Daniel Jordan 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — At its latest meeting, the Simi Valley City Council took key steps toward addressing two pressing housing needs: restarting a long-inactive home rehabilitation loan program and backing a critical access plan for a proposed senior living facility.
Home Repairs for Low-Income Homeowners Back on the Table
The city’s Single-Family Home Rehabilitation Program, which provides low-interest, deferred-payment loans for health and safety repairs, is being brought back after more than a decade of inactivity. The program offers assistance to income-qualified homeowners—often seniors—who lack the funds to fix serious issues in their homes.
Environmental Services Director Stratis Perros and Management Analyst Lindsay Scaringe explained the update to the council. The city will submit new guidelines to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for recertification. Once approved, the city can start issuing loans again.
“We’re not asking for new funding,” Scaringe clarified. “We’re updating the program to meet current state standards so we can reopen it to eligible residents”.
The program is funded by federal HOME grants and California’s CalHome program, which offer local governments funding to preserve housing stock and support safe, healthy living conditions. Prior to its suspension, the city offered up to $50,000 in deferred home repair loans to eligible households .
About 30% of Simi Valley’s single-family homes are over 30 years old, and many low-income residents—particularly seniors—have delayed repairs due to cost . With housing prices and construction costs on the rise, officials say the revived program will provide much-needed relief to vulnerable homeowners.
Support for 297-Unit Senior Housing Development Hinges on Road Access
In a separate but related matter, the council discussed the Enso Verde Residential Care Facility—a proposed 297-unit senior housing project located in the hills north of the city. The project offers a mix of independent and assisted living units aimed at residents aged 60 and up.
While city officials praised the project’s design and purpose, it faces one key obstacle: securing a secondary access road for fire safety. That road requires an easement through neighboring private property, which has not yet been granted.
Assistant City Manager Luis Garibay and members of the Enso Verde project team asked the council for a formal letter of support to aid in negotiations. Council members agreed to provide the letter and proposed forming a committee to help mediate with property owners.
“We all want this project to happen,” one councilmember said. “But without fire-safe access, we can’t move forward. This is about safety first.”
The proposed facility is backed by Kendal and the San Francisco Zen Center and would provide both housing and wellness services to an aging population. Ventura County, like much of California, faces a growing demand for senior housing as its population over 65 continues to expand. According to the California Department of Aging, the state’s senior population is projected to increase by over 60% by 2030 .
A Dual Focus on Housing Stability and Growth
Together, the two agenda items reflect a wider city strategy—preserving existing housing through repair loans while supporting thoughtful, senior-focused development.
City officials say the home rehabilitation program could begin accepting applications shortly after state recertification is granted. As for Enso Verde, the timeline remains uncertain but will depend on resolving the easement issue.
Both projects show the city’s commitment to addressing housing needs at multiple levels—from long-time residents living in aging homes to seniors seeking supportive living options.
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