CEDC Celebrates Grand Opening of Village Senior Apartments, Delivering 50 Affordable Homes for Seniors, Including Formerly Unhoused Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.) Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) celebrated the grand opening of Village Senior Apartments with a ribbon-cutting in Buellton, CA on January 28th. The newly completed community offers 50 units of affordable housing for seniors, including options for senior high health users, senior veterans, formerly unhoused senior veterans, with 13 units specifically designated for veterans.
After eight years experiencing homelessness, Joe Chavez now has a place to call home. “I walk around the neighborhood to relax. I look at the dogs go by. I’m hoping to adopt a dog, named Sophia,” said Chavez, a resident of the newly opened Village Senior Apartments. “I’m blessed here. I’m happy; I was on the streets for eight years, but these people made me happy again.”
Designed specifically for senior living, half of the homes include mobility features and other amenities that ensure accessibility and comfort. Residents have access to free confidential supportive services as well as an onsite coordinator who develops and provides social, educational, and recreational programs and workshops through collaborations with volunteers, local non-profits, government and community resources.
“The tremendous community approach to affordable housing is what brings these wonderful projects to life,” said Victoria Brady, Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this project to the City of Buellton to provide safe affordable housing for the seniors in this area.”
City of Buellton Mayor David Silva emphasized the project’s significance during the ribbon-cutting, “If you want to know who a community is, look at how it takes care of its neighbors.” Village Senior marks CEDC’s first in Santa Barbara County and directly addresses the region’s fastest-growing demographic: senior women.
The event brought together Mayor Silva, Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, CEDC Board President Aiza Galdo, and local affordable housing leaders. Certificates were presented by the offices of Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón, Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Assemblymember Gregg Hart.
“Today we are not just opening the doors on a new building, we are opening doors to stability, to community, and to a place where seniors can live with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind,” said Derrick Wada, Director of Real Estate Development, CEDC.
The grand opening event was co-hosted by Legacy Builder Sponsor McCarthy Companies, which also provided preconstruction and general contracting services for Village Senior Apartments. “Being named Legacy Builder Sponsor is something we don’t take lightly. It reflects a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a genuine commitment to the community,” said Tony Koeijmans, CEO, McCarthy Companies. Additional event sponsors included Rural Community Assistance Corp, Office42, Sean Leonard, and Y&M Architects.
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About Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC)
CEDC is the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County. Cabrillo’s success is the result of decades of passion, dedication and vision. With a mission of providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities, Cabrillo facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are lacking most in opportunity. Since its founding in 1981, the organization has been committed to providing affordable housing solutions and creating sustainable communities for those in need. CEDC works with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and community organizations, to address the housing needs of underserved populations.
Media Contact:
Clarissa LaFitte
805-659-3791 ext. 141