The Ojai community held a tree-planting and land-blessing ceremony to celebrate the opening of new supportive housing for vulnerable youth.

Mesa Ojai will provide 13 transitional homes and trauma-informed supportive services for young adults aged 18-24 years at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

A project of People’s Self Help Housing and situated on a 10-acre farm, Mesa Ojai is supported by more than $4 million from HCD’s Homekey program. Homekey is aimed at rapidly increasing the supply of housing for Californians most in need. This successful model will be expanded with the recent passage of Proposition 1.

The youth served at Mesa Ojai will be provided supportive services using a Positive Youth Development model and trauma-informed care. Wellness support will include mental, physical, and emotional care; residents will also have access to educational and employment training and other programs.