,000 individuals with a focus on working families in the extremely and very low-income brackets, seniors, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. Learn more at manymansions.org .