The County of Orange awarded funding for turning two motels into homeless housing

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – The County of Orange and Jamboree Housing Corporation were awarded a total of approximately $23.1 million in funding as co-applicants and in partnership with the City of Stanton under the State Homekey program for The Tahiti Motel and Stanton Inn and Suites applications.

“Housing is one of many important steps on the path to self-sufficiency,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “The County looks forward to using this funding to improve the quality of life for residents facing housing hardship during these unprecedented times.”

Two of the motels identified for Homekey funds and conversion to permanent housing executed purchase and sale agreements – The Stanton Inn and Suites located at 7161 Katella Avenue, Stanton, CA and The Tahiti Motel located at 11850 Beach Blvd, Stanton, CA. The third site is still in negotiation with the motel owner.

“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange County was already working toward helping residents who were at-risk or experiencing homelessness find housing,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “The Homekey Program gives the County an additional vehicle to help push this mission forward.”

The Stanton Inn and Suites is currently being utilized by the County as a Project Roomkey location. Jamboree responded to the County of Orange’s Request For Information with these two sites as potential motel conversions eligible for Homekey funding. Jamboree brings development experience in the conversion of motels and vast experience in the development and operation of supportive housing.

Both the County and City also identified funding to support the match and operations of the developments.

This partnership and collaboration between the County and Jamboree as co-applicants and the partnership of the City is what made for a strong application to the State.

“The County appreciates the State’s urgency in creating the Homekey program and awarding the funding needed to implement this program successfully to serve one of the most vulnerable populations,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District.

The Homekey program seeks to quickly fund the conversion of motel units into housing as part of the State’s response to COVID-19. The two projects will create a total of 132 new affordable homes for people experiencing homelessness who have been impacted by COVID-19 in Orange County — a huge win for both public health and addressing the homelessness crisis long-term.