Housing Authority Makes Progress on Valentine Road Apartments Project in Ventura
Patricia Martellotti
VENTURA, Calif. – Crews are busy transforming a former La Quinta Inn into the new Valentine Road Apartments in Ventura.
But some tenants already moved in.
Meet James Workman.
“You’re living in Ventura for God’s sakes … it’s reasonable … it’s affordable,” said resident James Workman of Valentine Road Apartments.
He likes to bring joy to those around him.
But Workman wasn’t always full of joy.
He knows what it’s like to be homeless.
“When you lose a permanent position at a job, things can get dark after that … when you no longer can do what you’ve been doing … I was a land surveyor,” said Workman.
Thanks to this multi-million dollar affordable housing project, Workman not only has a place to live, he feels safe here.
“You know if you’re on the street and you’re showering at some alley with a garden hose to yourself … we got hot water here,” said Workman.
These apartments were designed to house those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
“Had somebody say to me the other day … this is my forever home because these are forever homes … this is not temporary …. this is permanent supportive housing,” said CEO Jeff Lambert of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura.
This week, a total of 38 apartment units will be occupied with those who were formerly homeless.
“They’ll be successful here because we’re wrapping them with services. This building will have six on-site case managers to support these residence,” said Lambert.
All 134 units are expected to be completed by the end of January 2026.
Until then, Workman is on a mission to live his neighbors.
“Hang in there you’ll be okay. It’s a beautiful day, said Workman to another tenant.
And considering where he’s been, Workman would know.
From Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura:
Ventura, CA — Ventura, CA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) invites media representatives and community partners to a special event celebrating the construction progress of the Valentine Rd Apartments, a vital affordable housing development serving Ventura County.
This celebration will recognize the collaborative efforts of local, county, and federal partners who have made this project possible. Attendees will hear remarks from community leaders and get a first look at the site’s transformation.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025Time: 9:30 AM – noonLocation: Valentine Rd Apartments SiteAddress: 5818 Valentine Rd, Ventura, CA
Speakers include:
Supervisor, Matt LaVere
Mayor Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
Councilmember Jim Duran, District 6
Representative from the California Department of Housing and Community Development
Additional local leaders and project partners
About the Project:
Valentine Rd Apartments is the largest Homekey initiative in Ventura County to date. With $32 million in state funding—alongside major support from the City of Ventura, County of Ventura, and additional funding partners—the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) is transforming a former 142-room La Quinta Inn into 134 studio apartments for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
This development offers more than housing: residents will have access to on-site supportive services designed to help them stabilize and thrive.
The project has reached an exciting milestone—63 apartments are now move-in ready, and construction has begun on the remaining two buildings. All 134 units are expected to be completed by the end of January.
To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, visit www.hacityventura.org.
ABOUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA
The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura with more than 1,480 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1097 affordable rental units. The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to literacy and education; health and wellness; and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.
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