Ventura, California is a rising star in solving community issues like low cost housing and homelessness.

Working Artists Ventura (WAV)
Construction is expected to be completed on the Working Artists Ventura project, a $57 million housing and studio development designed for artists and creative businesses in downtown Ventura by the end of the year.

Some city leaders consider the artists project to be the most important local economic catalyst in a decade. “This is the birth of a national landmark,” said Ventura Mayor Christy Weir

The four-story project will offer housing options seldom created, in a combination some would consider unthinkable: 54 affordable housing units for artists and their families, 15 “supportive” apartments for people facing severe poverty and trying to end their homelessness, and 13 ocean-facing, market-rate condominiums likely to fetch upwards of $850,000.

A gallery-theater, park and arts-related commercial space also will be tucked into the eco-friendly structure. Roof-top solar panels will harness enough energy to add electricity to the regional grid

The $57 million price tag for the artists project is being covered by an array of funding, including millions in government tax credits and loans. “They call it lasagna financing,’ because of all the layers,” said Mike Merewether, a supporter and local developer. ‘Our needs are eccentric’

Artists already are lining up to get in, said Chris Velasco, president of the nonprofit organization People Linking Arts, Culture & Environment Inc., the project’s applicant. Rents will adjust on a sliding scale, likely from $390 to $1,000 a month.

The project also will provide housing and social services for low-income residents seeking an end to homelessness, said Rick Pearson, director of Project Understanding, a Ventura-based nonprofit group that will coordinate the services.

Besides a theater-gallery, there will be street-level commercial space for coffee houses, cafes and jazz clubs to draw foot traffic to the neighborhood.

The project’s diversity lured the John Stewart Co., one of the state’s largest housing management firms, to put its weight and reputation behind the proposal, said company President Jack Gardner. “The vision swept me away,” he said.

River Haven Ventura is also working to see its homeless move toward self-sufficiency through its partnership with the Turning Point Foundation. Together, they provide housing on a piece of land just off the Santa Clara River for this purpose and have been using tents for housing. However a new program will be providing new U-Domes-geodesic polypropylene structures designed by World Shelters, a California based non-profit manufacturer and volunteer organization.

The program has achieved a 40% success rate in returning its homeless residents to productive lives-a major accomplishment for any city in the world.