California's effort to create emergency supportive housing options during the pandemic has completed a large-scale acquisition process.
"Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that all 94 Homekey projects have closed escrow, buildings that will provide 6,029 critically needed housing units for people experiencing homelessness throughout California," according to a press release from Gov. Newsom's office.
The state used total of $750 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to help finance 51 applicants for the 94 projects. "In addition, $96 million in operating supports – a combination of state funds and philanthropic investment – has also been fully awarded. In total, Homekey utilized $846 million to rapidly purchase and subsidize these 6,029 units in less than six months from start to finish," according to the press release.
"The purpose of these acquisitions is to create permanent places for at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness to live safely, protecting them from many public health risks including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Several media outlets, local and national, have been tracking Project Homekey in recent months. Here's a sample of recent news coverage about the ongoing effort to protect the state of California's large population of unhoused residents during the pandemic.
- LA City Council continues to convert hotels into interim housing thanks to Project Homekey (Archinect, December 15, 2020)
- Can Gov. Gavin Newsom use the pandemic to beat back homelessness? (ABC 10, November 30, 2020)
- Project Homekey changes lives for the better (OC Register, November 28, 2020)
- Project Homekey proceeds over local objections (Los Angeles Daily News, October 22, 2020)
- California’s Project Homekey Turns Hotels into Housing (Next City, September 29, 2020)
FULL STORY: Governor Newsom Announces Major Homekey Milestone: All 94 Sites Closing Escrow Ahead of Deadline
Fewer People Experiencing Homelessness in San Francisco
In a first since 2015, the number of people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco declined from the year prior, according to preliminary analysis of the city’s most recent Point-in-Time count.
Beleaguered Project Homekey Credited With Local Success
California's Project Homekey has been a boon for homelessness support services as well as the economic and living conditions on a corridor in Fresno known as Motel Drive.
Homelessness During the Pandemic
A comic strip illustrates the humans behind remarkable resilience in the face of incredible risks.
The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.
What Role Does Health Care Play in Community Development?
Cities are economically diverse and require accessible health care systems, but this can be challenging to implement. Urban developers are working alongside health professionals to create affordable care for city residents.
Density and Driving: A Second Look
A common argument against more compact housing is that increased population density will only reduce vehicle miles traveled at moderate levels of density, as opposed to very low-density and very high-density areas. But this might not be so.
Want to Drive a Big Pickup Truck in D.C.? It’s About to Get (Even More) Expensive
D.C. is considering a $500 vehicle license fee for private vehicles over 6,000 pounds.
Zoning Reform Gains Momentum in Northern Virginia
Arlington County and Alexandria are moving forward with actions that could potentially launch a new era of planning and development in their respective communities.
Zoning Reform Works, but Is No Magic Bullet
Improving housing affordability and boosting housing production requires more than just eliminating single-family zoning.
Piedmont Environmental Council
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of San Carlos
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