Assistance from Ventura County Salvation Army.
The main resource available in Ventura from the Salvation Army is theFamily Services program. The charitable organization can also help people apply for utility and energy bill assistance from the PG&E REACH program. This means everything from free food to school supplies, rent help, shelter, case management, a Family Store, and other support is offered. By while direct financial assistance is limited in Ventura, the Salvation Army, its staff and case workers can still help those who are less fortunate.
One of the key housing assistance programs offered is a Transitional Living Center. This is one of the Salvation Army’s primary resources for helping those who were evicted and for ending homelessness in Ventura County. Social workers can arrange for short term housing as well as get people integrated back into a stable situation.
Resources are limited, as well as the number of people who can be supported. The Salvation Army centers can only provide short term housing for a few dozen individuals and/or families at a time. At the same time clients can receive other supportive services and case management. So get information on employment services, job training, and learn about California and federal government public assistance programs. Everything offered was designed to help residents achieve self-reliance.
Case workers will assist people with becoming aware of their own potential, help them gain self-sufficiency, and of course help people find permanent, affordable housing. Families may even be directed to programs such as Section 8 housing vouchers.
Another key resource is the Homeless to Home Program. This is a collaborative partnership between The Salvation Army, Project Understanding, as well as the Turning Point Foundation. It was also created in order to help chronically homeless individuals in the city of Ventura find housing, and may have some funds or provide move in or rental assistance.
Other Family Service programs are wide ranging. This comprehensive Salvation Army program can provide case management as well as individual counseling. Get help in dealing with a number of challenges and conditions. Another key assistance program is the back to school supply event. This gives kids, immigrants, and students from struggling households free school supplies.
Life Skills can include activities such as goal setting, credit repairs, and parenting classes. Employment readiness assistance will ensure people are ready to either interview, or can get to a new job.
Food and holiday assistance includes some or all of the following. Weekly sack lunches are distributed, as well as free hot meals. A food pantry is open a few days per week for distributing canned goods and emergency food boxes. Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are served to the less fortunate. In addition, children may receive free gifts or toys from programs such as Angel Tree. Volunteers and donations are always needed as well. Dial (805)659.3598 if you can help.
Many of the Christmas and Holiday programs are offered in partnership with other businesses and non-profits in Ventura County. In the past, the Salvation Army has worked with The Rotary Club of Ventura, the city itself, local churches, and also Fast Signs of Ventura. Hundreds of free hot meals and food baskets can be provided.
One City One Meal is a major participant as well. They bring churches, politicians, low income families, business leaders, Rotarians, homeless people, seniors, and anyone else together who needs help. It is offered during both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Other programs that may be offered as part of Family Services will vary based on funding. As resources allow, this can include assistance to low-income families and individuals for needs such as rental assistance, emergency food support, lodging, clothing, and transportation vouchers. However note that the direct financial assistance is rarer. Back to school supplies or gently used clothing may be distributed too.
Another key program is for paying utility and energy bills. The program is known as REACH, and it is run for Pacific Gas and Electric customers. It is a one-time cash grant program that the Ventura Salvation Army (and other locations) run on behalf of PGE. If you have a crisis that you did not cause or some form of severe hardship, then a credit may be placed on your PGE electric bill. You can only apply once every couple years. However some exceptions may be made for senior citizens in southern California. More on PG&E assistance programs.
Salvation Army centers in Ventura County
Locations of Salvation Army Centers in Ventura are as follows. Each operates some form of Family Services. They will also sell low cost goods from Family Stores. Call to apply for assistance.
- 4100 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA call (805) 658-7671
- 650 Petit Ave, Ventura, dial (805) 659-3598
- 155 S Oak St, Ventura, (805) 648-5032
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