On the morning of Saturday, December 6, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County (Habitat Ventura) presented families with keys to their very own homes at Vista Campanario in Camarillo. The families, all first time homeowners, helped build their homes alongside Habitat Ventura volunteers, with each family contributing 250-500 hours of sweat equity. The eight new townhomes are located at Vista Campanario, a new Camarillo development that includes rental units along with the eight for-sale Habitat townhomes.
“We are always trying to be better at what we do. This build is the first time we’ve collaborated with multiple partners to build these units,” says Darcy Taylor, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “To continue to build low-income housing, it’s going to take more than just Habitat to do that. We’re grateful for the partners that have allowed us to put these wonderful homes together.”
Among the families receiving keys were Saul and Paulina and their family, whose path to home ownership reflects the urgent need for affordable housing in Ventura County. For years, the family lived in a single small room, and financial hardship forced Saul to live separately as they struggled to afford a home that could fit the entire family. Through Habitat Ventura’s home ownership program, the family contributed hundreds of hours of sweat equity, working alongside volunteers to help build their future home.
“Over a year, my family and I completed hundreds of hours learning, building, and putting our own hands into this home where we can sit at one table and have dinner as a family. Something so simple yet something we’ve been dreaming about for years,” says Paulina. “This home means stability, it means hope, it means a future for our kids to grow, feel safe, and have a place to just be kids.”
For some families the day marked the completion of a dream generations in the making. Elizabeth Zamora and her husband dreamed of owning a home for more than 27 years.
“Really, it’s because of Habitat that our dream has come true. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible for us. Now we want to help others so that their dreams can come true too,” says Elizabeth.
Danna Hernandez and her parents were experiencing similar emotions.
“It feels surreal to have something that two generations before me were not able to achieve,” says Danna. With the stability of a new home, Danna and her parents are now looking forward to a new kind of financial security they have never experienced. “Being able to save and have something on the side for emergencies is something me and my parents have never had. Having the ability to have that level of financial safety where most of our income isn’t just going to rent is really important,” says Danna.
In attendance at the celebration were City of Camarillo Mayor Kevin Kildee, Vice Mayor David Tennessen, Councilmember Tony Trembley, as well as California State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and County of Ventura Supervisor Kelly Long. Both Mayor Kildee and Assemblymember Irwin shared remarks.
“Having a safe and stable place is something that many of us take for granted. Vista Campanario will serve as a model for future developments. We need 100 more of these, if not more,” notes Camarillo Mayor Kildee.
“The eight for-sale townhomes speak to one of the greatest aspirations shared by families across the state: the dream of home ownership. Vista Campanario shows what is possible when we pool our resources and align our visions,” says Assemblymember Irwin.
Why It Matters:
- 1,990 individuals experienced homelessness in Ventura County (2025 Point-in-Time count)
- For a two‐bedroom apartment in Ventura County, a household requires an annual salary of approximately $172,000 (based on 30% of income threshold)
- The average salary is about $70,100
- Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County has built 85 homes and completed more than 400 repairs, helping families—including veterans—achieve safe, stable housing
- Through this partnership, homes are priced at $270,000 per unit
- The resale restriction requires the homes to remain affordable for up to 40 years
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, visit HabitatVentura.org.
“This home means stability, it means hope, it means a future for our kids to grow, feel safe, and have a place to just be kids.”