City of Ventura’s Foul Weather Shelter Plan Reactivated For 2025

To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

The program is operated in partnership with The River Community Church, which now administers the day-to-day shelter activities while the City of Ventura continues to oversee and maintain responsibility for the program. Through this partnership, 40 motel rooms are offered as emergency temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Priority is given to people who are 62 or older or who live with chronic health conditions. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to drop below 40 degrees or when forecasts show more than a half inch of overnight rain.

The River Community Church is accepting community donations to create stay warm packs for those unable to secure a motel room during severe weather. Requested donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags.

Community members interested in supporting the effort can:

• Bring materials to The River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.
• Purchase needed items through the Amazon Wishlist; all supplies will be shipped directly to the program.
• Send monetary donations by mail. Checks should be labeled “Foul Weather” and mailed to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001.
• Volunteer on evenings when the shelter is activated.

To learn more about the Foul Weather Shelter Plan, please visit The River Community Church website at www.therivercommunity.org/housing-resources/foul-weather-shelter_46421.html or contact Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager, at lrollins@cityofventura.ca.gov

To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

The program is operated in partnership with The River Community Church, which now administers the day-to-day shelter activities while the City of Ventura continues to oversee and maintain responsibility for the program. Through this partnership, 40 motel rooms are offered as emergency temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Priority is given to people who are 62 or older or who live with chronic health conditions. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to drop below 40 degrees or when forecasts show more than a half inch of overnight rain.

The River Community Church is accepting community donations to create stay warm packs for those unable to secure a motel room during severe weather. Requested donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags.

Community members interested in supporting the effort can:

• Bring materials to The River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.
• Purchase needed items through the Amazon Wishlist; all supplies will be shipped directly to the program.
• Send monetary donations by mail. Checks should be labeled “Foul Weather” and mailed to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001.
• Volunteer on evenings when the shelter is activated.

To learn more about the Foul Weather Shelter Plan, please visit The River Community Church website at www.therivercommunity.org/housing-resources/foul-weather-shelter_46421.html or contact Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager, at lrollins@cityofventura.ca.gov

To prepare for upcoming winter weather, the City of Ventura has reactivated its Foul Weather Shelter Plan to provide temporary shelter and “stay warm” packs to Ventura’s most vulnerable residents during extreme weather events, such as severe rain, high winds, or low temperatures. Effective December 1, 2025, the The Foul Weather Shelter Plan will run through March 31, 2026.

To date, more than 4,650 meals have been provided, 280 stay warm packs distributed, and over 435 individuals have received shelter through the program.

“Ventura has an active community of local social service providers and nonprofits that work together to serve the needs of our most vulnerable population,” said Housing Services Manager Leona Rollins. “This program is needed now more than ever to help protect those who face the harshest impacts of winter weather.”

The program is operated in partnership with The River Community Church, which now administers the day-to-day shelter activities while the City of Ventura continues to oversee and maintain responsibility for the program. Through this partnership, 40 motel rooms are offered as emergency temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Priority is given to people who are 62 or older or who live with chronic health conditions. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to drop below 40 degrees or when forecasts show more than a half inch of overnight rain.

The River Community Church is accepting community donations to create stay warm packs for those unable to secure a motel room during severe weather. Requested donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags.

Community members interested in supporting the effort can:

• Bring materials to The River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.
• Purchase needed items through the Amazon Wishlist; all supplies will be shipped directly to the program.
• Send monetary donations by mail. Checks should be labeled “Foul Weather” and mailed to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001.
• Volunteer on evenings when the shelter is activated.

To learn more about the Foul Weather Shelter Plan, please visit The River Community Church website at www.therivercommunity.org/housing-resources/foul-weather-shelter_46421.html or contact Leona Rollins, Housing Services Manager, at lrollins@cityofventura.ca.gov