Funding will support Hope the Mission in providing career readiness, financial and business literacy, mental health support, positive youth development, and life skills training at new interim shelter

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and California American Water, announced today that Hope the Mission was awarded a 2024 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness Grant. The grant will support career readiness and life skills training at the Thrive Grove Navigation Center in Thousand Oaks, a community within California American Water’s service area.

"This funding aligns perfectly with our shared mission to empower those experiencing homelessness and provide them with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency," said City of Thousand Oaks’ Mayor Al Adam. “Seeking funding like this is key to the operation of Thrive Grove, and we're eager to continue the work with our partner agencies to continue successful grant applications."

Thrive Grove Navigation Center broke ground earlier this year and will be the first facility of its kind in eastern Ventura County. Anticipated to open in early 2025, Thrive Grove is a referral-based, 30-bed interim housing facility for those experiencing homelessness in Thousand Oaks. Residents of Thrive Grove will have access to wrap-around services like case management, medical services, job training, employment connection programs and more. Workforce readiness support will include obtaining and preparing vital employment documents, life skills, financial literacy training, job application support and mock interviews. Hope the Mission will also identify and help connect residents with transportation, interview clothes and more.

“On behalf of Hope the Mission, we express our sincere gratitude to the American Water Charitable Foundation for awarding us this grant, demonstrating their commitment to supporting critical services for unhoused folks in eastern Ventura County,” said Ken Craft, CEO and Founder of Hope the Mission. “Getting people off the streets and into shelter is just the first step on a long road to recovery from homelessness. This grant will support services such as workforce readiness and job training, setting up Thrive Grove residents for long-term success in finding and securing jobs and permanent housing.”

The Workforces Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with Hope the Mission to support their ongoing efforts to prevent, reduce, and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness in Ventura County. This grant underscores our commitment to supporting initiatives that positively impact the diverse communities served by California American Water,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Thank you for helping the Foundation allocate funds to address the complex issue of homelessness.”

Learn more about Hope the Mission at www.hopethemission.org.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About California American Water

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. For more information, visit www.californiaamwater.com and follow California American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About Hope the Mission

Hope the Mission is dedicated to preventing, reducing, and eliminating poverty, hunger, and homelessness. As the nation's largest rescue mission, we lead with innovation and inclusivity, offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions through our extensive network of facilities and services.

About The City of Thousand Oaks

The City of Thousand Oaks is a premiere community recognized for being one of the most desirable places in California to live, work, recreate, and raise a family. Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in Ventura County, Thousand Oaks is nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains and has over 15,000 acres of natural, publicly owned open space within its boundaries. Learn more about the City at toaks.gov.

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