An evening highlight was an intimate conversation on a living room styled stage hosted by Housing Trust Fund VC CEO Linda Braunschweiger. She spoke with Elenore Vaughn, Executive Director of the City of Santa Paula’s Housing Authority, Jennifer Harkey from the County of Ventura’s Continuum of Care, and John, a U.S. veteran and resident of Oakwood Court senior affordable apartments – the second ever funded development by Housing Trust Fund VC in 2016. "It’s inspirational to see the recognition of two Santa Paula Housing Authority residents at this event who still reside in the first two developments funded by Housing Trust Fund VC. It validates the work we all do to help low-income families obtain housing that truly changes lives for the long-term," commented Vaughn.

The evening was emceed by David Kohlmeier, President & Chair of the Board of RAIN Communities, who shared his powerful story of finding himself and his then five-year-old son homeless, even as he had a paying job. Now a proud homeowner, Kohlmeier credits organizations like RAIN and Housing Trust Fund VC for giving people like him and John a supportive hand up so that they can contribute to the collective prosperity of our community.

“I’m energized by the growing support for affordable housing in Ventura County,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger. “As we know from the recent Homeless Point in Time count, the need continues to solve housing insecurity and we hope that providing educational guest experiences like our signature Compassion Campaign can shed light on what we all can do – it can be as simple as earmarking donations to Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.”

Amcal Somis Ranch
​Blois Construction
County of Ventura
Cannon Constructors
Landscape Development
Limoneira Company