"Affordable housing is the foundation for a thriving community. When people have a stable place to call home, they can focus on improving their lives and contributing to the local economy," says Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of both Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTFVC) and Housing Land Trust Ventura County.
With over 35 years of experience in finance, affordable housing development, nonprofit management and public affairs—including lobbying at the federal, state and local levels and time spent at the White House and U.S. Senate—Linda is a driving force in Ventura County’s affordable housing landscape.
Since HTFVC began lending in 2013, the organization has provided $48.5 million in low-cost loans, resulting in the creation of 1,898 affordable homes across the county. With support from the 19-member Board of Directors, all 10 cities and the County of Ventura, banks, foundations and individual donors, the organization’s Revolving Loan Fund has become a powerful tool for affordable housing development. In total HTFVC has provided or committed early funding for 28 affordable housing developments since 2013 across Ventura County, with six developments funded and $14 million committed in 2024. This success was recognized in 2024 when Assemblymember Steve Bennett named HTFVC a California Nonprofit of the Year.
Under Linda’s leadership, HTFVC also leveraged the California State Prop 1 matching program from 2020 to 2024, raising over $14 million in local funds, which were successfully matched by the state.
"We are not just funding developments; we are investing in the future of our community and the well-being of its residents," Linda explains.
In 2020, Linda launched Housing Land Trust Ventura County to acquire and receive donated land for affordable housing projects. One of the trust's notable achievements was the 2022 donation of 3.87 acres by the City of Thousand Oaks. The site at 384 N. Erbes Road will become Hillcrest Homes, featuring 78 affordable, for-sale townhomes designed with energy-efficient systems and a focus on reducing greenhouse gases.
“We value our long-term partnership with the City of Thousand Oaks. As an early investor into the Trust Fund, the city’s funds have been leveraged and cycled through our revolving loan fund many times over to produce affordable housing throughout Ventura County,” explains Linda.
For residents like Daisy R., who transitioned from homelessness to stable housing at Mountain View Apartments in Fillmore, these efforts are life-changing. Funded in part by a $1,262,892 acquisition loan from Housing Trust Fund VC in 2019, the funding provided critical support early in the development cycle. The loan, with a 4% interest rate, has since returned to the revolving loan fund, allowing those funds to support future projects.
“Affordable housing should be a stepping stone, a place that is beautiful, a place I feel proud of, and where I feel safe,” Daisy reflects.
Linda’s influence extends beyond HTFVC. She serves as Vice Chair of House Farm Workers!, as a member of the Ventura County Housing Coalition Steering Committee and on the Board of Directors of the California Coalition for Community Investment. She also chairs two national senior housing nonprofits and recently led the creation of "Hola Vecino!"—a collaborative video highlighting the importance of supporting Ventura County’s farmworker community.
Outside of Ventura County, Linda works passionately to support housing opportunities through her mission work in third-world countries.
"Collaboration is key to creating lasting change. By working together, we can address the housing crisis and uplift our most vulnerable populations," says Linda.
She believes that affordable housing is essential for Ventura County’s future. With California Lutheran University’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting recently reporting the region's population is down 3.1% since its peak in 2016 and the civilian labor force has declined by 4.7% since 2012, Linda emphasizes the connection between housing and economic stability.
"A successful economy starts with a home for everyone. We want people to afford to work, live and stay in Ventura County," she says.
"We are not just funding developments; we're investing in the future of our community and the well-being of its residents."