In conjunction with the city and county, the San Diego Housing Commission announced Friday it has applied for up to $23 million from the state Homekey program to provide housing at two properties.
The commission is seeking money for Ramada Inn in the Midway neighborhood and a vacant property in the Ocean Beach neighborhood.
SDHC applied for up to $18 million to buy and rehabilitate the Ramada Inn at 3737-3747 Midway Drive, with the goal of developing 62 affordable rental apartments with supportive services.
The commission applied with Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation for up to $5 million for the Ocean Beach property, at 2147 Abbott St., and build 13 affordable rental apartments with supportive services.
Supportive services would include primary, mental and behavioral health care, along with other programs to best meet individual needs, according to the SDHC.
Affordable rental apartments “are one of the many essential types of housing necessary to meet the diverse needs of our unhoused neighbors,” said Jeff Davis, SDHC interim president and CEO. “Homekey funding makes it possible to add this type of housing quickly.”
The state Homekey program is focused on bringing more housing online, faster and cheaper than new-construction developments, for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The program has $736 million available, with $34 million set aside for the San Diego region.
According to SDHC, costs for some new construction projects in San Diego can exceed than $675,000 per door, and take three years or longer to finish.
A Homekey project requires renovation and occupancy to happen no later than one year, SDHC officials said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was proud of the city’s work with the Housing Commission and county government “to seek as much Homekey funding as we can to get our unsheltered residents into permanent homes and on a path to a better quality of life.”
Nora Vargas, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, said a strong partnership with the Housing Commission will allow government leaders to find “viable solutions for our unsheltered community.”
“No single level of government can do this alone,” Vargas added. “By prioritizing housing and vital services like mental health, food assistance, and primary care we can keep our families, seniors and veterans under a roof.”
Sean Elo-Rivera, City Council president, said the regional homelessness crisis can’t be solved without more homes.
“A safe and dignified home provides people the mental and physical stability needed to regain control of their lives, utilize key services and stay permanently housed,” Elo-Rivera added.
Before using Homekey funds, the SDHC would need approval from the City Council, acting as the city Housing Authority.
Last month, county supervisors approved using up to $32 million in Homekey funds toward the purchase and renovation of between one and four potential projects. They also voted in favor of $4.6 million per year, for a minimum of five years, to pay for supportive services.
Officials are also considering two Extended Stay America properties for Homekey funding: 3860 Murphy Canyon Road in Kearny Mesa and 2085-95 Hotel Circle South in Mission Valley.
Previously, the San Diego region received more than $49.5 million in Homekey funding to create 372 affordable rental apartments, including PATH Villas El Cerrito on El Cajon Boulevard, and the Kearny Vista and Valley Vista apartments.
City News Service contributed to this article.
