PROJECT HOMEKEY
The motel conversion model has been in existence for nearly 15 years and has proven effective in Los Angeles, an epicenter of homelessness in our country. The greatest affirmation of the model came with the 2020 project Homekey program put into operation by Governor Newsom in CA. Homekey is a state-funded program that provides funding to cities and counties for motel conversions to quickly and cost effectively provide urgently needed Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for individuals experiencing homelessness. In late 2020, Homekey was rolled out across the state and in that year alone yielded over 6,000 new units of housing using the motel conversion model.
BENEFITS OF MOTEL CONVERSIONS
Motel conversions offer many other benefits to the local community including:
- Motels are typically in desirable locations with access to public transportation, shopping, and amenities
- Since many are in commercial districts, there is usually less community resistance to developing a PSH project on the site.
- Blighted motels are often seen as a nuisance to the community, so the project removes that nuisance.
- Motels are usually set up as an inward facing community, which lends itself to creating a sense of community for the incoming tenants.
- There is a growing political will to expedite motel conversions and increase the number of PSH developments.
- Most cities have a plethora of available motels enabling a plentiful supply of prospective sites.
- Motels don’t have “tenants”, so there are no relocation issues with these projects.
- Case managers are located on site allowing them to work exclusively with the tenants.
FEATURED
Step Up in San Bernardino
The All Star Inn Homekey motel conversion is located in San Bernardino
The Tammy
OPENED 2012 (10 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA
Step Up on 26th
OPENED 2016 (12 UNITS) – Santa Monica, CA
Step Up in Redlands
OPENED 2022 (100 UNITS) – Redlands, CA
Building 208
OPENING 2023 (54 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA
Building 205
OPENING 2023 (68 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA
Building 209
OPENED 2017 (55 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA
Daniel’s Village
These 8 units of Daniel’s Village, which opened in 2009, are specifically designed for young adults experiencing homelessness and the initial symptoms of mental health
Step Up on Vine
Opened in 2013, with 34 units. Seven of these units are reserved for transition-age youth. With initial funding from the Los Angeles County Department of
Michael’s Village
OPENED 2014 (32 UNITS) – Santa Monica, CA
Step Up – San Bernardino
OPENED 2021 (74 UNITS) – San Bernardino, CA
Step Up – Salinas
OPENED 2021 (101 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA
Step Up on Western
OPENED 2021 (35 UNITS) – Los Angeles, CA