VENTURA : Permits Renewed to Shelter Homeless

The Ventura Planning Commission renewed permits Tuesday that allow three churches to provide temporary housing for homeless families in trailers on church property.

Eastminster Presbyterian, First Baptist and Church of the Foothills each offer one homeless family shelter in a trailer or mobile home owned by the church. The programs have been in existence for several years and have helped many families, struck by financial hardship, make the transition to permanent housing, church officials said.

At Eastminster Presbyterian Church, which has housed needy families for eight years, Pastor Dan Stevens said the church helps the families save enough money to afford permanent housing.

Of the eight families that have lived in the 34-foot mobile home at First Baptist, seven have gone on to find permanent housing, said Joyce Pederson, coordinator for the church’s program. First Baptist has hosted the families since May, 1988.

Neighbors of the churches have not complained about the presence of the families, church officials said.

“People at first were scared,” Stevens said. “But they came to realize that the people here are just like their other neighbors--just struggling to get back on their feet.”