Frequently Asked Questions about the Homekey+ Project
Q1: What exactly is Project HomeKey+ and why does it matter?
HomeKey+ is California’s permanent housing initiative, part of the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (Proposition 1). It funds the conversion of existing motels and hotels into supportive housing for people with serious mental illness or substance use disorder—offering wraparound services like case management, healthcare, and counseling.
Q2: What is the difference between HomeKey and HomeKey+?
HomeKey was the original program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address homelessness by quickly converting hotels and motels into interim or permanent supportive housing. HomeKey+ is the expanded version funded through Proposition 1, the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act, passed by voters in 2024. HomeKey+ specifically focuses on creating permanent supportive housing for individuals with serious behavioral health conditions or substance use disorders, offering integrated wraparound services.
Q3: What is the project proposed in Torrance?
Los Angeles County, alongside Weingart Center, has submitted a HomeKey+ application to convert the Extended Stay America Hotel at 3525 Torrance Blvd into a 120-unit permanent supportive housing facility.
Q4: What is Torrance’s official position?
On May 23, 2025, the Torrance City Council held a special meeting open to the public and unanimously voted to oppose the project and oppose the inclusion of the Extended Stay America Hotel at 3525 Torrance Boulevard in the HomeKey+ application. The City has formally requested the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) to reject the site.
Q5: What action has the City taken since that Special City Council Meeting?
- May 27, 2025 - The City of Torrance coordinated for residents and businesses to have their voices heard before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the project, despite the City’s formal opposition.
- June 2, 2025 - In response to the LA County Board’s decision to advance the Homekey+ project in Torrance, the City contacted the offices of Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
- June 6, 2025 - The City formally requested the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to deny the Extended Stay America Hotel on 3525 Torrance Boulevard site in the County's Homekey+ application based on the lack of community engagement, inappropriate site selection, unresolved service capacity issues, financial concerns regarding the inflated purchase price, and strong local opposition.
- June 26, 2025 - Mayor Chen extended an invitation to Supervisor Janice Hahn and Weingart Center executives to engage directly with City leaders and residents.
- July 2, 2025 - Torrance Mayor, George K. Chen along with City staff met at Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office in San Pedro to present alternative sites to the proposed Homekey+ location. During the meeting, Supervisor Hahn heard the City’s plea to exclude the Torrance Boulevard site from the County’s application and to consider more viable, community aligned options.
Q6: Why is Torrance opposing the project?
The City of Torrance is opposed to the currently identified HomeKey+ location on Torrance Boulevard due to several significant concerns.
- Location & Scale: The proposed 120-unit facility is situated adjacent to the Civic Center and the existing 3290 Temporary Housing Village, raising issues about the over-concentration of supportive housing services in one area
- Lack of community collaboration: The project was planned without meaningful discussion or input from Torrance residents or City officials, leading to concerns about transparency and public engagement.
- Public Safety & Service Capacity: Serious implications for public safety and City resources.
- Economic & Transit Impact: The site's close proximity to the Del Amo Fashion Center and City Hall raises concerns about disruptions to commercial activity and increased traffic congestion.
- Financial Inefficiency: High acquisition cost of the hotel property and the long-term challenges associated with funding and operational sustainability.
Q7: Were any alternative locations proposed?
Yes. On July 2, Mayor Chen and City staff proposed two City-owned alternatives to Supervisor Hahn:
1. Torrance Regional Transit Center
2. Civic Center Campus
These sites offer better scalability, City oversight, and integration—modeling after the City’s success with the 3290 Temporary Housing Village.
1. Torrance Regional Transit Center
2. Civic Center Campus
These sites offer better scalability, City oversight, and integration—modeling after the City’s success with the 3290 Temporary Housing Village.
Q8: When will the State decide on grant awards?
On June 30, 2025, HCD announced HomeKey+ first round of awardees with funding agreements finalized within five months of award issuance. Additional grants may be awarded in later rounds.
Q9: How can residents get involved or stay informed?
- Visit and sign up on the City’s official HomeKey+ webpage for updates.
- Attend public meetings and hearings.
- Share the City’s social media posts to increase community awareness.
- Engage with County and state officials, advocating for alternative sites.
Q10: Is Torrance opposed to supportive housing in general?
Not at all. Torrance supports permanent supportive and temporary housing solutions that are responsibly located, properly sized, and developed in compliance with community input, such as the City’s 3290 Temporary Housing Village.
Q11: What is the latest update from the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) on Homekey+ Awards?
HCD has announced the first seven awards for the HomeKey+ program, funding projects across California in cities including Goleta, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Auburn, Modesto, along with counties in Nevada, Los Angeles, Placer, and Modesto.
On June 30, 2025, HCD announced HomeKey+ first round of awardees with funding agreements finalized within five months of award issuance. Additional grants may be awarded in later rounds.
Homekey+ applications will continue to be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. So far, HCD received 67 Homekey+ applications requesting 1.147 billion.
Article link: Governor Announces First Awardees of Voter-Approved Program to Fund Permanent Supportive Affordable Housing | California Department of Housing and Community Development
On June 30, 2025, HCD announced HomeKey+ first round of awardees with funding agreements finalized within five months of award issuance. Additional grants may be awarded in later rounds.
Homekey+ applications will continue to be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. So far, HCD received 67 Homekey+ applications requesting 1.147 billion.
Article link: Governor Announces First Awardees of Voter-Approved Program to Fund Permanent Supportive Affordable Housing | California Department of Housing and Community Development
LA County Proposed Project Homekey+, Permanent Supportive Housing - Make Your Voice Heard
The City respectfully urges the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to deny the inclusion of the 3525 Torrance Blvd Extended Stay site in Los Angeles County’s Homekey+ application.
We welcome and encourage open dialogue between the County and the Torrance City Council to explore more viable alternatives that the City is actively advancing and engage in collaborative discussions to identify mutually supported solutions. We invite all Torrance residents, businesses, and stakeholders to join us in these efforts. Stay informed, participate in public meetings, and help us advocate for thoughtful, locally supported solutions to homelessness.
For more information, please visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/ProjectHomekey
The City respectfully urges the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to deny the inclusion of the 3525 Torrance Blvd Extended Stay site in Los Angeles County’s Homekey+ application.
We welcome and encourage open dialogue between the County and the Torrance City Council to explore more viable alternatives that the City is actively advancing and engage in collaborative discussions to identify mutually supported solutions. We invite all Torrance residents, businesses, and stakeholders to join us in these efforts. Stay informed, participate in public meetings, and help us advocate for thoughtful, locally supported solutions to homelessness.
For more information, please visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/ProjectHomekey
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What Torrance is Doing - Homeless Services and AwarenessWatch this video to learn about what Torrance is doing to address homelessness in the City.
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The City of Torrance is currently building a program to help all houseless individuals in the community. The City has a team of coordinators that regularly check for houseless individuals and establish a friendly relationship with them.
THE PROCESS
Residents that witness a houseless individual can contact the City or report through the MyTorranceCA App.
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A team will reach out to the individual and will offer all available resources including food, water, and hygiene kits.
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If there is a vacancy at the 3290 Temporary Housing Village, the individual will be offered a unit.
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If there is no vacancy at the 3290 Temporary Housing Village, the individual will be put on a waitlist and will be transported to an Emergency Shelter if one is available. The individual will be contacted once there is a vacancy in the 3290 Temporary Housing Village.
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Residents can donate warm clothing, toiletries, coffee and other supplies directly to the 3290 Temporary Housing Village. You can see what items are accepted at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Services/Homeless-Services/HowYouCanHelp.
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Encourage anyone you know to receive help from professionals.
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DO NOT give cash, food, or assistance directly. Please report houseless individuals to the City and let professionals help with the resources we have.
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Learn more about Homeless Services in the City of Torrance at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Homeless and by viewing this informational brochure on the 3290 Temporary Housing Village.
