Project Homekey to pump $226 Million into The Bay Area

The Bay Area in California is set to receive $226 Million in funding to create nine projects, totaling approximately 800 new units for homeless people. Project Homekey is a program that helps local Government fund housing for the homeless. The project funds either the construction of new units or converts hotels, apartments, and other buildings into permanent or temporary housing. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the grants and added that this is part of a continued effort to combat homelessness across The State of California. 

Project Homekey, launched in 2020, has already funded the creation of more than 12 500 homes for people across 200 projects throughout the State. “With 12,500 new homes funded in just two years, Homekey is changing lives across the state,” said Governor Newsom. “Homekey’s groundbreaking success is a model for the nation, showing that we can make real progress on ending homelessness in months, not years. In partnership with cities and counties like Los Angeles, we’ll continue to safely house Californians in need faster and more cost-effectively than ever.” 

The $226 Million in funding is set to be allocated as follows: 

• • San Jose: $51.6 million for a 204-unit project at Branham Lane and Monterey Road

• • Palo Alto: $26.6 million for an 88-unit project at 1237 San Antonio Road

• • Oakland: $5.6 million for 34-unit project at 2317 International Blvd.

• • Newark: $38.1 million for a 124-unit hotel conversion at 39802 Cedar Blvd.

• • San Francisco: $73.4 million for a 200-unit hotel conversion at 333 12th St. and a 52-unit hotel conversion at 5630 Mission St.

• • Santa Rosa: $24.7 million for 50-unit hotel conversion at 2400 Mendocino Ave. and a 40-unit project at 465 A St.

• • Sonoma County: $6.3 million for a 21-unit building conversion and project at 18100 Highway 116 in Guerneville

The State still has much hard work to do because homelessness continued to swell during the pandemic, except in San Francisco, according to a point-in-time count done in February this year. 

Governor Newsom stated that they are committed to fighting homelessness and providing homes for all who need them, and their efforts are just getting started. “Some people have given up on the prospect that we can ever solve this issue, and I want folks to know you shouldn’t give up,” he said. “I want folks to know we’re just winding up. I want folks to know we’re just getting started.”