City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
June 8, 2026
To: City Council
From: Office of the City Manager
Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
Subject: Consideration of a letter of support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council consider providing a letter of support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center.
Background
Board Members of the Samaritan Center met with City Council Members in two -by-two and individual meetings in late 2025 and early 2026 to provide an overview of a possible transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center located at 280 Royal Avenue. The Board is now requesting that the City Council provide a letter of support for a Transitional Housing Project Study (Attachment A) to determine if such a project is feasible. A letter of support does not obligate the City to support a future transitional housing project or to provide funding for a future project.
Discussion
A transitional housing project would provide a structured bridge for individuals who are currently unhoused to permanent independent or permanent supportive living. This would include supportive services such as case management, housing navigation, and wrap- around services during the transition period to increase the likelihood of success once placed in a permanent housing solution.
In addition to meetings with City Council Members, members of the Samaritan Center Board have also met with representatives from the Simi Valley Unified School District and Madera Elementary School, the Samaritan Center's next-door neighbor. Representatives from both have indicated their support for some form of transitional housing at the Samaritan Center.
Financial Impact
No additional funding requested.
Agenda Item No.
9E
City Council Priority
This item supports the Thriving Community Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to support the attached letter of support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center.
Summary
Board Members of the Samaritan Center met with City Council Members in two -by-two and individual meetings in late 2025 and early 2026 to provide an overview of a possible transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center located at 280 Royal Avenue. The Board is now requesting that the City Council provide a letter of support for a Transitional Housing Project Study (Attachment A) to determine if such a project is feasible. A letter of support does not obligate the City to support a future transitional housing project or to provide funding for a future project. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council consider providing a letter of support for a study evaluating the feasibility of a transitional housing project at the Samaritan Center.
P
repared by: Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager
Attachments:
Attachment A – Letter of Support for a Transitional Housing Project Feasibility Study 2 June 8, 2026
T
o Whom It May Concern,
The City Council of the City of Simi Valley is pleased to support the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley as it pursues a Transitional Housing Study and potential development opportunities.
The City supports efforts that meaningfully reduce unhoused homelessness, shorten the time individuals spend on the streets, and increase placement into permanent housing, and improve long-term housing stability outcomes.
In recent years, the City has observed the growing impact of unsheltered homelessness on local residents, businesses, and public spaces. The City recognizes that homelessness is a complex challenge requiring thoughtful planning and coordinated, evidence- based solutions that include prevention, outreach, supportive services, and pathways to independent or permanent supportive housing. The Samaritan Center has long served as a trusted community partner, providing case management, outreach, housing navigation, and wrap-around services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with a demonstrated focus on Simi Valley residents.
The proposed Transitional Housing study will evaluate feasible housing models, potential site locations, estimated construction and operating costs, service partnerships, and include disciplined operational standards that protect surrounding neighborhoods. This effort is intended to inform future development decisions, encourage participation by qualified housing developers, and strengthen the Samaritan Center’s readiness to compete for State and Federal funding opportunities as they become available.
This initiative directly aligns with the City of Simi Valley’s FY 2025 –26 Action Plan, which identifies homelessness, housing stability, and the development of new affordable housing as high- priority community needs. The Action Plan emphasizes collaboration with nonprofit service providers and the Ventura County Continuum of Care to advance solutions that help individuals move from homelessness to stability and self -sufficiency.
The City’s continued partnership with the Samaritan Center, including support for case management services, reflects this commitment.
Thoughtfully planned transitional housing c ould serve as a critical step in providing time- limited, safe, supervised, and service- rich environments that support recovery, employment, and progress toward independent or permanent supportive housing for unhoused residents. A well -designed study will help ensure that any future project is fiscally responsible, operationally sound, and aligned with community needs and values. 3 Attachment A
Therefore, housing developers, funding partners, philanthropic organizations, and public agencies are encouraged to engage with the Samaritan Center in support of this Transitional Housing Study. The City views this effort as an important step toward advancing coordinated solutions for homelessness in Simi Valley and strengthening the competitiveness of future applications to bring new State and Federal housing resources to Simi Valley.
This letter reflects the City Council’s support for the exploration and study of transitional housing options and does not constitute project approval or a funding commitment. Any future development would be subject to applicable public processes, regulatory review, and City Council consideration.
We appreciate the Samaritan Center’s leadership and partnership in addressing homelessness and housing needs within our community and look forward to continued collaboration.
Sincerely,
Dee Dee Cavanaugh
Mayor
cc: City Council
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