Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles earlier today announced the awarding of two Project Homekey sites to the city and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). The sites will provide over 100 units for both interim and permanent housing solutions, according to an official statement. The projects are to expand interim housing through motel acquisitions quickly and increase the availability of more permanent supportive housing units.
In expressing gratitude to Governor Newsom and the State Legislature, the mayor applauded the recognition of the project's importance and expressed enthusiasm for new modular construction partnerships with Urban Awnings and the Carpenters Union. Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and John Lee also expressed positivity regarding the development and the effects it will have on their districts.
The two Homekey Projects are the Motel 6 North Hills, set to provide 111 interim housing units in partnership with Hope the Mission, and the Topanga Canyon Blvd Phase 2 project, expected to offer 24 permanent housing units through a partnership with Topanga Canyon Housing Partners LP. The units provided will serve those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as reported in the official statement.
These developments come amidst a rise in homelessness across the United States. A report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) shows that in Los Angeles County, the homeless population had a 12.7% increase from 2020 to 2021. This sharp increase emphasizes the need for immediate and innovative housing solutions like the newly announced Homekey Projects.
