Volunteers Needed to Help Relocate Homeless For Rainy Season
Ventura River Bottom Encampment Will Be Cleared to Reduce Pollution Into Ventura River
On Wednesday, December 15, in preparation for the rainy season, the City of Ventura will be relocating individuals currently living in the Ventura River bottom to homeless shelters. Volunteers are needed to help transfer belongings from homeless encampments to storage facilities.
Every year, hundreds of individuals set up camp in the Ventura River bottom. These encampments generate an enormous amount of garbage and human waste that pollutes the river bottom and Ventura River. Throughout the rainy season, storms can create unsafe conditions in the river bottom and can transfer large amounts of garbage and other hazardous pollutants into the Ventura River. Since 2009, over 28 tons of garbage has been removed from the Ventura River bottom by community volunteers.
Work on Wednesday will take place in two shifts: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
To volunteer, please contact Rosie Ornelas with the City of Ventura Community Services Department at 805-652-4555.