Camarillo is developing two affordable housing projects aimed for those experiencing homelessness.
The Barry Street project, a 3,750-square-foot plot of city-owned land, is scheduled to be built at 2361 Barry St. A second development, the Arneill Road project, is 7,335 square feet and planned for 268 Arneill Road.
According to a March 11 City Council staff report, the Barry Street Project is set to provide housing for residents for about six to eight months while they gain the skills and resources needed for living in more permanent housing.
The nearby Arneill Road Affordable Housing Project plans to provide permanent housing for those who are homeless but can demonstrate long-term self-sustainability.
The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, which addresses homelessness issues, is scheduled to meet from 8:30 a.m. April 13 in the Administrative Conference Room of Camarillo City Hall at 601 Carmen Drive for an update on the project, said Michelle D’Anna, assistant to the city manager.
Councilmembers on March 11 approved a request for bids, including plans to construct the Arneill Road project.
When will the projects start?
Groundbreaking and construction for the Barry project are expected to begin in mid-April with a move-in planned for June, D’Anna said. Groundbreaking and construction for the Arneill project are scheduled for June, with move-in set for October 2027, she said.
The City Council is expected to award the construction contract for the Arneil Road project on June 10. The Barry Street project will return to the council for updates as needed.
Camarillo acquired the Arneill Road Property in 2017 using legacy redevelopment funds with the goal of developing a nine-unit affordable housing program, according to the staff report. After Planning Commission approval in 2023, the city began seeking grant funding for construction.
In August 2023, councilmembers approved the purchase of the tax-defaulted property located on Barry Street for affordable housing purposes using tax-exempt bond proceeds. In July 2024, the city issued a request for proposal to solicit bids to construct or install six individual housing units and prepare the site to include utility connections and landscaping. A professional services agreement was awarded to Azure Printed Homes Inc. in March 2025, according to the staff report.
What will the projects cost?
The Barry project is scheduled to cost about $610,000 and will be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.
The Arneill Road project is projected to cost about $6,346,000 through the state’s Housing and Community Development Encampment Resolution Funding Program for construction and construction management.
The Arneill Road Project is nine units and is considered a conventional construction, whereas the Barry Street project has fewer units of a smaller size with a different construction type, D’Anna said.
Who will live there?
All potential residents will have a demonstrated history of involvement with Project Hope, Camarillo’s main homelessness outreach arm. Residents will be actively working toward self-sufficiency through employment, service participation and individualized case planning, D’Anna said.
What is the rent per unit?
Residents will not pay rent in the Barry project, as housing costs will be covered by grant funding. Residents in the Arneill Road project are set to pay $600 to $700 a month.
What will the projects look like?
City officials prioritized design and livability, selecting housing designs that complement the character of the surrounding neighborhood, D’Anna said.
Each unit is set to include full utility hookups for water, sewer and electricity. The sites will feature water-wise landscaping and residential-style fencing designed to reflect the community.
For more information, visit: cityofcamarillo.org/homelessness.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Two Camarillo housing projects to help residents exit homelessness
Reporting by Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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