County approves short‑term domestic‑violence shelter and $601,000 operating appropriation

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 authorized a memorandum of understanding and lease allowing the Coalition for Family Harmony to operate a short‑term domestic violence shelter at the Ventura Family Justice Center.

District Attorney representatives described the project as the transformation of a former short‑term housing suite into a 1,500‑square‑foot shelter with six indoor beds and additional pallet shelter units provided by the Ventura County Community Foundation. The board packet and presentation listed an appropriation of $601,000 for two years of operating expenses (March 2026 through February 2028) and noted federal funding: Congressman Salud Carbajal contributed $1.6 million, with $1 million used for construction and $600,000 toward operations.

Caroline Pridgetel Sutton, executive director of the Coalition for Family Harmony, said the facility will operate 24/7 and provide immediate shelter, case management and supportive services for domestic violence survivors, including options for people with pets and special needs. The DA’s office credited chief deputy Brent Nybecker and partner organizations for bringing the project to completion.

Supervisors praised the interagency partnership among the district attorney’s office, the community foundation and the coalition. The board approved the MOA and lease unanimously and the DA announced a grand‑opening event on April 6 at the Family Justice Center; operations were expected to begin the following day.

The action authorizes county staff to enter the lease and related agreements and to release the funds identified in the board letter.