In an effort to combat the persistent challenge of homelessness, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has rallied behind a plan to claim a substantial portion of California's Homekey+ funds. The Board unanimously moved to get its ducks in a row to apply for the state's next round of funding aimed at creating more sustainable housing for the homeless, as reported by L.A. County's latest press release.
The County stands to receive nearly $600 million, with specific amounts designated for different groups in need. A cool $277 million is set aside exclusively for veterans' housing, while the remaining $321 million will go towards projects for the general homeless population. The initiative underscores a collaboration between the County and the state, channeling funds towards the acquisition and rehabilitation of hotels and motels for long-term housing solutions. “This program is a golden opportunity to expand access to sustainable housing for those who need it most," Board Chair Kathryn Barger said, as staed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
With the application portal opening next month, L.A. County isn't new to the Homekey game—it's their fourth time at the plate. This time around, all proposals must be submitted by May 30, 2025, and projects need to be wrapped up within 24 months of receiving the grant. Chair Barger's motion also urges County departments to flesh out a concrete plan to make the most out of these funds, with a particular focus on creating housing units and honing in on the demographics they aim to serve.
Barger's district has seen tangible results from Homekey funding. Multiple projects are either underway or completed, as detailed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. In fact, as of this December 2024, over 2,000 units of interim or permanent supporting housing have been added to L.A. County's inventory through the program, resulting in the acquisition of 32 properties dedicated to assisting those without a home.
