Project refurbishes a former nuisance motel, provides 78 new interim units

 The City of Long Beach celebrated the beginning of renovations for its forthcoming new interim shelter, Project Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd. This $6.5 million construction project will add to the City’s suite of temporary housing facilities for people experiencing homelessness.

 “Today marks a significant stride forward in our efforts to expand interim housing options within our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This initiative will provide a stable and supportive space for individuals as they pursue pathways to secure permanent housing.”

 Project Homekey at 5950 Long Beach Blvd. transforms the former Luxury Inn into interim housing for people experiencing homelessness. This project is a part of the State’s Project Homekey Program to provide municipalities funding to expand temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness by purchasing and rehabilitating existing properties, such as hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and more.

This project upgrades 78 units – 12 of which will be ADA accessible – along with common areas and support facilities. All rooms will be renovated with new bathrooms, lighting, and upgraded fixtures and amenities such as laundry facilities, microwaves and refrigerators. This facility will also be outfitted with a new fire sprinkler system, drought tolerant landscaping and ADA access improvements.

This project aims to:

• Address housing and homelessness
• Improve overall community safety for community members that are unhoused
• Improve ADA accessibility to safe housing

“I am pleased to see the transformation of this prior nuisance motel into a space that will support so many people on their journey to housing,” said Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin II.

Site renovations began in February. The former motel’s rehabilitation will include remediating any current damage and fully restoring systems including electrical and plumbing as needed. When completed, each unit will have a new bed, dresser, table and chairs, microwave, mini-fridge and television. Rooms will be outfitted with vinyl flooring, in-unit temperature controls and fully remodeled bathrooms. Exterior improvements include removing dry rot and installing new paint, railing, a patio area with tables and chairs and a dog run area. The building containing the motel lobby and office will be expanded and will include space for on-site case management. The project is anticipated to be complete by early 2025.

“Our new Project Homekey site will not only offer a safe space to sleep and three meals a day; it will also offer the level of case management that is usually only available at the Multi-Service Center,” said Deputy City Manager Teresa Chandler.

This project is currently supported by the State Project Homekey Grants, the City’s General Fund dollars and Measure A.

For more information on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness in Long Beach, people may visit longbeach.gov/homelessness