Help for the Homeless:
Not All Homeless People Live On the Street
How We Help
Shelter Care Resources became a part of Ventura County's Continuum of Care in May of 2022.
We partner with human service agencies, churches, clinics and local school districts to help identify and assist homeless children and their families. We can help by doing an assessment with families to help find the best path to housing and case managing the homeless using Ventura County's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Below is a little information about the process that families go through while
trying to find shelters and housing.
HELP! I am homeless
The process of getting from the street to a home is lengthy, but you can do it.
You have to be willing to follow very specific steps and rules and comply with certain policies, but the end result is having a home for your family.
We are here to help you through every step of the process.
ASSESSMENT
In order to determine a family's options for housing, we must assess the family's current and past situations.
The assessment questions are provided to us by Ventura County's Continuum of Care as a means of determining eligibility for housing.
Income and residency status need to be verified before determining a path to home. Residency status may affect the path but does not preclude assistance.
TB TEST
If you are homeless and looking for a shelter, start with this step: All shelters require a TB test. Go first to your local clinic and get one.
It may take several hours.
It will take 48 hours to verify and you usually can't get into a place before that. You will need a current TB test for you and any family members who will be living with you where you are going.
PHONE INTERVIEW
Either while you wait for your TB test or afterward, call a local shelter and ask for a phone interview. Be prepared to answer any questions they ask, even if they seem nosy. Try to be patient and be honest. People do want to help, and they don't know you so they have to ask certain questions. You may get shut down at this point. Don't be discouraged.
Just try another place. We can help you find people to call.
LIVING IN THE SHELTER
All shelters have rules and procedures that people have to follow. Some of them will require you and/or your children to get up very early and get outside. This is not ideal, but it is temporary. Take advantage of places that are open and free, like libraries and even local churches. Be where you can continue to work or get help. Do your best to have a positive attitude in this place even though it will be very difficult. You can also use this time to see what provisions are available for section 8. Use the library or Shelter Care Resources' tech center (the HATCH) to research every available assistance program.
IN-PERSON INTERVIEW
The initial intake interview is often lengthy. There may be personal questions that you don't know how to answer or don't want to answer, but answer them politely to the best of your ability. Most shelters will ask about your income and may require you to put a portion of it aside to save for a new place. This means that for as long as you live there, they have some control over your income. It is part of the process and it is not forever. The end product will be that you have money for a place of your own. It will be worth it.
Shelters
Contact Info and Websites Listed Below
The City Center
Gabriel's House
Lighthouse Women and Children's Shelter
Mercy House Oxnard
Rain Transitional Living Center
The Rescue Mission
Salvation Army
Tender Life Maternity Home
Turning Point Foundation:
New Visions Center
I am ready to move!
Depending on whether you have section 8, city or county housing or some other kind of assistance, there are different resources available to help you find a place. By this time, you should have a social worker or case manager assigned to you, who can help you with applications.
At Shelter Care Resources we do case management for our own clients and are happy to help with the paperwork.