Pacific Village, a former motel the San Diego Housing Commission converted into 62 affordable studio apartments, celebrated its grand opening Thursday with local leaders.
The revamped development came from collaboration between federal, state, county and city governments, as well as SDHC and supportive services providers. It is intended to support veterans, transition-age youth and additional San Diegans who lived in their cars, in shelters or on the streets.
“Pacific Village shows what’s possible when every level of government works together to turn vacant properties into homes for people who need them most,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “By transforming an underused motel into homes with on-site support, we’re giving people a real chance to regain stability and rebuild their futures.”
The city of San Diego contributed $5.9 million toward the building’s purchase and rehabilitation.
“Addressing homelessness has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to the City Council, and I have always welcomed shelters, service providers, and affordable housing projects in my district,” said San Diego City Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, who represents Council District 2, which includes Pacific Village. “This project, which adds 62 affordable units for formerly homeless San Diegans in District 2, demonstrates the great progress we can make toward addressing homelessness through collaboration at all levels of government.”
San Diego County also allocated $5.9 million in capital funds for Pacific Village and committed close to $5 million over five years toward behavioral health supportive services for residents — subject to County Board of Supervisors approval in annual budgets.
Additionally, California awarded $16.85 million in Homekey funds to the project. Since 2020, the state has awarded more than $105 million in Homekey funds to SDHC collaborations.
The housing commission oversaw the conversion of the property into studio apartments as well as owning and managing Pacific Village, and administering the federal rental assistance that supports the project’s residents.
“Throughout this process, our main focus has been on the people for whom Pacific Village is now home,” said SDHC President and CEO Lisa Jones. “Living without shelter and security is a traumatic experience. We cannot overstate the importance of turning your key in the lock for the first time, walking into your own apartment or going to sleep in your own bed feeling safe and secure. Our residents have been able to experience those moments here at Pacific Village. That is what we are celebrating today.”
Residents have access to mental/behavioral/physical health services, case management, education and employment services and transportation. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides services for the 15 veterans with Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers who reside at the former motel.
–City News Service
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