Humanitarian Service in Ventura

Humanitarian service is at the heart of the Lions mission, and here in Ventura, we see every day how important it is to care for our most vulnerable neighbors. From seniors living alone, to families struggling with housing or health challenges, to individuals living with disabilities, the need for compassion and support is real in our community.

The Ventura Downtown Lions Club partners with local organizations and relies on support from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to provide relief where it’s needed most. Globally, only 14% of people who need hospice care receive it, and nearly 20 million people each year require access to that care. Locally, Ventura families face similar gaps in support — whether due to financial hardship, disability, or limited access to resources.

Through humanitarian-focused grants and community-driven service, Ventura Lions are working to:
• Support seniors, the disabled, and families in crisis with practical and emotional aid.
• Help connect local residents with food, housing, and healthcare resources.
• Provide service projects that promote dignity, connection, and hope in difficult times.

Our commitment also extends to Veterans and their families, who we recognize as true heroes of this nation. We are dedicated to ensuring they are honored and never forgotten. The Ventura Downtown Lions Club actively partners with local Veterans organizations, including the Veterans Home of California–Ventura, a 60-bed residential care facility completed in 2009, where we host BBQs, special events, and bingo nights that bring fellowship and joy to residents. Each year, we also support the Ventura County Veterans Stand Down, offering assistance to those facing homelessness or hardship.

The need is profound: every day 22 Veterans die by suicide due to trauma-related reasons; Veterans make up 11% of all homeless adults, and nearly half of those experience mental illness. With nearly 2 million Veterans nationwide, these numbers reflect an urgent call to action.

By lifting up our community’s most vulnerable — including our Veterans — Ventura Lions are continuing a legacy of care that reflects both our global mission and Ventura’s enduring spirit of compassion.

Learn more about Lions humanitarian efforts: [PDF]