Graphic by Dani Ramirez
Written by Thi Tu Truong and Timothy Walker
As part of CI’s commitment to engaging with the surrounding community, representatives from The CI View visited Many Mansions’ new affordable housing development on South Lewis Road in Camarillo. Executive Vice President Dalit Shlapobersky shared insights about the project’s vision, design, and social impact. This interview explores how the development seeks to serve low-income and formerly homeless older adults, promote dignity through housing, and build bridges with the local community, including CI students.
The following is an interview from November 2025, conducted by The CI View with Dalit Shlapobersky, Executive Vice President of Many Mansions. The conversation took place at the organization’s new Lewis Road housing development in Camarillo, which serves low-income and formerly homeless older adults. To learn more about Many Mansions, visit https://www.manymansions.org/.
Q: Can you describe the vision for this development at Lewis Road and how Many Mansions and the Area Housing Authority chose this location?
A: The Lewis Road project was created to address the growing housing needs of elderly and formerly homeless residents in Ventura County. This 50-unit community, with 49 units for residents and one for the on-site manager, was developed in partnership with the Area Housing Authority. The goal was to provide permanent, supportive housing near community resources like CSU Channel Islands. The site’s accessibility, quiet setting, and proximity to services made it ideal for helping residents rebuild their lives in stability and dignity.
Q: How does the project specifically serve the elderly and mentally disabled homeless population?
A: Half of the residents are seniors over 62 who have experienced homelessness. The remaining residents are low or extremely low-income individuals. We want to eliminate as many barriers as possible to staying housed, so when people move in, their apartments are fully furnished with beds, tables, and basic supplies. Many items were donated by IKEA and community partners. Our goal is for residents to feel at home from day one, with comfort and stability that encourage long-term housing success.
Q: What supportive services will be provided on site or in partnership?
A: We provide a full range of supportive services, including case management, mental health support through Ventura County Behavioral Health, and connections tohealthcare and senior services. Residents receive individualized assistance, from help with healthcare access and budgeting to setting wellness goals and maintaining independence. We also offer community-building programs and workshops to reduce isolation and foster social connection.
Q: How do you measure success?
A: We track outcomes like housing stability, resident engagement, and improvements in quality of life. Our success rate is about 95%, meaning that 95% of residents who move in from homelessness remain housed long-term. This is a testament to the supportive environment and ongoing partnerships with local service providers.
Q: What are some of the design features included to make the housing accessible and comfortable for older adults and people with mental illness?
A: Accessibility and community are at the heart of the design. Each unit includes universal design features such as wide hallways, grab bars and accessible bathrooms. The complex has community rooms, reading nooks, and outdoor gathering areas to help residents reconnect and combat isolation. Everything from lighting to signage was created to promote safety, dignity and ease of use.
Q: What challenges do you anticipate in serving this dual population of elderly and formerly homeless residents?
A: We are mindful that residents may have experienced trauma or long periods of instability. Some may require more support as they age or experience health changes. Our on-site team, including a community manager, case managers and maintenance staff; ensures residents receive the care they need to remain independent for as long as possible. If a resident eventually requires a higher level of care, we coordinate a smooth transition to other facilities through partner agencies.
Q: How does this project connect with CI and the broader community?
A: We see education and community engagement as essential to our mission. We are eager to partner with CSUCI students and faculty on volunteer work, internships and research collaborations. Many Mansions already hosts student interns in Thousand Oaks, and we plan to expand opportunities at this new site such as helping run the food pantry, organizing activities or supporting resident education programs. For us, student involvement not only benefits residents but also gives students firsthand experience with community development and social impact work.
Q: How do you hope this development changes public attitudes about homelessness and mental health in Camarillo?
A: Education and visibility are key. Affordable housing should be seen as a public asset, not as something to fear but to celebrate. By building beautiful, well-maintained communities and inviting the public to visit and learn, we can destigmatize homelessness and mental illness. We regularly present to local organizations and universities to foster understanding that housing is foundational to dignity, health, and opportunity.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see this project influencing the future of housing in Ventura County?
A: We hope the Lewis Road project becomes a model for compassionate, sustainable housing. Our next phase, located across the field, will add 88 more units for individuals experiencing homelessness. Each development strengthens Ventura County’s commitment to inclusive growth. Our philosophy is simple: everyone deserves a safe, stable home, and when the community invests in housing, everyone benefits.
As Dalit Shlapobersky emphasized throughout the conversation, Many Mansions’ mission is not just to build housing but to build hope. Through thoughtful design, supportive services and community partnerships, including those with CSU Channel Islands, projects like the Lewis Road development represent a future where housing provides dignity, stability and belonging for all residents of Ventura County.
To apply for housing in Oxnard, visit https://www.manymansions.org/communities/apply-for-new-housing-in-oxnard/
To apply internship and volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.manymansions.org/get-engaged/volunteer-opportunities/
