A Legacy of Service and Innovation

Lifting People Up Since 1958

This wasn't just housing—it was Hopeful Housing. With donated land and seed capital, Rose Garden Village became reality, pioneering a new approach that caught the attention of national leaders. The project became the first to be insured by the U.S. government under Section 231 of the Federal Housing Administration.

1980s-2005

Expanding the Vision

After Reverend Turner's passing, the foundation was renamed the Turner Foundation in his honor. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Jonathan Wilson, the organization's mission expanded beyond seniors to serve all low-income individuals and families.

The foundation continued to refine its model of "housing plus services"—recognizing that four walls and a roof were just the beginning of what people needed to thrive.

1958-1970

An Innovative Origin

In the quiet suburbs of Riverside, California, an immigrant from Belfast, Northern Ireland made a decision that would impact generations. Reverend Dr. Albert J. Turner, born in 1916, didn't just see the world as it was—he envisioned what it could be.

In 1958, standing on an empty 10-acre plot of land,

Reverend Turner had a revolutionary vision:

  • A vibrant community for seniors, not just apartments

  • A village with supportive services and programs

  • Beautiful rose gardens where residents could gather

  • A chapel for spiritual nourishment

  • A restaurant for community meals

"Any way that I can serve the people, I want to do it."

—Reverend Dr. Albert J. Turner

2005-2014

New Chapter in

Santa Barbara

In 2005, the Turner Foundation embraced a bold new direction:

  • Sold properties to California Baptist University

  • Relocated to Santa Barbara's Westside neighborhood

  • Purchased a 70-unit housing complex renamed "The Village of Santa Barbara"

  • Expanded services to include youth, families, and those with special needs

The Westside community presented unique challenges and opportunities. The foundation responded by developing programs specifically tailored to the needs they observed:

The foundation's commitment to serving the community continued to expand:

2014: Purchased a second Westside apartment complex—a 45-unit property renamed "The Lighthouse" to serve as another beacon of hope.

2021: Established the Lisa Smith Wengler Foundation House for transitional-aged youth (18-24) experiencing unstable living conditions or at risk of homelessness.

2024: Added two more Foundation Houses in 2024, supported by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).