Housing Programs Win National Notice

Oxnard’s efforts to improve public housing with community programs have been recognized by a national organization, officials announced Friday.

The city has been recognized by the National Assn. of Housing and Redevelopment Officials for several recent programs at its 780 affordable apartments, Mayor Manuel Lopez said. The group cited teen parenting and lawn beautification efforts.

“They recognized ours out of housing programs from throughout the country,” said Lopez, who was at an affordable housing conference in New York City.

City officials describe the housing initiatives as a way to break the cycle of poverty, as well as save money. For instance, under the lawn program, apartment residents do their own landscaping and gardening. That cuts costs, because city workers are no longer responsible for upkeep in some areas, officials said.

The teen program is aimed at getting young parents to finish school, said Mary Barajas, a city housing official.

“We’re focused on family self-sufficiency,” she said. “What we’re trying to do is break the cycle of generation after generation of families living in public housing.”