Volunteers prepare to move into the Oxnard complex

Staff reports
| Ventura County Star

Corrections and clarifications: This story has been updated to correct the date for a July grand opening.

About 25 volunteers stepped up Thursday to prepare a new affordable housing complex in downtown Oxnard for its first residents before they arrive next week.

Central Terrace is a five-story, 87-unit apartment complex located in the 200 block of East Sixth Street. Construction on the $45 million project began in July 2022.

“This is an absolutely beautifully designed building that will serve residents incredibly well,” said Dalit Shlapobersky, executive vice president of Many Mansions, a Thousand Oaks-based nonprofit that is overseeing the project. “It is designed with the well-being of residents in mind.

On Thursday, volunteers brought donated goods, including linens, plates and cleaning supplies, to prepare the one-bedroom apartments for move-in, she said.

Thirty-five of those units were designated for homeless individuals and families, officials said. Some of the new residents of the complex may arrive with few or no belongings.

Residents will begin moving in next week and a grand opening is planned for July 25, Shlapobersky said.

Volunteers from US Bank, Ventura County Credit Union, West Ventura County Business Alliance and other organizations participated.

“Central Terrace will be a new start for many people and it fills us with joy knowing that we have helped make them feel welcomed in their new home,” said Elizabeth Zaragoza, branch manager for the Central Terrace location. Oxnard of Ventura County Credit Union, at an email.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Contact him at [email protected], 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.