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Foul Weather Shelter Plan
The City of Ventura has established a Foul Weather Shelter Plan to protect and preserve life during inclement weather events.
The Foul Weather Shelter Plan has been launched in partnership with the River Community Church and provides stay warm packs and temporary shelter to homeless persons during severe weather events, such as severe rain, wind or low temperatures. The program runs through March 31, 2023.
This plan provides emergency temporary shelter at local motel rooms for individuals experiencing homelessness. Priority is given to homeless individuals who are 65 and older or live with chronic health conditions. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to fall below 45 degrees or if weather projections show more than a quarter inch of rain overnight.
To date, the temporary shelter has been activated 18 nights, over 3,000 meals have been provided, 125 stay warm packs distributed, and over 200 people have received shelter through the program.
All remaining motel rooms will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Individuals who receive a room must arrive at the River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Those who are unable to secure a room will receive stay warm packs.
This plan provides emergency temporary shelter at local motel rooms for individuals experiencing homelessness. Priority is given to homeless individuals who are 65 and older or live with chronic health conditions. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to fall below 45 degrees or if weather projections show more than a quarter inch of rain overnight.
To date, the temporary shelter has been activated 18 nights, over 3,000 meals have been provided, 125 stay warm packs distributed, and over 200 people have received shelter through the program.
All remaining motel rooms will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Individuals who receive a room must arrive at the River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Those who are unable to secure a room will receive stay warm packs.
Community partners, the Ventura Police Department's Patrol Task Force, Ventura County Social Services team members, and local non-profit organizations will assist in sharing information with those in need.
Stay warm packs will consist of items donated by community members and partner agencies and non-profits. Packs include rain ponchos, tarps, blankets, jackets, hand-warmers, socks, toiletries, snacks, and a carrying bag for all supplies.
To learn more about the Foul Weather Shelter Plan, please contact Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager, at [email protected].
GET INVOLVED
Donate:
- The City is accepting community donations to create 'stay warm packs' for Ventura’s unhoused individuals during harsh weather events. Needed donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand-warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags for items. People interested in donating can bring materials to the River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.
- Purchase needed donations through our Amazon Wishlist. All supplies will be automatically shipped to the River Community Church.
- Monetary donations are also being accepted by mail. Checks should be labeled “Foul Weather” and mailed to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA, 93001.
Volunteer:
- A minimum of ten volunteers are needed for set-up, support, and take down on the nights of the shelter, roughly 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer your time, please register online here.