The Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously to pay $150,000 for repairs to Under One Roof, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, where 12 nonprofit agencies pay no rent so they can spend more of their resources to serve those in need. The money will come from a federal block grant, not from city funds.

The building is owned by Community Conscience, a nonprofit organization.

Social services agencies operate rentfree out of the 17,500squarefoot Hillcrest Drive building, saving them collectively about $250,000 per year, said Ken Humphrey, president of Community Conscience.

It's there that Lutheran Social Services opens its doors to the homeless so they can come inside, use the phone, take showers, eat lunch, wash their clothes, get counseling and have an address where they can receive mail.

Under One Roof also houses a thrift store run by volunteers from Senior Concerns as if it were a boutique. Those in need are able to obtain free clothes and other useful items. Everyone else can get bargains on a variety of items that include gently used clothes, jewelry, toys, books, knickknacks, paintings and even wedding dresses.

Three government social service agencies- Social Service Administration, Probation Youth Services and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Nutrition Program- are paying tenants.

Catholic Charities is another nonprofit organization that helps the poor, including the homeless and those who are about to be.

Hospice of the Conejo, where volunteers assist and offer comfort to the dying and those who love them, has an office in the building.

Conejo Free Clinic is there to provide health and legal services without regard to a person's ability to pay.

Interface Children Family Services provides shelter, crisis intervention, counseling and treatment to children, women and families in crisis.

Conejo Youth Employment helps those ages 14 to 22 find work.

The Women's Resource Center is a nonprofit medical clinic that provides counseling and information about pregnancy, sexual health and relationships.

For 20 years the building has been home to resources for those in need. Over the years, volunteer groups have donated time and energy to paint and help keep up the property. But the grant the council voted to give Community Conscience is needed for major improvements, such as repairs to the roof and parking lot and better exterior lighting. New wroughtiron railings and a gate are also planned.

Humphrey said his organization is hoping to establish an endowment fund for future building upkeep needs.