‘A vital win.’ Merced gets $4.4 million to build supportive housing for homeless veterans
The City of Merced’s effort to house its unsheltered residents is getting a boost from $4.42 million in state funds, the California Department of Housing and Community Development announced Thursday.
The grant is part of the state’s second round of Project Homekey funding, according to a news release. The statewide initiative aims to expand housing for homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness, recognizing unsheltered people are impacted by COVID-19 and at risk for other communicable diseases.
Merced will leverage the funds to build 21 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, the release said.
“This is a vital win for Merced,” said Assembly member Adam Gray, D-Merced, in the release. “This permanent supportive housing will help veterans, who are homeless, and their families find and sustain permanent housing. I am glad to see this state funding coming into our community,” said Gray.
The city will partner with local groups to construct the homes at South R Street near Childs Avenue in Merced’s District 2.
Improving housing options for homeless and low-income residents has largely dominated discussions at Merced City Council meetings this year and last. The topic is one of the city’s top goals and priorities.
The housing project plans to transform modular shipping containers into homeless veteran housing, similar to those at the county’s homeless Navigation Center.
Residents will have access to supportive services including intensive case management, assistance with behavioral and physical health resources, help obtaining benefits and essential documentation, education and employment.
Rescue Mission Merced, Fresno Veterans Affairs, Merced County Behavior Health and Human Services Agency, Merced Housing Authority and Custom Containers 915 are collaborating with the City of Merced to complete the project.
“We recognize that those who are unhoused in our community are our constituents,” Councilmember Fernando Echevarria, whose District 2 encompasses the project site.
“As we evaluate resources, systems and infrastructure, we will continue to create opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness to stabilize. Housing creates a fundamental foundation that provides access to healthcare, rehabilitation, job training and education.”
The project timeline is estimated to wrap construction within eight months, according to Custom Containers 915 President John Glavin.
The more than $4 million for Merced is part of $1.4 billion administered by the state Department of Housing and Community Development to public jurisdictions including cities, counties, housing authorities and tribal entities within California.
Funds are to be used for developing a range of housing, such as hotels, single family homes, multi-family apartments and adult residential facilities.
