Placer County has secured a near $14.9 million from the state's Homekey+ program, earmarking these funds to transform a former motel into supportive housing in unincorporated Auburn. Officially if dealing with the name "Carriage Court Studios," this project will focus on providing up to 55 units, including a manager’s apartment, with priority given to veterans and individuals with behavioral health issues who are experiencing homelessness. Residents can expect to receive both case management and continuous support, available 24/7, from onsite staff, according to the county's announcement.
The county's venture to purchase and refurbish the property on Hillcrest Drive comes after the Board of Supervisors gave the green light to both the acquisition and the grant application earlier this year in public gatherings. The generosity of Homekey+, stemming from Proposition 1, stands to not only augment the current housing infrastructure but also builds on the successful precedents set by previous Homekey projects in Roseville and Kings Beach. District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson highlighted the positive impact of these types of initiatives, told Placer County, "We’ve seen firsthand in Kings Beach how well this model can work. It’s not just about housing — it’s about ongoing support and accountability, staying connected with neighbors, and making sure the site adds value to the area."
Carriage Court Studios is set to provide a higher level of behavioral health support than is typical for such housing projects. This support will be administered in partnership between AMI Housing and the county’s behavioral health team, crafted to cater to residents with more pronounced needs. According to county Health and Human Services Director Dr. Rob Oldham, "We will now have Homekey projects in all three regions of the county, representing close to 150 units." He added, "We appreciate the investment from the state and the support of our local partners in bringing these projects to life and helping maintain the county’s low rate of homelessness," in a statement obtained by Placer County.
AMI Housing, a nonprofit organization involved in regional housing efforts, will serve as both the developer and service provider for the project. A "good neighbor" policy, created in coordination with local law enforcement and municipal leaders, will be implemented as part of the project framework. According to Placer County, the property will also be subject to a 55-year deed restriction, ensuring its use remains dedicated to individuals in need over the long term.
Residents will typically contribute 30% of their income toward rent and commit to adhere to rental terms laid out in their agreement. For those looking for more information, an FAQ and further details are made accessible on the Placer County website.
