Thousand Oaks, Ventura and nonprofits break ground on 30-unit shelter

California Construction News staff writer

The City of Thousand Oaks, County of Ventura, Hope the Mission, Many Mansions, and Dignity Moves, broke ground recently at the site of Thrive Grove Navigation Center, a 30-unit modular transitional housing developmentr.

“Today, thanks to the hard work of many people, we are about to provide some answers and some hope for those that are suffering homelessness in our city,” Thousand Oaks Mayor Al Adam said at the groundbreaking. “Today marks the first real step that we’re going to take, to provide transitional shelter to the unhoused.

“We’re standing on some city property here that is going to be repurposed from an old parking lot into something really important. “, the Thousand Oaks Mayor Al Adam said at the groundbreaking “The navigation center, which is planned for a vacant property at 1205 Lawrence Drive, is transitional housing to help individuals make the move from homelessness to a more permanent housing environment. The County of Ventura is sharing construction and operational costs with the city.

Funding includes a $5.8 million grant from the State of California Interagency Council on Homelessness, awarded to the City for construction and operations.

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2024, with the facility slated to open later this year.

Serving as an access point for up to thirty individuals experiencing homelessness initially, the site has the potential to expand to accommodate 20 additional units in the future. The facility will offer onsite support and services to aid individuals in transitioning to more permanent housing solutions. Expected services include meals, case management, laundry and restroom facilities, computer stations, drug and alcohol treatment programs, and workforce training.

“This project reflects the city council’s commitment to providing interim supportive housing for Thousand Oaks residents experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Al Adam, “With the city in control of the project and funds, alongside incredible partnerships with the County and non-profit partners, the Navigation Center will benefit our community by providing a practical, multifaceted service enriched approach.

“This critical access point will help address many of the challenges our city’s most vulnerable residents face.”

For more information on Thousand Oaks’ ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, visit www.toaks.org/homelessness.