To further address the critical issue of homelessness in San Diego, County Supervisors have given the green light on a $12.5 million investment in a new supportive housing development. The joint endeavor, which involves the San Diego Housing Commission and the City of San Diego, aims to create 81 units at 7798 Starling Drive, according to the County of San Diego.
The latest project is the seventh County-supported affordable housing initiative since 2020. It is part of the State Homekey and now Homekey+ program and focuses on assisting veterans and individuals with behavioral health issues who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. The County's monetary commitment comprises both renovation costs and approximately $5.5 million for operational expenses, which will support, notably, 40 units for those dealing with behavioral health challenges.
Prior Homekey efforts backed by the County have resulted in the creation of 616 supportive units spread across six developments within San Diego. Among them are developments like Valley Vista Apartments and Presidio Palms, which have 192 and 163 units dedicated to affordable living, respectively. The new Starling Drive property was transitioned from an office building to 90 residential units in 2022, which have since been used for short-term vacation rentals.
Significant progress has been noted in line with the County's sustained push for affordable housing: five completed developments with 274 units this fiscal year, seventeen projects under construction boasting 1,522 units, and nineteen more developments in the pipeline promising an additional 1,770 units. Since 2017, the County has funneled over $325 million into affordable housing through various channels, including excess land and its Innovative Housing Trust Fund. This substantial investment has led to the opening of more than 2,588 homes, with 3,292 further units pending, per details shared by the County of San Diego.
