41 units of single-room-occupancy affordable housing have opened at the historic El Patio Hotel, 167 Palm Street, downtown Ventura. The two-story hotel was originally built in 1927 and has been renovated by the non-profit organization Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH).

The classic Spanish Colonial-style hotel has been carefully restored. The 11,741 sq. ft. renovation retains the original architectural aspects of the red-tiled building and will provide much-needed affordable housing with accompanying supportive services for low income individuals, seniors, and special needs residents in 41 single rooms. 16 rooms are set aside for formerly homeless individuals referred by Ventura County Behavioral Health Department. Two rooms are handicapped accessible and rooms feature private bathrooms and kitchenettes. Amenities include a common lobby area with a vintage fireplace, wheelchair lift, community kitchen, and restored courtyard with seating and fountain.

At the 11 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony remarks will be given by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Board President Carolyn Johnson, Ventura City Councilwoman Christy Weir, PSHH Executive Director Jeanette Duncan, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Development Section Program Manager Anthony Zeto, and others. Two current residents will also talk about their experience living at the hotel and previous homelessness.

Tours of resident rooms at the hotel will also be offered.

Recognized will be the project’s funding partners, including the City of Ventura Redevelopment Agency and HOME Program, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee Section 1602/ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Federal Home Bank of San Francisco Affordable Housing Program, and Affinity Bank (now Pacific Western Bank).

The development team included Peoples’ Executive Director Jeanette Duncan and Construction Manager Jim Hurst, architect E.C. Lind LLP, interior designer Adele Rosen, and landscape architect Robert Andrew Fowler. The on-site property manager is Michel Colmache.

Founded in 1970, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing is a charitable non-profit organization with offices in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Its mission is to provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income seniors, and other special needs groups on California’s Central Coast. Peoples’ has developed and now manages 1,350 affordable rental units in 20 communities, including Ventura. It has also helped 1,150 low income households build and own their first home.

PSHH relies on donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and the community to continue to provide much-needed affordable housing and services. To donate visit www.pshhc.org or mail contributions to 26 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara 93101.

For more information call Development Director Rochelle Rose(805) 962-5152 x227 or email info@pshhc.org.