Los Angeles' Strategic $75M Allocation for Project Homekey

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom revealed a substantial $154 million funding injection for new interim and supportive housing across California in the third round of Project Homekey. A significant portion, approximately $37.2 million, is earmarked for Los Angeles County, supporting projects in Exposition Park, Hollywood, and Lancaster.

Creating Safe Spaces for Transition Age Youth in Exposition Park

In Exposition Park, the County is collaborating with Wellnest to develop interim housing for transition age youth. The 7,800-square-foot site at 3787 S. Vermont Avenue will house 24 studio units, with an average size of 305 square feet, and an additional apartment for an on-site manager. The project is specifically designed for youth exiting the foster care and juvenile probation systems, with 16 units dedicated to participants in the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services Transitional Housing Program Plus (THP+). The facility will include essential amenities such as a laundry room, service offices, and community rooms.

Transforming Hollywood Downtowner Motel for Transition Age Youth

In Hollywood, the County is teaming up with Covenant House to convert the Hollywood Downtowner Motel into 30 interim homes for transition age youth, with nine units allocated for THP+ participants. The transformation includes upgrades to fixtures, flooring, windows, roof, and landscaping. The existing pool will be repurposed into a landscaped gathering space for residents.

Revitalizing Antelope Valley with Permanent Supportive Housing

In the Antelope Valley, the County is partnering with Hope the Mission to renovate three hotels along Sierra Highway. This initiative will yield 58 units of permanent supportive housing and two manager's units, contributing significantly to addressing the housing needs in the region.

Expanding Project Homekey's Impact

Los Angeles County has already acquired 28 properties, totaling 1,700 homes through Project Homekey. The recent announcement includes funding for the conversion of a Motel 6 in North Hills and the construction of a new modular apartment building in Canoga Park. These projects underscore the ongoing commitment to providing both interim and permanent housing solutions in the face of the homelessness crisis.

This significant boost in funding aligns with the shared efforts of local and state authorities, highlighting the urgency of confronting homelessness. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass expressed gratitude to Governor Newsom and the State Legislature for recognizing these critical projects and emphasized the city's collaboration with key partners to address the housing crisis effectively.