Linc Housing Adds Three Homekey Affordable Housing Sites in Los Angeles County

Two Former Long Beach Motels and One Empty Los Angeles Apartment Building Transform Into 304 Affordable and Supportive Homes for People at Risk of Homelessness

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 24, 2024 – Linc Housing announced that renovation is underway on two former motels in Long Beach and an unoccupied apartment building in Los Angeles thanks to the State of California Homekey program and partnerships with the City of Long Beach, City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles. In all, the three developments bring 304 more affordable and supportive apartments to the region for people who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

“Homekey has been the fastest, largest, most cost-effective addition of interim and permanent housing in California history,” said Cheri Todoroff, executive director of Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative. “We’ve used Homekey to acquire 32 properties for conversion into housing for people experiencing homelessness — more than 2,000 homes in all. By partnering with nonprofit developers like Linc Housing, the County is making the most of this unprecedented opportunity by providing supplemental funding to renovate and operate the units, including wraparound supportive services for the residents.”

Florence in Los Angeles will feature 127 apartments, including 60 homes for people who are chronically homeless, 66 homes for households at risk of homelessness, and one 2-bedroom manager’s unit. Five apartments include accommodation for individuals with hearing or visual impairment and 14 are wheelchair accessible. Section 8 project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) will be provided for 110 of the apartment homes. The five-story, 103,386 square foot building includes a community room, onsite laundry, secure bicycle parking, and meeting and office spaces to support case management and supportive services. Funding sources include a Homekey grant administered by the Los Angeles Housing Department, Home-ARP and CDBG funds through the Los Angeles Housing Department, and City of Los Angeles Proposition HHH funds.

Linc Housing Florence Image

Long Beach West will include 135 studio apartments, two 2-bedroom manager’s units, a community room, outdoor courtyards, computer training facilities, and seven case management offices. Five homes will include accommodation for hearing or visual impairment and 14 will be fully wheelchair accessible. Rent subsidies will be provided through project-based vouchers provided by the City of Long Beach. In addition to the Homekey grant administered by the County of Los Angeles, Long Beach West is also financed by ARPA funds through the County and loans from Capital One and Sterling Bank.

Linc Housing 1133 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach 60

Long Beach East will include 39 studio apartments, one 2-bedroom manager’s unit, computer learning center, outdoor patio area with shade structure, BBQ area and private offices for case management. Four apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, and one includes accommodation for an individual with visual or hearing impairment. Rent subsidies will be provided through project-based vouchers provided by the City of Long Beach. Funding for the renovation comes from a Homekey grant administered by the County of Los Angeles, ARPA funds through the County, loans from Capital One and Genesis LA, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Linc Housing LBE Full front Zoomed version 24.03.13

With funding support from Measure H through the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services/Housing for Health, residents will receive full wraparound services to support their journey to housing stability. Services will include mental health and physical health care, employment counseling and job placement, education, substance use counseling, money management, assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits, and referrals to community-based services and resources.

“Linc has 40 years of experience building affordable and supportive housing, so we’ve seen many funding programs come and go,” said Suny Lay Chang, Linc Housing president and COO. “The Homekey program is a proven way to get affordable and supportive housing built at an accelerated pace. Combined with Linc’s Homekey development in Orange County, we’re bringing nearly 400 more homes to the region much more quickly than traditional development because of the state’s support.”

LINC SPRING 2024

First launched to protect vulnerable residents from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Homekey program grants funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to cities, counties, housing authorities, and other local public entities to acquire and then convert hotels, motels, multi-family apartments, and more, into permanent or interim housing.

Florence construction is due to be complete in November 2024, but residents will begin to move in as early as June 2024. Long Beach East will welcome residents in January 2025, and Long Beach West opens March 2025.

 

About Linc Housing Corporation

Linc Housing, one of California’s most productive nonprofit developers of affordable housing, is committed to building communities and strengthening neighborhoods for people underserved by the marketplace. Linc has helped create nearly 9,700 homes in 96 communities throughout the state. The organization’s properties are known for excellent design, outstanding management and life-enhancing services for its residents. Linc has 40 years of service to families, seniors, people with special needs, and local governments – helping to create sustainable communities via new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, and historic preservation. Visit www.Linchousing.org for more information.