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Mesa welcomes residents in Ojai

(Photo courtesy of Brian Thornhill)

Tucked away in the hills above Ventura County is Ojai, a community that embraces agriculture, tradition and a spirit of coming together. On the east side of town, among the citrus groves and open fields, sits a farmhouse and 10 new tiny homes that embrace that spirit by welcoming some of Ojai's newest residents: transitional-age youth (TAY) at risk of or experiencing homelessness. This summer, 12 TAY residents will move into homes that provide safe and stable housing and a network of support.

Mesa Independent Living (Mesa) is the home of this wellness community, purpose-built for transitional-age youth (TAY). Situated on a 10-acre farm, it is the result of a collaboration between Mesa, People's Self-Help Housing and the County of Ventura, with early funding from Housing Trust Fund Ventura County.

(Video courtesy of Mesa Independent Living)

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County is proud to be a funding partner for this forward-thinking residential community that supports transitional-age youth on their path to security and independence. Early on, Housing Trust Fund VC provided flexible, low-cost, early development funding for Mesa with a $2.5 million acquisition loan as well as a $499,450 bridge loan in March of 2024 to assist in completing the construction of the development. The initial loan assisted with property acquisition while the developers awaited funding from the state-funded HomeKey program. Housing Trust Fund VC was able to receive the application, underwrite, receive Board approval, and fund the loan in just three weeks due to our generous donors, Board stewardship, and dedicated staff.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Thornhill)

Ventura County has seen a 25% increase in homelessness in recent years. There are 300+ young adults living on the street or in shelters - and thousands more facing homelessness as they couch-surf, live doubled-up, or prepare to exit places like jail, the hospital, or a treatment facility. Specifically, transitional-age youth are among the most vulnerable when it comes to the housing crisis, with over 50% of those who exit the foster system experiencing homelessness or incarceration within 18 months. Mesa is looking to respond by providing necessary support for these individuals.

Mesa aims to create an environment where residents are given an opportunity to further themselves through a community-centered approach that offers a program, holistic in nature, to work with every resident through their own personal history and toward their successful future. Currently, Mesa prioritizes support for employment, housing, education, community connections, nutrition, substance abuse recovery, mental health support and healthcare.

Residents will be encouraged to build a culture of wellness and sustainability with access not just to a safe home but also through unique amenities that include a community building, health and wellness programs, employment, education, and vocational training. Befitting the Ojai lifestyle, there will be an emphasis for residents to reconnect with nature through sustainable farming and permaculture on the property's 10 acres of farmland.

Housing Trust Fund VC is honored to have played a part in the funding of this unique and necessary development.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett selects Housing Trust Fund Ventura County as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year

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