Ventura County housing leader Dawn Dyer honored with statewide Home Impact Award

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s “Founding Mother” recognized by California Association of Realtors®

Dawn Dyer, Chair Emeritus and “Founding Mother” of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC), has received the 2025 Champions of Home Impact Award from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). She was recently honored at C.A.R.’s annual REimagine! Conference & Expo in Chula Vista, California, on Wednesday, September 17th. This prestigious award honors REALTORS® who make a lasting difference in their communities, and Dyer’s transformative contributions to affordable housing in Ventura County exemplify that mission. As part of the recognition, Dyer designated Housing Trust Fund VC to receive a $5,000 donation from C.A.R. in support of its work.

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“Dawn’s remarkable compassion and dedication to funding affordable housing have profoundly impacted her community,” said C.A.R. President Heather Ozur. “Her vision and hard work have ensured that thousands of Ventura County low-income workers, veterans, seniors & transition-aged foster youth have a place to call home and a community to thrive in. It is with great pride that we recognize her as our Champions of Home Impact Award winner, honoring her contributions that transform & influence the lives of many in need.”

Over 17 years ago, Dawn Dyer, a longtime REALTOR®, broker, and president of the Dyer Sheehan Group, recognized the critical need for long-term affordable housing in Ventura County. She responded by founding the Ventura County Housing Trust Fund, now known as Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, transforming a community dream into a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing options.

Dyer’s expertise in real estate, land use, finance, and related legal issues was instrumental in guiding Housing Trust Fund VC in its early years. Since then, the organization has grown from $2 million in initial matching funds to more than $48.8 million in affordable housing investments, creating 1,899 affordable homes. These efforts have benefited over 5,000 community members most in need, including very-low-income residents, transitional-age foster youth, veterans, seniors, farm workers, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Safe affordable housing is not a privilege, it’s a fundamental right,” said Dawn Dyer, President and Co-Founder of Dyer Sheehan Group, Inc. and Chair Emeritus, Housing Trust Fund VC. “What began as a community dream has grown into an organization that has provided homes for our neighbors in need. This award belongs to the partners and supporters who believe, as I do, that everyone deserves a home.”

Beyond Housing Trust Fund VC, Dyer has made an impact through the Dyer Sheehan Group, helping the City of Ventura convert nearly 10 acres into long-term housing with supportive services for veterans. She also assisted UC Regents in planning sustainable housing on a 37-acre endowment site, including homes for agricultural workers. After the 2017 Thomas Fire, Dyer staffed housing resource centers and coordinated shelter for displaced residents. She now chairs the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance, supporting people experiencing homelessness with shelter, healthcare, and services. A past recipient of the National Association of Women Business Owner’s California Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, Dyer actively mentors women entrepreneurs, partners with women-owned businesses, and champions women’s leadership in male-dominated fields like real estate.
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“Dawn has been a driving force behind our organization from the beginning,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust VC. “Her vision transformed a bold idea into affordable housing investments that have impacted thousands of lives. Ventura County is stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient because of Dawn’s unwavering belief that housing is the foundation of a healthy community.”  During the nonprofit’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign ‘RAISE THE ROOF,’ the organization created a special moment to recognize Dyer for her unwavering dedication to supporting affordable housing initiatives and community development.