FY2026-27 Strategic Plan
A public summary of our direction through 2029 and our vision for 2033
Help Simi Valley residents overcome hunger and homelessness.
Our Mission
WHY THIS MATTERS TO SIMI VALLEY
Hunger and homelessness affect the well-being of individuals and our entire community. Helping Simi Valley residents find food, support, housing, and a path toward stability contributes to more welcoming neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, and strengthens Simi Valley as a place to live, work, raise families, and build businesses.
PLANNING FOR GREATER IMPACT
In 2026, the Samaritan Center Board of Directors completed a comprehensive planning process to clarify our mission, reaffirm our values, and establish a practical path forward. The plan strengthens today’s essential services while preparing the organization to address hunger and homelessness more effectively in the years ahead. Our strategy is built around a simple conviction: helping people achieve stability also helps make Simi Valley a stronger, safer, and more welcoming community for everyone.
OUR VALUES
• Respect every person’s dignity
• Inspire hope
• Build partnerships
• Be accountable
• Show compassion
• Empower independence
• Pursue excellence
• Create impact
OUR VISION FOR 2033
By the Samaritan Center’s 40th anniversary, we envision a community in which fewer people experience homelessness and every resident facing hardship can find a clear pathway toward stability. The Board established five long-term aspirations:
● Reduce homelessness in Simi Valley by 50%.
● Build a complete pathway from hardship to stability.
● Make transitional housing a reality in Simi Valley.
● Unite the community around shared solutions.
● Build a strong and leading organization.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2026–2029
Six priorities will guide our decisions, investments, partnerships, and annual work plans during the next three years.
1. Housing Solutions
Lead a collaborative effort with the City of Simi Valley and community partners to complete the transitional housing feasibility study, build consensus on a long-term strategy for transitional housing, and advance a viable project toward funding, construction, and opening.
4. Staff Engagement & Retention
Invest in competitive benefits, professional development, staffing stability, and a positive workplace culture so dedicated employees can continue serving effectively.
2. Financial Sustainability
Increase sustainable revenue, expand unrestricted support, strengthen recurring funding, maintain a balanced budget, and work toward a six-month operating reserve.
5. Expanded Client Services
Expand mentoring, shelter (PADS) partnerships, and services that improve housing, employment, and long-term stability.
3. Community Partnerships
Deepen collaboration with churches, businesses, schools, nonprofits, government, community members, and donors to advance shared solutions.
6. Organizational Excellence & Governance
Strengthen Board governance, leadership succession, policies, accountability, strategic oversight, and Board recruitment.
TURNING STRATEGY INTO ACTION
The strategic plan is designed to be a working management tool not a document that sits on a shelf. Each strategic priority has an accountable lead committee or organizational leader, with supporting committees and staff contributing where needed. One-year action plans will translate the 2–3-year objectives into specific initiatives, owners, target dates, and measures of success.
01
Set Annual Priorities
Lead committees identify the most important actions for the coming year.
02
Assign Responsibility
Each initiative has a clearly named owner and supporting partners.
03
Measure Progress
The Board reviews milestones, outcomes, and challenges throughout the year.
04
Adapt & Improve
Plans are updated as community needs, funding, and opportunities change.
WHY PARTNERSHIP MATTERS
The Samaritan Center cannot achieve this vision alone. Donors, foundations, faith communities, businesses, government partners, volunteers, and residents each have an important role in creating a stronger response to hunger and homelessness in Simi Valley. Support for the strategic plan will help the Samaritan Center:
● Sustain essential food, case management, and drop-in services.
● Develop practical housing solutions that help people move toward stability.
● Recruit and retain skilled, compassionate staff.
● Build stronger partnerships and increase community engagement.
● Strengthen organizational capacity and responsible stewardship.
A STRONGER SIMI VALLEY - TOGETHER
Our vision is more than reducing hunger and homelessness. It is about the kind of community we want Simi Valley to be - one where people facing difficult circumstances have a path toward stability, families can enjoy welcoming neighborhoods and public spaces, and businesses have confidence to invest and grow. The Samaritan Center cannot accomplish this vision alone. We invite everyone who cares about the future of Simi Valley to be part of it.