Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

Cabrillo strives to develop quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and their families and to improve their lives through ongoing social programs and educational opportunities. When families live in affordable, safe and well-maintained housing, they can devote more resources to food, clothing, health care and other needs. With dedicated areas for study and play, children are healthier and do better in school. Neighborhoods are improved and people experience a sense of pride and become engaged in their community.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation develops ownership and rental housing that forms the foundation for people to improve their lives. Our success is based on maintaining a company that is well-managed and that collaborates with public, private and community partners. To best advance our mission, our priorities are:

1) Ensure financial stability
2) Increase the number of people living in quality, affordable housing
3) Build a strong, engaged board leadership
4) Engage and communicate with the community
5) Expand program quality

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has the structure, Board of Directors, staff, and systems to develop and manage high-quality affordably housing and the associated programs that benefit the community. The nine-member Board of Directors meets monthly to evaluate, discuss and make decisions that further the organization's mission and strategic plan. Board members represent the interests of stakeholder groups from business, such as banking and real estate, and community. Their technical expertise includes business planning; finance and accounting; real estate and the law. One member at large represents the city of Ventura and two Oxnard residents that represent community interests are current Cabrillo tenants and community leaders at their respective properties.

The six-member executive team has over 150 years combined experience in affordable housing development and financing, property management, and organizational management as follows:

CEDC's Chief Executive Officer draws on more than 30 years of experience in community development, housing and redeveloping communities. Our Financial Services department has over 20 years' experience in affordable housing, and CEDC has never had any financial or audit exceptions. The Business Development and Administration Director has provided redevelopment advisory services to agencies throughout California and Nevada, and supports new business development, enhances internal systems to promote efficient operations, and interacts with key external partners to develop strategic partnerships.

The Property Management department contributes more than 25 years' experience in professionally managing and maintaining our portfolio through high-quality maintenance practices. The Resident and Community Services Director delivers more than 20 years of experience in the field of psychology and experience in all phases of organizational management and leadership. The Real Estate Development Director has extensive experience in housing development, asset management, fiscal operations and community partnerships.

Each year, CEDC's important work helps residents improve their quality of life by providing affordable housing communities, as well as a variety of resources, social opportunities and educational programs. Community building is the process of building social networks within the community and developing group and individual problem-solving and leadership skills.

CEDC has been successful in fulfilling its mission through its core business lines: Real Estate Development (RED), which has developed 1,781 affordable rental and for-sale homes for farm workers and other working families, the disabled, and seniors; Property Management, which professionally manages our portfolio of 1,152 rental homes in 26 family/senior housing communities and maintains the properties through high-quality maintenance practices; and Resident & Community Services (RCS), which delivers resident programs and services in partnership with other nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Resources include health and wellness programs, such as food distributions; English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, and financial education classes; and homework clubs, reading programs, and arts and cultural activities for youth.

Recent accomplishments include:

• Completed construction of Camino Esperanza – 31 units of housing for low-income seniors and seniors with developmental disabilities
• 880 households received homebuyer, foreclosure prevention, and financial literacy counseling
• 170 low-income households received free tax preparation services
• Over 17,000 pounds of food were distributed to low-income families through food pantries and farmer’s markets for seniors and children
• Homework Clubs and afterschool programs that enabled children to receive help and guidance with their schoolwork
• $20,000 in scholarships awarded to local low-income college and college-bound students in STEM education majors
• Reading, ESL, and citizenship education; neighborhood health fairs; and nutrition classes in partnership with local nonprofits and volunteers