By Patricia Schallert –
The Seniors in Action team arrived on the scene with the energy of a swarm of bees in search of nectar. On the afternoon of May 15, Kathy Powell and her dedicated volunteers from Seniors in Action, who assist with the Help Moving In Project, gathered at the conclusion of a nine-day “Dump the Junk” event at a mobile home park in Ventura. Armed with enthusiasm, garbage bags, and boxes, they set to work identifying discarded items, sorting through them, and transforming them into valuable resources for individuals transitioning from homelessness into stable housing.
Jerry, the community events coordinator from the Men’s Golf Club, facilitated the nine-day event. He shared that much of what had previously ended up in dumpsters still had plenty of life left in it. “It’s a double bonus: less waste in the landfill and people getting the opportunity to furnish their homes,” he said. The May 15 event filled 10 vehicles and a U-Haul.
The Moving In Project is a collaborative initiative supported by realtors, community networks, churches, and other organizations that provide essential donations for individuals and families moving from homelessness into new rooms, apartments or homes. The project is specifically designed to assist those transitioning from unstable living situations to permanent housing.
“This program might appear small and often goes unnoticed, but we truly make a significant impact in the lives of those who need help,” said Kathy Powell, director of the project. Many community members regularly drop off donations at her home, including towels, dishes, gently used furniture, small appliances and more. “There’s a strong sense within the community to support those in need directly, rather than donating to organizations that just resell items,” she added.
The Moving In Project is funded by private donations, including a recent $750 contribution from the San Buenaventura Woman’s Club. In addition, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, Church of the Foothills and other local churches collect donations quarterly through their Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness initiative. Volunteers and Seniors in Action members have also supported the effort by providing storage units.
“This collective generosity drives our mission and enables us to better serve the community,” Powell said.
She launched the project after nearly 12 years of volunteering with a homeless resource organization. A friend had told her about Project Roomkey, a California program created during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide temporary housing in vacant hotels and motels for people experiencing homelessness—particularly those who were sick or medically vulnerable. Though temporary, the program aimed to provide a safe environment while connecting people to services and permanent housing.
One woman referred to Powell was blind and had just received a notice for permanent housing through Project Roomkey—but she had no belongings. Powell reached out to her network of church and social justice volunteers for help gathering household items. “I sent out an email asking for help. People began dropping off items at my house just as COVID was starting,” she said. “Since people weren’t traveling, it gave them a chance to declutter and help someone in need. It turned into a spontaneous effort of cleaning out and redecorating.”
Community involvement plays a vital role, Powell emphasized, with local residents donating items and volunteering their time. The project also partners with social workers and case managers to offer participants workshops and resources focused on budgeting, home maintenance and essential life skills—promoting sustainable living.
Overall, the Moving In Project reflects a holistic approach to addressing homelessness. It focuses not only on immediate housing needs but also on long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
When events like Dump the Junk take place, Powell and her Seniors in Action team are notified by real estate agents, case managers or social workers. Building a supportive community is essential to easing the transition process. “By understanding how the program fosters connections through group activities and peer mentoring, we can better appreciate the overall environment,” she said.
Powell and fellow volunteer Janelle sort through donated items to determine what can be used for clients, especially those who have experienced homelessness. They collaborate with social workers and case managers who contact them when individuals or families are ready to move—whether into transitional or permanent housing. Many veterans in Ventura County have benefited from the program’s support.
For now, Powell’s Moving In Project continues to foster a strong sense of community and peer support, thanks to her dedicated Seniors in Action volunteers. This inclusive environment not only helps individuals transition into permanent housing, but also provides a sense of purpose for the volunteers. By building a supportive network, participants form meaningful relationships and learn to rely on each other for encouragement. Together, they build resilience—making the journey toward stable housing a shared and empowering experience.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, contact Kathy Powell at 805-910-8860 or email KathyPurplePrincess@gmail.com.
