LA lands funds for Project Homekey sites in San Fernando Valley; 135 new units expected

The city acquired state funding for two new Project Homekey sites that are expected to bring more than 100 units of permanent and interim housing to the San Fernando Valley, Mayor Karen Bass announced on Thursday, Nov. 9.

The mayor’s office coordinated with the Los Angeles Housing Department and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles on a series of Project Homekey 3 applications to meet the goal of expanding interim housing through motel acquisitions, and also bringing more permanent supportive housing units online.

The state Department of Housing and Community Development describes Project Homekey as a “statewide effort to sustain and rapidly expand housing for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, who are especially impacted by COVID-10 or other communicable diseases.”

“We know that in order to solve the homelessness and housing crisis in Los Angeles, we must have more housing, both interim and permanent, in every neighborhood,” Bass said in a statement.

Bass expressed her gratitude toward Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state legislature for recognizing these “critical projects.”

“I look forward to our continued collaboration as we urgently confront the homelessness crisis as well as a new partnership with Urban Awnings and the Carpenters Union as we showcase new modular innovation and construction,” Bass added.

The Homekey Projects include a Motel 6 located in North Hills in Council District 12, represented by Councilman John Lee, and a permanent housing development located at 7625 Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Council District 3, which is represented by Councilman Bob Blumenfield.

Of the total 135 units that will come online with these two sites, the Motel 6 will provide 111 interim housing units and the Topanga project will bring 24 permanent housing units.

In partnership with Hope the Mission, the city will receive over $32 million in funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Motel 6, and provide housing to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“This new Project Homekey site shows our continued commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis in our city,” Lee said in a statement. “The acquisition of this motel will transform it into a place of hope and compassion that will benefit North Hills and our district at large by offering additional housing options as an alternative to living on the streets.”

The city will receive about $5.4 million in funding for the Topanga project that will serve individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“It’s exciting to see the state invest in innovation for more affordable housing construction and this Canoga Park location has great potential,” Blumenfield said in a statement. “I was able to see the demonstration model with the carpenters and I’m eager to see their final design implemented in my district.”

HACLA President and CEO Doug Guthrie added, “HACLA is thrilled to continue our longstanding partnerships with the state of California and the city of Los Angeles to create new permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness in the city.”