25 Years of Helping Families Find Their Way Home
This year, My Way Home celebrates 25 years of service, supporting families across Ventura County, and now throughout Central and Southern California, on their journey to homeownership and financial stability.
“For 25 years, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families as they work toward the dream of homeownership. Every family’s path is unique, and we’re honored to guide them along the way.”
— Bertha Garcia, Executive Director
Our Story
Founded in 2001 by the late affordable housing advocate Rodney Fernandez and our current Executive Director Bertha Garcia, My Way Home was born out of a vision to expand housing opportunity and help families build long-term stability.
Rodney’s commitment to housing equity laid the foundation, and Bertha has continued to guide and grow the organization for more than two decades along with a team of passionate and committed professionals. While our roots remain in Ventura County, our programs now serve families throughout Central and Southern California.
25 Years of Impact
Over the past quarter-century, My Way Home has helped thousands of families achieve their dreams:
3,800+ families have become homeowners
25,000+ individuals have received homebuyer education and financial coaching
$237+ million in home loans has been originated
$18.7+ million in down payment assistance has been awarded or facilitated for low- and moderate-income families
Every number represents a family achieving stability and a stronger community for all of us.
Celebrating With Our Community
We’re marking this milestone with two signature events in 2026:
14th Annual Ventura County Homebuying Conference
Saturday, June 6 | Oxnard, CA
A full day of workshops, resources, and guidance for first-time homebuyers.
5th Annual Leading People Home Awards
Thursday, October 8 | Camarillo, CA
An evening honoring individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to expand housing opportunity across Central and Southern California.
“These events are our way of celebrating the families we serve and the partners who make our work possible.”
— Bertha Garcia
Milestones Along the Way
2001: Ventura County Community Development Corporation founded by Rodney Fernandez and Bertha Garcia
2004: Received Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation from the Department of the Treasury
2005: Funded first 2nd amortized mortgage loan in collaboration with NHSA and State Farm Bank.
2008: Expanded lending services from affordable restricted single family development projects to general housing market.
2011: Created a home Acquisition and Rehab program
2013: Launched first Homeownership Conference in Ventura County
2019: Expanded to Kern and Los Angeles Counties with approval to deliver our down payment assistance programs in both communities.
2025: Rebranded to My Way Home and achieved $237M in first mortgage funding since 2007, helping thousands of low- and moderate-income families become homeowners.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 25 years, we reflect on the families we’ve helped, the partnerships we’ve built, and the community we’ve strengthened. Our mission remains the same: to help families find their way home, one family at a time.
We’re grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and we can’t wait to see what the next 25 years bring!