Homekey is a program that helps local governments acquire and convert properties such as hotels, motels, and apartment buildings into permanent housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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 program aims to build on the success of Project Roomkey by facilitating the acquisition of properties for interim and permanent housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Since its launch in 2020, the City of Los Angeles has worked closely with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Housing Department (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. This program is specifically designed to transition underutilized assets, such as hotels, motels, and apartment buildings, into permanent supportive housing (PSH) or interim housing for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 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.
FUNDING
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.
On July 16, 2020, the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for approximately $600 million for the Homekey Program. The goal was to expand housing inventory for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and impacted by COVID-19.
This initial funding was composed of $550 million derived from the state’s direct allocation of the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief Funds (CRF) and $50 million derived from the state’s General Fund to supplement acquisition financing and provide initial operating subsidies for the Homekey sites.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The City is NOT accepting applications for the Homekey Program. For additional information on funding programs, please visit LAHD Homes for LA NOFA website at https://housing.lacity.gov/ula
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about Homekey, please email lahd.cfp@lacity.org.
