Assessing California's Homekey Program

The innovative housing program launched during the pandemic has made a significant difference for unhoused individuals, but long-term support remains underfunded.

2 minute read

March 25, 2022, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Australia Hotel

lkpro / Shutterstock

Carolina Reid summarizes California’s Homekey Program: Unlocking Housing Opportunities for People Experiencing Homelessness, a report from Berkeley's Terner Center for Housing Innovation that assesses the successes and challenges of the innovative housing program. "Developed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Homekey provides local public entities with large, capital grants that can be used to purchase existing buildings and convert them into housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness."

According to the blog, "All told, Homekey 1.0 added 6,000 rooms and/or units to the state’s supply of interim and permanent housing in under six months, at an average initial cost of $238,000 per unit," less than half the average cost of building an affordable housing unit in California. 

"We find that Homekey’s grant structure–coupled with giving jurisdictions flexibility in how to use the funds–allowed them to move quickly to respond to local needs." Additionally, "Homekey’s emphasis on speed—facilitated by regulatory streamlining—made all the difference in how quickly localities were able to get people housed."

Reid notes that "For all its strengths, Homekey remains embedded within an underfunded and fragmented affordable housing system. This means that many properties do not have sufficient funding to support long-term operations—this remains the single largest challenge and concern for Homekey grantees." According to the report, "The resources to support resident well-being—including case management, health care, and mental health and/or substance use counseling—also remain well below need."

Reid concludes that the rapid deployment of Homekey shows promise, but the state must continue to support the program with appropriate resources for long-term success.

Thursday, March 17, 2022 in Terner Center for Housing Innovation

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog