Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous states and localities successfully expanded their housing capacity by rapidly acquiring hotels and motels and converting them into permanent housing. The following case studies outline some of the most noteworthy hotels-to-housing initiatives across the country. Each document includes an overview of the funding sources that were implemented, the administrative approach that guided the initiative, and the overall project development process. They also include an assessment of the key success factors and the major lessons learned for each effort.
Quick Downloads: California | Oregon | Vermont | Minnesota (Hennepin County) | Fort Worth, TX (Casa De Esperanza) | Los Angeles, CA (Casa Luna and Best Inn) | San Diego, CA (Kearny Valley VISTA) | Minneapolis, MN (Steven’s Square) | Essex Junction, VT (Susan’s Place)
NHC Webinar 1: Converting Motels & Hotels into Affordable Housing
NHC Webinar 2: How it Works: Financing and Servicing of Motel and Hotel Conversions
Program-Level Case Studies
California
Sources of Funding: Federal, State, Local, Philanthropic
Number of Units Created: 6066 units; 95 projects; 51 communities
Administrative Model: State Agency administered; local public entity implementation
Program Outcomes: 4.5% of Homeless Households (2020 PIT count)
Oregon
Sources of Funding: State, Local
Number of Units Created: 867 units; 19 projects; 13 counties
Administrative Model: Statewide private foundation administered; local public & private implementation
Program Outcomes: 7% of Homeless Households (2020 PIT count)
Vermont
Sources of Funding: Federal, State, Local
Number of Units Created: 247 units; 13 projects; 13 communities
Administrative Model: State Agency administered; local public & private implementation
Program Outcomes: 30% of Homeless Households (2020 PIT count)
Minnesota (Hennepin County)
Sources of Funding: Federal, Local
Number of Units Created: 165 units; 4 projects; 1 community
Administrative Model: County administered and implemented
Program Outcomes: 5.5% of Homeless Households (2020 PIT count)
Program-Level Case Studies
Fort Worth, TX
Sources of Funding: Federal and Local
Number of Units Created: 119
Type of Units: Permanent supportive housing with housing vouchers
Ownership/Management Model: public housing authority owner; contract manager, services by non-profits
Los Angeles, CA (Casa Luna)
Sources of Funding: Federal and State (through Homekey program) and Local
Number of Units Created: 49
Type of Units: Interim housing; planned transition to permanent supportive housing by 2025
Ownership/Management Model: non-profit owner/manager; services by separate non-profit
Los Angeles, CA (Best Inn)
Sources of Funding: Federal and State (through Homekey program) and Local
Number of Units Created: 22
Type of Units: Interim housing
Ownership/Management Model: non-profit owner/manager/service provider
San Diego, CA (Kearny Valley VISTA)
Sources of Funding: Federal and State (through Homekey program)
Number of Units Created: 142
Type of Unit: Permanent supportive housing with housing vouchers
Ownership/Management Model: public housing authority owner/manager; services contracted through separate non-profit
Minneapolis, MN (Stevens Square)
Sources of Funding: Local
Number of Units Created: 31
Type of Units: Single Room Occupancy with shared kitchens and bathrooms
Ownership/Management Model: county owner; non-profit landlord and manager
Essex Junction, VT (Susan’s Place)
Sources of Funding: Federal, State and Local
Number of Units Created: 68
Type of Units: Permanent housing with supportive services
Ownership/Management Model: non-profit owner/manager; services by separate non-profits
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