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City staff to apply for state encampment-resolution funds, proposes $4M request for safe parking, outreach and rapid rehousing
Summary
City staff said they will apply by June 30 to Round 5 of the state's Encampment Resolution Funding, proposing a roughly $4 million, four-year program focused on vehicular encampments, safe parking, mobile dumping, outreach, motel vouchers and rapid rehousing (up to 24 months of rental assistance).
Jen Harky, the city’s housing services manager, told the subcommittee the city plans to apply to the state’s Encampment Resolution Funding (Round 5). She said the city previously secured nearly $12 million in an earlier round and that the current round makes roughly $93 million available statewide.
"This is an opportunity we don't want to miss with the city of Ventura," Jen Harky said, describing a proposal that would prioritize vehicular encampments, expand street outreach, provide basic needs (portable restrooms, showers, meals, hygiene), and establish a safe parking model. Staff estimated the application could propose approximately $4 million over a four‑year grant term, though the final budget would be set in the application. Harky said rapid rehousing would be a substantial component, including security deposits, rental and utility assistance for up to 24 months.
Staff said a safe‑parking program under consideration would be a referral-based, overnight model (roughly 7 p.m.–7 a.m.) that includes case management, hygiene services and optional mobile dumping. If awarded, the city expects notification in September 2026 and to begin program work in October 2026.
Why it matters: Encampment‑resolution funds can support outreach, short‑term sheltering options and housing subsidies that help move people into permanent housing. Council members asked about the proposed budget, funding sources (state grant), safe‑parking hours and whether the city would issue an RFP to select nonprofit operators; staff said they plan to release or re-open an RFP and to partner with local nonprofits if awarded.
Next steps: staff will complete the grant budget and submit the application by June 30, then return to the subcommittee and City Council as needed if the city receives an award.
