1 Beavers, Esther
From:Beavers, Esther
Sent:Tuesday, August 5, 2025 12:11 PM
To:Beavers, Esther
Cc:Gassaway, David; Ballard, Kelly
Subject:FW: Fairfield Vista Ridge - Project FAQ
Attachments:Fairfield FAQ v2.pdf
Good afternoon Mayor and Council (bcc’d),
Below is an email we received from Danco with an FAQ document attached.
Best,
Esther Beavers | Deputy City Clerk
City Manager’s OƯice | City of Fairfield
O | (707) 428-7402
1000 Webster Street, 4th Floor, Fairfield, CA 94533
www.fairfield.ca.gov
City Hall is closed on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month
From: Cameron Dart
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 10:36 AM
To: Ballard, Kelly
Cc: Burrows, Samantha ; Jones, LaTanna
Subject: Fairfield Vista Ridge - Project FAQ
Hi Kelly,
I hope my message finds you well.
I’ve attached an FAQ that we put together to help provide additional information on the Fairfield “Vista Ridge” housing project. I’d like this to be available to Council members prior to tonight’s meeting can you help coordinate that?
We’d also like to get it up on the City’s website so folks can access at their convenience.
Best,
Cameron Dart
Project Manager | Acquisitions Analyst
Cell 707.601.9963
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
2 THE DANCO GROUP OF COMPANIES
5251 Ericson Way Ste A.
Arcata, CA 95521
707.822.9000
3743 N 24th St
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.643.0081
CA #500851 | CA #899392 | AZ #332332 | OR #237482 www.danco-group.com
VISTA RIDGE
FAIRFIELD, CA
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
WHAT IS VISTA RIDGE?
Vista Ridge is a proposed Permanent Supportive Housing
(PSH) community at the property currently operating as a Hospitality use located at 3331 N Texas St, Fairfield, CA. It will allow for the conversion of 100 guest rooms into 50 permanent homes with on-site services to help individuals exiting homelessness, particularly:
Veterans.
People with behavioral or mental health challenges,
such as PTSD.
Unhoused individuals.
The project is part of California’s HomeKey+ program, an award-winning initiative that has already helped over
15,000 people find housing stability.
Danco Communities, the affordable housing development
company within The Danco Group, was formed to tackle
the high demand for quality affordable housing in our
area. We have completed thirty affordable housing
developments with seven in construction.
With nearly four decades of experience in affordable
housing development and construction, Danco has
established itself as a leader in the field. Throughout our 38-year history, we have successfully delivered 1,784
housing units—1,664 of which are designated as
affordable housing. Affordable housing has become such a focus for Danco Communities due to the demand for it –
only a small percentage of Californians can actually afford a median priced home. Danco specializes in the use of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other state
and federal resources including Community Development
Block Grants (CDBG), HOME, IIG and USDA RD. The types
of affordable housing projects developed by Danco fulfill local, state, and federal requirements that cities and
counties need to meet to remain eligible for government funding. Danco Communities has formed numerous
partnerships over the years with private and public entities alike in order to obtain the funding and support that are necessary components in a successful affordable housing development.
WHO IS THE DEVELOPER?
The “Danco Group of Companies,” is a professional
construction, property management, and development
organization out of Northern California. They have been in business for 38 years and are uniquely qualified to fulfill on the vision for “Vista Ridge.” Here’s why:
The Danco Group has over thirty eight years in
development experience including single family,
commercial, and affordable housing. We truly are the
foremost provider of all of these services throughout the Western United States.
*AI-GENERATED RENDERING*
WHAT IS THE “HOUSING FIRST” MODEL – AND
DOES IT REALLY WORK?
Housing First is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to ending chronic homelessness. It means housing people first – without preconditions like sobriety or
treatment – and then offering services once they’re housed.
This approach is not about “handouts” or “no rules.” It’s about stabilizing people in permanent housing so they can begin to recover, reconnect, and rebuild.
Why it works:
People are far more likely to engage in treatment and
stay sober once they have a stable place to live.
Studies consistently show that Housing First leads to
higher housing retention, lower emergency systems
costs, and better health outcomes.
National and California-based research confirms that
Housing First reduces ER visits, jail time, and chronic street homelessness.
IS THIS A SHELTER?
No – Vista Ridge is not a shelter
This is permanent supportive housing, not temporary or
emergency shelter. That means:
Residents sign a lease, and although subsidized, may be responsible for a portion of rent based on income
The property is managed with even greater care than
regular apartments – professional on-site management,
24/7 staff, and clear rules.
Each unit is a private, long-term home, with a kitchen, bathroom, and lockable door.
Tenants have access to supportive services, including
mental health care, case management, and more – to
help them stay housed and thrive.
Shelters are typically shared, short-term spaces where
people stay for a night or a few weeks, often with limited or no care and oversight. Vista Ridge offers permanent, stable homes – not beds for temporary stays.
Addressing common myths:
Doesn’t mean lawlessness: Residents must follow lease
agreements and can be evicted for violating rules, just like any other tenant.
Doesn’t mean drug use is allowed: Services for recovery and mental health are offered on-site – and housing
helps people access them.
Doesn’t mean there’s no oversight: Properties like Vista Ridge have 24/7 staffing, on-site management, and
caseworkers.
Housing First is about dignity, stability, and proven results.
It’s endorsed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of California, and hundreds of cities nationwide because it works!
WILL THIS BRING MORE CRIME OR DRUGS TO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD?
No. In fact, the opposite is true.
Studies from UC Irvine and national Housing First
programs show crime decreases around supportive
housing.
A Los Angeles County program found a 40% drop in
arrests after people were housed.
People in housing are less likely to be involved in
criminal activity than those living unsheltered in parks or on sidewalks.
Vista Ridge will be a professionally managed property with on-site staff, security, and house rules.
WHAT ABOUT DRUG USE AND MENTAL ILLNESS?
These challenges already exist in the community – housing is the solution, not the cause.
PSH is proven to reduce substance use over time by
providing stability and voluntary treatment, rather than punishing or ignoring people.
Residents will have access to mental health care, case
management, and recovery services through highly
qualified nonprofit partners.
People are more likely to get better when they are
housed. That’s why this model works
WILL THE PROJECT AFFECT MY PROPERTY
VALUES?
No.
Independent studies in California and across the
U.S. show that affordable and supportive housing
has no negative effect on nearby home values.
In some neighborhoods, home values have actually
increased slightly after PSH projects were built or
renovated.
This project revitalizes a currently underutilized hotel, turning it into an asset with long-term benefits for the city.
WILL THIS PROJECT BE RUN SAFELY AND
RESPONSIBLY?
Yes.
Vista Ridge will be operated by experienced housing
professionals with:
24/7 staffing and property management.
Resident screening and individualized service plans.
Clear rules and expectations for tenants.
Security and maintenance standards in line with
best practices.
The State of California (HCD) and City of Fairfield both provide oversight and require regular compliance
reporting.
WHAT KIND OF “SUPPORTIVE SERVICES” WILL
BE OFFERED AT VISTA RIDGE?
Every resident at Vista Ridge will be offered
individualized support services to help them succeed in housing and improve their quality of life. These services are provided by Caminar’s professional Housing
Navigation and Case Management team, and include
support in areas like:
Mental and physical health care, including access
to psychiatric care, primary care, and substance
use treatment
Daily living skills coaching (e.g., budgeting, cooking, cleaning, managing bills)
Case management and housing retention support
Assistance with benefits like Medi-Cal, SSI, and public benefit applications
Employment and education support, including job
readiness, training, and volunteer or supported work
opportunities
Crisis and group counseling, peer support, and relapse
prevention services
Legal, credit, and advocacy referrals
Connections to community-based wellness, recreation,
and wellness services
Short-term rental assistance, when needed, and help
navigating other housing resources
These services are designed to meet each resident where they are — helping them maintain housing, build
independence, and work toward personal goals.
Here’s how it works:
Call 2-1-1 or (707) 652-7311 — available 24/7, 365
days a year
Or visit one of these local partners for assistance:
Caminar’s Resource Connect Solano (RCS) offices
Outreach teams
Solano Family Justice Center
To be eligible for permanent supportive housing like Vista Ridge, individuals must:
Be chronically homeless
Have a disabling condition (mental, physical, or
behavioral health-related)
Be enrolled in the Housing Queue through
Coordinated Entry
Once connected:
RCS and local service providers will support the
individual in gathering documentation and completing
the referral process
Participants needing mental health confirmation will
be referred to Solano County Behavioral Health (SCBH)
Once verified, they may be referred to the Vista Ridge
project (Fairfield Homekey)
This process ensures that housing goes to those most in need, with the right services in place to support their long- term success.
HOW CAN YOU, SOMEONE YOU KNOW, OR AN
UNDERPRIVILEGED LOVED ONE ACCESS THIS
HOUSING?
Accessing housing at Vista Ridge happens through Solano County’s Coordinated Entry System, which helps match
people experiencing homelessness to the right housing
and services based on their needs.
We’re here to listen – and to provide the facts.
The project team welcomes community feedback and is
committed to transparency, ongoing engagement, and
ensuring this project is an asset to the neighborhood, not a burden.
WHY HERE? WHY NOW?
Fairfield is not exempt from the homelessness crisis – and housing is the only lasting solution.
This location is already a hotel property – ideal for rapid conversion into housing with kitchens and services.
Using state HomeKey+ funds reduces local costs.
The city and county need to expand supportive housing
to meet state mandates and moral responsibility.
DOES SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ACTUALLY WORK?
Yes.
Here’s the proof:
90-98% of people stay housed once placed in PSH.
ER visits, jail time, and emergency calls drop
dramatically after housing.
In cities like Sacramento, San Jose, Napa, and many
more, HomeKey projects are already making a
measurable impact.
For example, in Sonoma County, homelessness
dropped 22% in just one year after new housing
was opened.
SUMMARY: WHY SUPPORT VISTA RIDGE?
It turns a hotel into permanent, long-term housing
– quickly and cost-effectively.
It reduces visible homelessness and improves
safety.
It connects people to services instead of leaving
them in crisis.
It’s backed by state funding, data and proven
models
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO DON’T FOLLOW THE
RULES?
Tenants are held accountable through:
Lease agreements
On-site management
Security
Behavioral support and service staff
Disruptive behavior is addressed, and problematic residents may be evicted, just like in any other apartment home.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE CONCERNS?
THE DANCO GROUP’S HOUSING PORTFOLIO
OVERVIEW: CURRENT UNITS AND
DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
Total units in operation: Over 1,500+
Almost 2,000 units in our development pipeline –
projects procuring financing, land use, etc.
Just under 400 PSH units in operation, with about
130 nearing construction end and/or leasing up.
Over 230 HomeKey units, with another 130 nearing
construction end and/or leasing up.
LOOKING FOR MORE
INFORMATION? JOIN OUR
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MEETING!
When: Wednesday, August 27th
Where: Assembly Hall in the Adult
Recreation Center (1200 Harry
Price Dr, Fairfield, CA 94533)
Time: 6 pm-7 pm
EVERYONE BENEFITS WHEN PEOPLE HAVE A
PLACE TO CALL HOME.
Matthew, a resident at our 78-unit permanent
supportive housing property, is proving that it's
never too late to chase your dreams. Since
August 2023, he has been on an incredible
educational journey while living at "West
Village Studios," a former hotel transformed
into a PSH property. Recently, Matthew was
nominated for The National Society of
Leadership and Success from Colorado
Technical University. What an achievement!
MEET JANET.
Formerly homeless, Janet now lives at Central
Sacramento Studios, a PSH property where
supportive services are vital to her recovery.
She values being treated with dignity after
street life left her feeling invisible. In her new
home, Janet has regained her sense of self-
worth. She's deeply grateful for this
opportunity to rebuild her life with stability, “I
am so grateful to have a chance”.
HOMEKEY AND PSH’S
WIDESPREAD IMPACT
MEET MATTHEW.
MEET ALICE.
Alice, a senior who lived in a tent for two years
with her husband Alfredo, is moved to tears
describing the joy of having a secure home
thanks to Homekey. “Now we have a place we
can call home,” she says – a foundation that is
helping them rebuild their lives. Personal
success stories like theirs illustrate the human
impact behind the program’s statistics.
"Before Coliseum Commons I
was homeless on the streets
cold and hungry. I had no place
to use the bathroom some
days. I would find a place to
sleep and sometimes would
wake up to someone kicking
me or spitting on me.
Danco has changed my life in
so many ways. I now have a
bathroom and a shower
something I have not had.
Danco's staff has made sure
that I have a roof and a bed, I
have hot water, and food.
Danco has helped me not only
feel safe but has treated me
with a lot of respect. The staff
has sat with me and laughed
with me and never judged
where I came from.
Danco has given me back pride
in myself. Thank you Danco"
-John Wilson
Resident at Coliseum
Commons in Oakland, CA
W r i t t e n R e s i d e n t
T e s t i m o n i a l
L i v e R e s i d e n t
T e s t i m o n i a l s
BAYVIEW HEIGHTS
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE
HOUSING IN EUREKA, CA
WEST VILLAGE STUDIOS
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE
HOUSING IN ARCATA, CA
Phone: (707) 822 9000
Fax: (707) 822 9596
www.danco-group.com
3743 N. 24th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
5251 Ericson Way
Arcata, CA 95521