COVID TESTING RESOURCES

The current demand for a Covid test is overwhelming. We hope this info is helpful to you or someone you know who wants a Covid test.  At this time, local Covid testing is being done mostly by the State, some by the County (Public Health), private companies, and select local pharmacies. These are the resources:

FREE COVID TESTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!  To order your four (4) free Covid test kits (provided by the Federal government) to be delivered by your postal carrier, go to the following link:  http://Special.usps.com/testkits

  • State-run and County Public Health testing sites. More info available at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
  • Your doctor or health care provider. (My PCP is in a large medical practice and they do NOT do testing.)
  • Private businesses like Covid Clinic https://covidclinic.org/ and Curative https://curative.com/. The cost of testing at these sites is generally covered by insurance but exceptions may exist where travel or other non-medical circumstances are concerned. (The basic PCR test with up to a 72-hour turnaround for results is usually provided at no charge. For rapid test results or for traveling, there may be a fee. Be sure to ask.)
  • A local pharmacy. Go online and visit the website of your local pharmacy to find out if they offer COVID-19 testing. View locations at: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/ Most pharmacies are not taking phone calls.
  • At-home collection kits and tests are available by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy or retail store. Visit the CDC self-testing websiteto learn more. The County is in the process of obtaining home test kits to distribute to the public. For more info, subscribe to receive emails for local Covid updates at the link shown below.
  • SIGN UP FOR LOCAL COVID INFO UPDATES at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/subscribe/

Note:  Be prepared to give lots of info before you can even see if and when an appointment is available, especially if booking an appointment with a pharmacy. Prepare for scheduling any Covid test by having this info in front of you:

  • Dates of all your Covid vaccinations, including booster (if applicable),
  • Your health insurance info (if applicable). Medicare recipients should have their gap insurance info handy (if applicable).

There are 14 State-run testing sites in Ventura County.  The State is working to expand its hours of operation. Note: Scheduling an appointment is highly recommended!  Sites listed as “walk-in” are only seeing patients by appointment. Avoid disappointment by making an appointment.

The County is working to open two additional high-capacity test sites, one in West County (Oxnard) and one in East County (Simi Valley, Moorpark, or Thousand Oaks). The goal is to have these sites operational by the end of this week or early the week of January 10th. Public Health and our local school districts are also expecting to receive rapid tests very soon, which will help address additional testing demands. Public Health will work with local community-based organizations to distribute these test kits.*

Our Outreach Team is led by Gayle Matthews, RScP, Norm Fort, and Pam Kelley. Our current focus is on supporting our homeless brothers and sisters. If you would like to serve or donate, please refer to the contact information below

You can help us by supporting the following organizations:

  • PRE-LITERACY PROJECT VOLUNTEER TRAINING – Step Up Ventura needs you to read books to read books to young children. In-person Training is May 14, 9 am to noon. to sign up for training please reach out to Kate Curtin at kate.curtin@stepupventura.org or call (805) 275-6497
  • FAMILY TO FAMILY – SERVING THE HUNGRY IN VENTURA – This amazing group has an ongoing need for volunteers to assemble & serve meals on the first Mondays of each month.  This need will increase in September or October when they will have indoor dining open again.  Please contact Sue Brinkmeyer at (818) 281-6249 or suebrinkmeyer@gmail.com to assist.

  • LIFT UP YOUR VOICE – Seeking donations of smaller kitchen and bathroom items such as pots & pans, silverware, cups and plates as well as working bicycles. Please contact the church office at office@venturacsl.org and let us know what you have. Someone will get back to you.

 

Additionally, below is a comprehensive list of outreach resources and links for the homeless (thank you, Gayle Matthews!).

STEP UP VENTURA
(805)665-3385
1338 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA 93001
https://www.stepupventura.org/

The Mission of Step Up Ventura is to provide therapeutic services and access to childcare and preschool for children ages zero to five who are affected by homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We help infants, toddlers, and young children develop secure attachments and overcome the traumas they have faced. Our program supports nurturing, calming, and appropriately stimulating activities throughout the day by training early childhood educators, caregivers, and mental health workers to meet the unique needs of children affected by homelessness. Step Up Ventura requires parent involvement. Parents learn to understand and care for their children with interventions specifically targeted to early childhood brain development and healthy parent-child attachments.

LIFT UP YOUR VOICE TO END HOMELESSNESS (LUYV)
(805) 644-3898 Ext. 101
5654 Ralston Ave., Ventura CA 93003
https://unitarianuniversalistventura.org/social-justice/your-voice/

This is a grassroots advocacy program founded by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura.  Building a diverse coalition of people from all walks of life who are committed to preventing and ending homelessness while increasing the overall leadership capacity in Ventura.  We work with the homeless community, social service organizations, and government officials to ensure that the needs and interests of people experiencing homelessness are not only heard but form the basis of services and policies. Furniture, household items and working bicycles in good condition are collected and provided to needy individuals who have recently been housed.

ONE STOP EVENT
(805)652-6694
See flyer for dates and locations.

County of Ventura Health Care Agency has Mobile Homeless One Stop events, providing health care and more for homeless individuals and those facing homelessness countywide.

Services include:

  • Behavioral Health assistance and STAR assessment by appointment.
  • Food Stamp application assistance.
  • General Relief application assistance.
  • Free TB testing.
  • Medical clinic.
  • Medication assistance.
  • Risk assessments.
  • Veteran assistance.
  • Free HIV testing by appointment.
  • Job Club (Oxnard).
  • Medi-Cal/Covered California application assistance for those without health insurance.
  • Case management.
  • Whole Person Care.
  • Sack lunch, and much more…

INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTER
(805) 650-5993
704 County Square Dr., Suite 105, Ventura, CA 93003
https://www.ilrc-trico.org/

The Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) offers a wide array of services, free of charge, that allows you to be as independent as possible. At the same time, you may check out all the resources listed below to seek information and services on your own:

VENTURA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
(805) 477-5100
855 Partridge Dr, Ventura, CA 93003
https://www.ventura.org/human-services-agency/hsa-services/

Homeless, Housing Assistance and more…

SAFE SLEEP PROGRAM (City of Ventura residents only)
(805)648-4977
650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004
http://ventura.salvationarmy.org/

The Safe Sleep Program allows carefully screened individuals to stay in their cars in church parking lots that provide access to bathrooms. Case management by the Salvation Army targets help to get individuals back into jobs and housing. Provides safe overnight parking for individuals and families who find themselves living in their vehicles. The program is a cooperative between the Salvation Army, area churches, and non-profits. Participating institutions provide parking places for vehicle dwellers registered with the Salvation Army program. The parking locations are confidential. This is a 30-day program.

Documents Required:   

– Proof of residency in the City of Ventura
– ID
– Proof of monthly expenses and bills
– Photo ID of children and dependents
– Vehicle information- Insurance, if the vehicle is operational, and registration

VENTURA HOMELESS PREVENTION FUND
(805)626-0363
5654 Ralston St., Ventura, CA 93003
https://venturahomelessprevention.org/

The purpose of the Ventura Homeless Prevention Fund is to provide financial assistance for families and individuals on the verge of becoming homeless due to a one-time but consequential event such as temporary job loss, accident, or illness.  Ventura residents are eligible for VHPF assistance.

 

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION & RAPID RE-HOUSING PROGRAM (HPRP)
(805)385-1800 or (805)385-8585
https://www.ventura.org/human-services-agency/homeless-services/

The Ventura County Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) and the Federal Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG) make funds available to residents who are currently homeless or facing homelessness (received a notice to vacate) from rental housing within 21 days.  Through HPRP and ESG, residents are stabilized in housing and assisted comprehensively to help ensure they do not face homelessness again.

TURNING POINT FOUNDATION
(805)652-0000
https://turningpointfoundation.org/

Their programs address the full range of personal needs, including a homeless shelter to meet necessary physical and safety requirements, supported housing to provide decent, affordable housing and rehabilitation and socialization centers to provide meaningful, productive activities, companionship, and a sense of purpose. We work with our clients to reverse the devastating effects of their illnesses, such as job loss, homelessness, isolation, addiction, incarceration, and even thoughts of suicide.

 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMUNITY CENTER
(805)643-4694
303 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura CA 93001
https://www.catholiccharitiesvc.org/ventura-service-center.html

Regular Business Hours are Monday – Friday: 9:00am-2:30pm
Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday and Thursday
Full Pantry: 9-11 and 1-2:30
Sack Lunches Served: 8:15-9, 11:30-12, 2:30-3

Catholic Charities offers Eviction Prevention Programs providing families and individuals with security of a roof over their heads and happiness of remaining in their homes by providing rent and utility payment to those needing help or struggle to make ends meet or those that need an occasional hand-up.

Legal Assistance – Legal advice, consultations and referrals if needed.
Catholic Charities offers Older Adult Services and Intervention System.
https://www.catholiccharitiesvc.org/oasis.html
Providing In-Home Visitations, Advocacy and Assistance and Transportation.

OUR PLACE SAFE HAVEN
(805)652-2151 Ext 307
536 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura CA 93001
14 Bed Co-ed Shelter
(Intake Interview Required)
https://turningpointfoundation.org/our-place-safe-haven/

VINCE STREET VETERAN’S PROGRAM
(805)321-0545
43 E. Vince St., Ventura CA 93001
https://turningpointfoundation.org/veterans/

THE WELLNESS CENTER
(805)653-5045
2697 Saviers Road, Oxnard CA
https://turningpointfoundation.org/wellness-center-oxnard/

GROWING WORKS
(805)586-9900
https://turningpointfoundation.org/growing-works/