Community Corp. of Santa Monica and Hoop Bus Inc,,  Announce Partnership to Enrich the Oakwood Neighborhood of Venice

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Today, Community Corporation of Santa Monica and Hoop Bus Inc. are excited to announce a joint partnership that will breathe new life into the Oakwood neighborhood of Venice by revitalizing the First Baptist Church of Venice as a center for cultural, faith-base, and community uses.

Tara Barauskas, Executive Director of Community Corp., said “We are thrilled to collaborate with Hoopbus and the  stakeholder group to revitalize the First Baptist Church and provide a new community resource for Oakwood. Together, with community input and support, we can create a space that fosters creativity, connection and growth for all residents while honoring the Church’s rich and sacred history.”

Hoopbus, a nationally-recognized organization known for its strong commitment to community engagement, has already begun its involvement by generously providing over 50 Christmas trees and thousands of presents to low-income residents in Oakwood and surrounding Venice neighborhoods. The nonprofit has begun connecting with the community at First Baptist Church property so that neighbors can get to know more about them. Hoopbus currently runs youth recreation programs in Los Angeles, including at the Oakwood Recreation Center, and they’re looking forward to expanding their community offerings through this partnership.

Community Corp. and Hoopbus will host community workshops in the new year to plan the faith, cultural and community uses of the property. The vision for First Baptist Church is in its early stages, and the two organizations plan on a variety of community input opportunities to formulate the renovation of the church in a way that honors the sacred and historical legacy of the property.

The original Hoopbus was founded by the Venice Beach basketball community in 2019, with the mission to build community and spread love through basketball. Hoopbus now operates a fleet of (5) converted school buses that run community programs nationwide. Hoopbus’s primary programs are “PE Takeovers” which promote social and emotional learning at schools through engaging basketball activities and community events in parks and playgrounds.

Dan Moroni, Executive Director of Hoop Bus Inc said, “Hoopbus is humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the effort to revitalize the First Baptist Church of Venice, and this historic corner of the Oakwood community. We strive to embody the values of openness and creativity found in the Oakwood community and hope to strengthen our local bonds and inspire our future generation.”

The new community and cultural center will sit adjacent to a 100% affordable housing development. The environmentally sustainable building will offer high-quality housing options for low-income families and seniors, and will contribute to the unique character of Oakwood.

Community Corp. of Santa Monica acquired the property, which includes the First Baptist Church and two parking lots, spanning a total square footage of 40,439, in March of 2023. The First Baptist Church holds a significant place in Venice’s history as one of its most prominent Baptist churches and community gathering spaces in the Oakwood neighborhood. The partnership between Community Corp. and Hoopbus promises to honor and amplify this rich history for the benefit of the entire community.

For questions about the partnership or planned property development please contact fbcv@communitycorp.org.

About Community Corp: Community Corporation of Santa Monica is a non-profit organization that restores, builds, and manages affordable housing for people of modest means. Founded by community leaders in 1982, Community Corp. has developed over 2,000 affordable home units, transforming the lives of more than 4,000 people every year. Their work contributes to the distinct character of Santa Monica. For more information, visit their website at http://www.communitycorp.org.

About Hoopbus: Hoop Bus Inc is a non-profit organization that amplifies community engagement through vehicles of change. They partner with nonprofits, schools and brands to increase attendance, awareness and engagement at events, and spread love through basketball. For more information visit their website at https://www.hoopbus.com/.