BACKGROUND

The foundation of Homekey is rooted in the success of Project Roomkey, an initial pandemic response effort that temporarily sheltered vulnerable individuals. The Homekey programprogram, which
is administered by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development, aims to build on the success of Project Roomkey by facilitating the acquisition of properties for interim and permanent housing for individuals experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.

Since the launch of the Homekey program in 2020, the City of Los Angeles has worked closely with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to successfully secure multiple rounds of funding to acquire and convert hotels, motels, and multifamily buildings into affordable permanent supportive and interim housing. These projects support the City’s strategy to expand affordable housing. 

The City of Los Angeles, through the City Administrative Office, LAHD, and/or the HACLA, selects owners/ operators and applies to the State for Homekey funds to acquire and convert existing properties into supportive housing. The Homekey program is funded through a combination of State Homekey grants, federal funds, specifically the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief Funds (CRF), and local contributions. These funds are allocated to cover both acquisition, development, and the ongoing services and operations of the sites.