ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 26, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: March 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Resolution authorizing a joint application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) by the city in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) for the Homekey+ Program in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 to develop Permanent Supportive Housing at 901 Union Avenue (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
BACKGROUND:
The Homekey+ program is a statewide initiative aimed at developing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for veterans and individuals with mental health or substance use disorders who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. PSH is designed to help residents develop independent living skills and connect with community services. Homekey+ funds can be utilized for property acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion of non-residential buildings to residential use, master leasing, and purchasing affordability covenants and restrictions for housing units as well as services. The Homekey+ competitive grant is being administered through the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and $2.145 billion is available statewide for the program.
The City was approached by Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) to be a partner and apply for Homekey+ funding to rehabilitate the city owned Ramkabir Motel located at 901 Union Avenue in Bakersfield, CA. The proposed project includes renovating and converting the existing 37-room motel into PSH units, a community space and offices for services. This project will serve households who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and who face behavioral health challenges. A portion of the units may be set aside for veterans. The proposed application for funds will include both construction costs and service costs over multiple years.
Pursuant to the Homekey+ Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Section 300. vi. (a), Homekey+ applications must include a duly executed resolution authorizing the entities to apply for funds and to participate in the Homekey+ Program. Adopting the proposed resolution would allow staff to comply with the State’s requirements and expedite application submissions for review and consideration for Homekey+ funding awards. The resolution is set for an amount not to exceed $35,000,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact to the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENT:
Resolution