Transforming Motels into Permanent Supportive Housing in Orange County
Orange County, known for its world-renowned attractions like Disneyland and its stunning coastline, has a rich history as a tourist destination. For decades, motels along the famed “Road to Summer,” Beach Boulevard, provided affordable lodging for out-of-towners. Today, many of these properties have fallen into disrepair. However, for community members on the brink of homelessness, these motels can offer a lifeline in the form of temporary shelter.
In recent years, local governments and developers have begun to unlock the potential of these older motels for permanent housing through Project Homekey funds. Administered by the State of California, Homekey supports the acquisition of properties, such as motels and office buildings, for conversion into housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
A resident enjoys an outdoor courtyard at Clara Vista.
Longtime Century client Jamboree Housing Corporation partnered with the County of Orange and the City of Stanton to convert three blighted motels along and near Beach Boulevard—Tahiti Motel, Riviera Motel, and Stanton Inn and Suites—into permanent supportive housing using Homekey funds. Today, Clara Vista, Aurora Vista, and Iluma provide 153 studio and one-bedroom apartments for chronically unhoused residents, including Veterans and individuals with special needs.
“Many residents have been without housing for a long time. For most, it is a tremendous relief to have a place to call their own, sheltered from the elements, and in a safe, distraction-free environment,” said Paul San Felipe, Senior Program Manager at Jamboree. “Residents have shared that since moving, they have been able to stabilize their living situations. This includes working with on-site supportive services staff to help them acclimate to their new apartments and find resources to assist them in their daily lives.”
Jamboree began transforming the motels into housing during the pandemic when the State launched Project Homekey. “The securing of Homekey funds was instrumental in facilitating the acquisition of the properties and initial phase of the projects, enabling a light rehabilitation of the structures and the operation of interim housing while Jamboree pursued 9% tax credits and all the other necessary funding to convert the motels into permanent supportive housing,” said Vicky Rodriguez, Vice President, Development at Jamboree.
Century Housing Corporation, which has worked with Jamboree for more than 20 years, provided permanent financing for Clara Vista (connected to Aurora Vista) and Iluma. “We are proud to support Jamboree in its ongoing impactful work across Southern California,” said Joshua Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Lending at Century. “These developments embody the positive change we aim to create through Century’s financing.”
“Century Housing provided the last critical piece of financing for this project by agreeing to serve as the permanent lender,” added Vicky. “They were flexible in the underwriting process and thoughtfully worked to structure a loan program that made this deal feasible.”
Residents enjoy on-site case management, educational and health programs, and amenities such as community spaces and outdoor courtyards with gardens and dog runs.
“The conversion of these motels into permanent homes for neighbors struggling with exorbitant housing costs was critically needed,” said Karen Davis, Vice President, Loan Officer at Century. “Now, residents have the stability and resources to help them not only get back on their feet, but also thrive.”
