Ventura County assistance programs.

The federal government has provided Ventura County with almost $500,000 in funds to provide residents emergency food, shelter, rent, and other free assistance. The funds are provided as a result of some of the federal stimulus programs.

If you live in Ventura County, you can receive cash grants and aid from qualified agencies, such as community action agencies as well as the United Way.

The money being provided was authorized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is part of the stimulus plan and it provides money to prevent homelessness, create jobs, encourage renewable energy, provide energy conserving programs, and also provide mortgage help.

The agencies and charities providing the aid have criteria, as well as there are conditions for those receiving help. To qualify for the grants, the agencies must be units of government or private nonprofit organizations, and they must also have an accounting system and also practice nondiscrimination.

In addition, the charities and agencies must also have demonstrated the ability to deliver programs providing such services as rental assistance, help with paying security deposits, and also eviction prevention or assistance with emergency food and also emergency shelter and housing. Contact the United Way or the Community Action Agency of Ventura County. ((805) 436-4000)

Rent Help and Food Assistance

Hundreds of families are going to Care & Share (phone (805) 522-5676) which is a local organization that provides assistance to people in need. The greatest demand is food and other commodities, or rental assistance. The agency is stretched for funds, but they are doing the best they can to provide some rent help or food to as many people as possible.

Another place to turn to is the Samaritan Center ((805) 579-9166), which is a so called a drop-in center for low income families and the homeless. About 70 people stop by every day looking for food or free clothing.

FOOD Share, Inc. partners with local Ventura charities and non-profits to distribute food to those who need help, and are in a crisis situation. Call the agency at 805-983-7100.

Free Health Care Clinics

Simi Valley Free Clinic, which can be reached at (805) 522-3733, provides free health care and medications to those in need. People can receive free health care, dental services, and medications. Find other ways to get help with dental bills.

They will even provide free counseling and legal advice to patients. Some of which includes advocating on the patients behalf to ensure they get top notch service, and they they are not overpaying for medical bills. Read more on medical bill advocates.

The number of patients being assisted at the clinic now stands at about 1,000 per month. The clinic is now open more hours throughout the week. Additional doctors, nurses, and dentists who have signed on to help for free. In addition, vaccinations, legal advice, and counseling services are also offered for free to patients.

Emergency Rental and Housing Assistance

If you are struggling with your housing costs, Ventura County Together, which is a collaborative partnership that is made up of multiple Ventura County nonprofit agencies, and also supported by federal and state government agencies, recently provided a substantial grant to the Conejo Valley Homeless Prevention and Emergency Assistance Fund. This is a combined service that is part of Catholic Charities, The Ventura County Homeless and Housing Coalition (805-652-2151), Conejo Valley Affordable Housing Workgroup ((805) 480-9991), Lutheran Social Services and Many Mansions.

The fund’s administrator, Many Mansions, will distribute emergency cash grants and rental assistance upon request to both Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities in an effort to prevent homelessness among the limited-income individuals who are served by these non-profit organizations.

Contact either Catholic Charities ((805) 643-4694) or Lutheran Social Services ((805) 497-6207) to apply for help or learn more about your options.

Conejo Valley Homeless Prevention & Emergency Assistance Fund

This program offers emergency rental assistance and cash grants to Ventura County and Conejo Valley residents with limited incomes. In addition, the fund provides money to people who were previously homeless and who have secured an apartment but need help with a security deposit or utilities deposit.

The emergency assistance fund is administered by affordable housing provider Many Mansions, so contact them at (805) 494-4505 to apply for rent help or to learn more. The agency distributes the funds on request to Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services, which people can also apply at.

One of the main goals is to provide emergency rental assistance because it costs less to keep people housed in their current apartment or home than have them go homeless. At the same time, the emergency rental assistance provides those who have found an apartment and are employed a boost to overcome related expenses of a new place, so the money will help keep them in their new home.

Assistance and grants from Community Action Agency of Ventura County

This is a local non-profit agency that provides low income and other struggling residents with housing, food assistance, employment and career services, family, legal aid, cash grants and youth programs. Examples of their programs are below. Call the Community Action Agency of Ventura County at (805) 436-4000.

Rent and lease assistance - Rent and Lease Assistance programs will help prevent low to moderate income families that may be facing eviction from becoming homeless. The agency helps people by assisting with a one month cash grant rent payment or by assisting homeless families with move-in costs for a new housing unit. Click here for additional rent programs.

Free legal aid - The community action agency also provides free/no cost and low cost legal services and representation for residents of Ventura County. Lawyers and legal professionals will work with clients in the areas of Family Law, Restraining Orders, Housing, Evictions, and Landlord-Tenant Disputes, Foreclosures, Guardianships, Conservatorships, Civil Matters, Wills, and general legal information and free advice.

Weatherization and low-income home energy assistance - They run the local weatherization and LIHEAP programs on behalf of the state and federal government.

Help for paying bills, rent, utilities, and food

Catholic Charities of Ventura - LA is an organization that helps people of all faiths. Call them at (805) 643-4694. Some of the services and resources they offer include Legal Assistance, Job Training, Rent Assistance and Homeless Prevention, Medical Counseling and Referrals, and many more.

Another leading social services agency is Lutheran Social Services of Ventura County. The phone number is 805-497-6207. Financial assistance and cash grants may be available to pay for expenses and bills, and emergency programs include: Utility Bill Assistance, Food Assistance, Gasoline Vouchers, Rental Assistance, Comprehensive Emergency Assistance, Eviction Prevention, Home Repair, and Clothing Assistance.

The Salvation Army also supports the area, and run a host of social service programs. The Family Services Program provides help to the unemployed, elderly, and low-income families and individuals. The services and resources offered include rent assistance, emergency food support, lodging, free and discounted clothing, furniture, Food & Nutrition Programs, transportation, and holiday assistance. Phone 805-483-9235.

The organization also tries to help people with health care issues. They can refer people to clinics, and provide information on health programs. Low income and uninsured may be able to receive dental assistance, access to California prescription medication programs, and general primary and emergency care from volunteer doctors and nurses.