HACSB CEO recognized as Local Hero

Ventura, CA — Denise M. Wise, the Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) has been recognized as a local HERO in the city of Ventura for 2022. Denise has been a champion in the affordable housing industry over the last 12 years as the leader of the HACSB.

The Ventura Police Community Foundation recognizes community members who personally or professionally have displayed selflessness, dedication, and compassion, and have made a positive impact on the City of Ventura. Denise M. Wise was chosen, along with two other community members and one corporate member as the “Heroes Among Us” for 2022. Denise was nominated for this award by Ventura’s Chief of Police, Darin Schindler.

In the program for the Heroes Among Us celebration, Chief Schindler had the following words to say about Denise, “she has built a strong relationship between the Ventura Housing Authority and VPD and has proven to be a strong advocate for improving safe housing and building a better quality of life for Ventura residents. She is definitely a local, unsung hero!”

The 2022 heroes were celebrated and recognized on November 5^th, at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Staff and commissioners from the Housing Authority and the local community joined Denise to celebrate this special recognition.

One of Denise’s most notable achievements in the community is the HACSB’s acquisition of El Portal, a development with over 300 code violations and a building commonly known for the high use of local police and fire resources. The building has now been converted to special needs housing and brought a pivotal change to the Westside of Ventura.

To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, visit hacityventura.org. To learn more about the HERO Among Us award visit, https://www.venturapolicefoundation.org.

ABOUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, with 219 public housing units, more than 1,480 Housing Choice Vouchers, and 821 nonprofit affordable rental units. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and improve the quality of life and help its residents achieve self-sufficiency and or age in place.

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