Simi Valley nonprofit project deserving support
For more than a decade, Simi Valley community leaders have envisioned opening a “one-stop” center offering health, social service and other assistance for the needy at a single, central location.
The idea has seen so many fits and starts that it would have been easy for supporters to give up. Consider, for example, what Bob Huber said in 2010 as chairman of the project’s main proponent back then, the Simi Valley Community Foundation, before he even became the city’s mayor:
“We have been working toward the creation of a Human Services Facility since 2004, and it is exciting to know that it will finally become a reality.”
Seven years later, the project has a new lead proponent, a new location and another new lease on life. We hope this is not another false start, because we believe Simi Valley needs this project, and we encourage the community to again rally behind it.
The boost came this month from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, which approved an option for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley to lease a county-owned building to house the center. The building, at 2003 Royal Ave., has been vacant since the county moved its Simi Valley offices to Madera Road in 2016.
County Supervisor Peter Foy and his staff deserve kudos for suggesting the site. “I am confident our community will rally behind this effort and the Free Clinic will be in full operation before the end of next year,” Foy said.
Under the deal, the Free Clinic must raise $1.5 million for needed improvements to the building and complete them within 18 months, with the option of asking for a year extension. In return, it would get a rent-free, 10-year lease.
The clinic would be the anchor tenant and occupy about half the space, offering medical, dental, vision, family counseling and legal aid services to low-income residents. Executive Director Fred Bauermeister said he also has commitments from Interface Children & Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, the Many Mansions nonprofit housing group and others to set up shop at the center.
The Community Foundation had led the “Under One Roof” project for about a decade, planning to use a cityowned building on Alamo Street. But its slow progress completely fell apart this year after a former executive director was caught stealing $45,000 from the foundation.
The foundation raised a significant amount of money for the project — possibly up to $1 million — and we urge it to consider pledging that money to the Free Clinic effort now. Other charities, businesses and individuals in the region also need to help out.
We hope to continue saying what we said about the project in an editorial seven years ago: “It is encouraging to see how civic leadership, persistence and vision are producing progress on this worthwhile Simi Valley project.”