(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Homelessness is becoming an undeniable reality in Simi Valley. Residents have started noticing more encampments, particularly in areas like Erringer Road and Los Angeles Avenue, and with it comes a growing sense of urgency. The fear is clear, if the city doesn’t take decisive action soon, Simi Valley risks going down the same path as the San Fernando Valley, where homelessness has become overwhelming and deeply ingrained.
For decades, Simi Valley has been proud of its clean streets and safe neighborhoods. It’s a city where families settle, businesses thrive, and residents feel a sense of pride in their community. But the signs of trouble are here. Encampments, litter, and graffiti are beginning to creep into public spaces, raising concerns about safety, health, and the city’s future.
Residents are speaking out. Some, like Lisa Benson, describe the situation as “unacceptable,” while others, like Cathryn Maciel, advocate for compassion, urging the community to guide those in need toward resources like The Samaritan Center. The center has long been a lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness. It offers shelter referrals, daily meals, mental health support, and job training—all free of charge for those willing to seek help.
The Samaritan Center is doing vital work, but it can’t carry the burden alone. The problem is bigger than any one organization, and without a city-wide strategy, the situation could spiral out of control. The comparison to the San Fernando Valley isn’t just a distant fear—it’s a cautionary tale. Residents in neighboring areas have watched homelessness take over parks, sidewalks, and underpasses, creating challenges that now feel impossible to reverse.
For Simi Valley, the time to act is now. Ignoring the issue will only make it harder to fix later. A clean city isn’t just about appearances—it’s about fostering pride, keeping neighborhoods safe, and ensuring businesses can thrive. When public spaces are overrun by encampments, litter, or graffiti, it sends a message that the city isn’t in control. That perception can drive customers away from local businesses, lower property values, and make residents feel unsafe in their community.
Addressing homelessness doesn’t mean just cleaning up encampments. It requires tackling the root causes, like the lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. At the same time, enforcing laws against littering and vandalism is essential to maintaining order. It’s about finding the balance between compassion and accountability.
Simi Valley has an opportunity to avoid becoming another cautionary tale. Partnering with organizations like The Samaritan Center, investing in affordable housing, and supporting job training programs are all steps in the right direction. Routine clean-ups and community-wide efforts to keep public spaces safe and welcoming are just as important.
The city’s future hangs in the balance. Will Simi Valley remain the clean, safe place its residents cherish, or will it allow the issue to grow unchecked, with long-term consequences? The choices made now will determine the city’s path. One thing is clear, doing nothing isn’t an option anymore. It’s time for the community to come together, address the problem, and take back the pride that defines Simi Valley.
