California Construction News staff writer
The State of California has awarded $20.8 million in Homekey program funds for two San Diego projects.
“Outreach and shelter are critical components of our efforts to address homelessness, but what truly will solve this crisis is housing,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “That’s why this Homekey funding is crucial to our progress in meeting our city’s top challenge.
“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom and our partners at the county and state for helping us put a roof over people’s heads with supportive services to permanently end their homelessness.”
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) will build 75 new affordable rental housing units with supportive services at properties in City Council District 2. All of these units would serve people experiencing homelessness.
“The evidence could not be clearer. Housing ends homelessness — specifically homes with support services that meet the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “This Homekey funding will allow us to rapidly transform the lives of 75 of San Diego’s most vulnerable residents.
“This is a huge win for San Diego.”
The County of San Diego Board of Supervisors has also approved funding to support these projects.
“Through strong and collaborative partnerships with partners like the City of San Diego, and the San Diego Housing Commission, we can continue strategizing viable solutions for our unsheltered community,” said Nora Vargas, chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Prioritizing housing and vital services like mental health and access to food assistance, we can keep our families, seniors, and veterans under a roof.”
The State awarded $16.85 million for SDHC’s proposed purchase and rehabilitation of the Ramada Inn at 3737-3747 Midway Drive in the Midway Community to create 62 affordable single-room occupancy (SRO) units, to be known as Pacific Village.
An additional $3.9 million from the State will support SDHC’s collaboration with Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation to rehabilitate a vacant multifamily housing property at 2147 Abbott Street in Ocean Beach to create 13 affordable housing units.
Many organizations submitted letters in support of all of SDHC’s Homekey applications, including the Asian Business Association of San Diego; California Restaurant Association’s San Diego County Chapter; East Village Association; Downtown San Diego Partnership; Forever Balboa Park; Little Italy Association; Lucky Duck Foundation; San Diego Black American Policy Association Foundation; San Diego Food Bank; San Diego Padres; and San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
SDHC will request approval from the San Diego City Council, sitting as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego, to accept and expend the funds for the purchase and rehabilitation of these properties before proceeding.
