Show Me the Money: Affordable Housing Funding Challenges and Opportunities
- Housing Opportunities Made Easier
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 5
The 2025 Ventura County Housing Conference closed with a dynamic panel of Ventura County’s leaders in housing finance and development. Moderated by Jeff Lambert (Ventura Housing), the panel included Linda Braunschweiger (Housing Trust Fund Ventura County), Nicole Norori (California Housing Partnership), Ricardo Torres (Ventura Housing), Ken Trigueiro (People’s Self-Help Housing), and Rick Schroeder (Many Mansions). Together, they tackled one of the most pressing questions in housing today: How do we fund affordable, equitable housing in a time of shrinking resources and growing need?
The Funding Landscape: A Balancing Act
Panelists painted a candid picture of the current financial landscape — one shaped by uncertainty at nearly every level of government. A four-page handout was provided outlining federal and state funding programs, acronyms, and definitions.
At the federal level, continuing resolutions and funding shortfalls have strained programs like the Housing Choice Voucher and Emergency Housing Voucher initiatives. Ricardo Torres warned that unless funding stabilizes, local housing authorities may struggle to maintain or expand access for vulnerable residents.
Linda Braunschweiger reported that the Housing Trust Fund is a federally-certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), and those CDFI funds have been eliminated. She urged everyone to advocate to restore this funding source.
At the state level, Nicole Norori explained that affordable housing developers cobble funds together from various sources — private equity through tax incentives, mortgages, local fundraising, and State programs. While Governor Newsom’s administration continues to invest heavily in affordable housing, competition for grants like the Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) remains fierce — often oversubscribed by 10 to 1. She spoke of several significant sources, including cap-and-trade AHSC, enhanced credits, project HomeKey, and several proposed State initiatives. She underscored the importance of leveraging local funds to strengthen applications for limited state dollars.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Despite challenges, the panel highlighted creative approaches gaining momentum across Ventura County.
Rick Schroeder introduced new opportunities through CalAIM, a Medi-Cal initiative that integrates housing with healthcare by funding rent, deposits, and navigation services for residents transitioning out of homelessness. He discussed the evolving role of Proposition 1, which now positions housing as a core mental health priority, opening doors for new behavioral health–related housing funding.
Ken Trigueiro spoke about homeownership, describing People’s Self-Help Housing’s long-standing sweat equity model — where future homeowners help build their own houses, drastically reducing costs. Funded with help from USDA for rural areas. He called for expanding the model at the state level to reach more families in semi-urban areas like Ventura County.
Linda Braunschweiger shared how the Housing Trust Fund has built partnerships with local cities, banks, and private businesses to offer low-interest loans for affordable projects. A recent investment from a major agricultural company marked a promising shift — showing how corporate engagement can play a critical role in housing solutions.
The conversation closed with a shared call to action: invest local, think creatively, and partner broadly. From establishing a dedicated county housing fund to exploring public-private land use models, panelists agreed that Ventura County’s progress depends on coordination and persistence.
Key Takeaways
Federal and state funding remains volatile, making local investment essential.
Collaboration between public, private, and nonprofit sectors is driving new solutions.
Innovative funding models — from CalAIM to corporate lending — are expanding access.
Homeownership programs and land trusts can build generational stability.
Closing Thought
While the numbers may seem daunting, the Show Me the Money panel left attendees with optimism. Ventura County’s housing leaders are not waiting for solutions to arrive from Washington or Sacramento — they’re building them here at home, through creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making housing attainable for all.
Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME)
PO Box 191, Camarillo, CA 93011
Phone: (805) 323-6534
Email: info@vchome.org
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