Simi Valley Environmental Services Director Stratis Perros will appear at a meeting on Saturday, Feb. 18 to discuss with community members a pathway to more affordable housing in a city where many lower income workers cannot afford to live or must endure overcrowded conditions or work at multiple jobs to reside there.

The meeting, organized by the local nonprofit organization Buen Vecino, will be held from 10 a.m.to noon at Nueva Esperanza Covenant Church, 4680 Alamo St. in Simi Valley. The session will provide a space for community members to learn, share their experiences, ask questions, and share what they wish to see change with regards to housing.

Perros heads a city agency that coordinates the city's development, including land use planning and affordable housing programs. Its Housing Resources Section's mission is to create a strong, sustainable, inclusive community with quality housing for all of the city's residents.

Buen Vecino Community Organizer Guadalupe Jasso will also speak at the event about the needs and benefits of affordable development and grassroots community advocacy.

Among topics to be covered are the city's General Plan Housing Element, inclusive affordable housing, accessory dwelling units, and community engagement, including the City Council's agendas relating to housing. The meeting offers an opportunity for affordable housing supporters to address plans and projects that they deem most crucial to be high on the city's priority list.

In addition to Buen Vecino, several other community organizations will be present.

The event will be bilingual and fully accessible to English and Spanish speakers. Registration for this free event is available online at: www.bit.ly/simihousing

For information, contact Buen Vecino at (805) 283-9828.