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The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced that San Mateo County will receive $13.89 million to provide permanent supportive housing (PSH) to homeless individuals.
The Homekey grant will help convert a hotel in South San Francisco into 45 studio apartments along with an on-site manager unit. The project at 721 Airport Blvd. is key to the county’s strategy of moving vulnerable people into permanent housing to address the homeless crisis.
"To solve the homeless problem, we need to create more housing throughout San Mateo County," said County Supervisor Dave Pine, in whose district the property is located.
South San Francisco Mayor James Coleman also praised the partnerships and the state for their role in expanding housing in the county.
"This grant will tackle the homeless crisis head on, enable people to access much-needed housing, and also pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for our community," Coleman said.
The Homekey grant will be combined with $6.75 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to renovate the four-story hotel. The complex will feature 45 studios for residents, which will be updated to include new kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, range hoods, counter space and cabinets.
The renovations will also include the expansion of common spaces, which will be available for residents to use.
Initial plans include an estimated seven units that will meet ADA standards for tenants with physical challenges and five units that will support those with visual and hearing challenges, ensuring safe housing that meets accessibility needs.
The county said in a statement that tenants will be referred through the San Mateo County Coordinated Entry System from interim supportive housing. Tenants will pay rent based on 30 percent of their actual household income.
To supplement affordable rents, the county will support tenants with an annual operating subsidy in the form of housing vouchers funded by Measure K, a half-cent local sales tax.
The Homekey program is providing an initial infusion of $1.8 million to help pay for operations for two years, after which housing vouchers funded by Measure K sales tax revenue will provide approximately $1.1 million annually for 15 years.
Of note, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will operate the property and provide on-site supportive services. ECS provides essential services to people experiencing homelessness, including the operation of more than 2,000 PSH units, across three Bay Area counties: San Francisco, Marin, and Alameda. 721 Airport Blvd. marks ECS’ expansion into San Mateo County.
The building will be staffed by two full-time case managers, one full-time support services manager, one behavioral health clinician, and one resident property manager who will provide 24/7 staffing.
Each resident will be assigned a case manager and have access to on-site support services and connections to other community resources, which will help strengthen residents' stability and well-being; these will include education, employment, benefits assistance, behavioral health, links to primary care and peer-connection activities, the county said.
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