Victorville council approves consolidation of Wellness Center operations under Simba Center

On May 20, 2025, the Victorville City Council approved a transition from a dual-operator model to a single operator at the Victorville Wellness Center, awarding a 36-month professional services agreement to the Simba Center not to exceed $8,931,792.50 and authorizing the expenditure of up to $1,374,920 in encampment-resolution funds over 24 months (effective 07/01/2025). The motion passed with a 4–0 vote; Mayor Pro Tem Herriman was absent.

City staff said the Wellness Center originally operated under two contracts: one shelter operator (contracted as Hope to Mission) and a second provider for medical and wraparound services (Simba Center). The contracts were near the end of their two-year terms; staff completed a competitive solicitation for a consolidated, single-operator model and recommended Simba Center as the sole operator. Staff explained the single-operator model is expected to streamline operations and create administrative efficiencies.

Staff said Simba Center’s integrated model includes medical and behavioral-health components that bring additional revenue and service models not available under a separate shelter-only contract. City staff cautioned the council the precise reimbursement flows depend on program and payer rules; staff described potential eligibility for medical-reimbursement streams tied to clinical services, which can increase financial sustainability of operations.

Council members asked about employee transitions. Staff and operator representatives said employees from the current shelter operator (Hope to Mission) will have an opportunity to apply for positions with Simba Center; staff said human resources representatives were coordinating transition planning and would meet with employees pending the council’s action.

The council authorized a 30-day notice of termination to the current shelter operator (per contract terms) and directed staff to execute the professional services agreement with Simba Center and to oversee a transition plan intended to maintain uninterrupted client services and compliance with shelter operational standards.

Council members acknowledged Hope to Mission’s work opening the facility and providing services to date and welcomed Simba Center’s expanded clinical capacity. The council’s vote authorized the contract award and the use of encampment-resolution funds as described in the staff recommendation.