2 weeks Ago By Daily Republic Staff
VACAVILLE — Three options go before the City Council on Tuesday for a joint application to participate in the Homekey+ program for a homeless housing development at 1050 Orange Drive. In September 2024, council members approved $2 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds for a proposed housing project. In October, staff were told by the owner of Quality Inn & Suites that they and a prospective buyer could not reach an agreement to purchase the property.
California Supportive Housing proposed to step in. An update was provided to the council in January. Staff received direction that included, but was not limited to, revising the proposed unit make up, refining supportive services provided at the project and exploring alternative weighted preference options applied to project based voucher applications for the project.
Option 1 calls for 85 units for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness; one on-site property manager unit; residents at or below 30% of the area median income, $26,450 for one, would be eligible. It's a full revise of the Homekey+ funded project, eliminating the previously veteran- and youth-specific units, ensuring that all 86 units (85 available units, plus one manager’s unit) can be filled as flexibly as possible to serve a broader range of individuals. The second option, done in two phases, calls for 31 units: 25 to 30 units for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and one on-site property manager unit.
The second phase would be 55 to 60 units for extremely low-income households. The phased approach may present challenges in terms of coordination between funding sources, timelines and regulatory requirements. The third option calls for 85 units for extremely low and low-income households and one on site manager unit.
This choice does not use Homekey+ funding. It would be fully funded with 4% or 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Staff and California Supported Housing engaged with individuals and local agencies serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Vacaville such as representatives from Opportunity House.
This also includes representatives from Solano County and Abode, who provide case management Staff and CSH also met with members of the Vacaville Police Department Community Response Unit, who suggested a smaller scale project might be more manageable. A smaller percentage of individuals they encounter are currently ready for permanent supportive housing. CRU highlighted the importance of ensuring how success would be determined in the project, and the need for a system that encourages accountability through engagement with supportive services.
There was also discussion on how the city will handle the potential increased demand for services as applicants wait for housing opportunities in the project. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.
at 650 Merchant St. Find the agenda at www.cityofvacaville.
gov/government/agendas-and-minutes ..
