State Grants $14.4 Million for Supportive Housing

Gov. Gavin News has announced a $14.4 million award from the state’s Project Homekey to help create 50 apartments for veterans and others transitioning out of homelessness with Homeward Bound of Marin.

Construction already has begun for a 24-unit building in Novato for unhoused veterans, which is expected to open in May. Work on 26 more apartments next to our Admin Office will begin this spring.

“As Homeward Bound of Marin celebrates 50 years of serving people experiencing homelessness, we are thrilled that Project Homekey funding will allow us to move forward on 50 new units of affordable housing,” said Paul Fordham, Co-Chief Executive Officer for Homeward Bound.

“The $14.4 million grant from Project Homekey is a transformative milestone in our mission to combat homelessness. It goes beyond constructing buildings; it’s about building hope and a stable foundation,” said Gary Naja-Riese, Director, Homelessness, Marin County Health and Human Services. The County of Marin was a co-applicant for the funds.

“We are thrilled to partner with Homeward Bound of Marin to expand affordable housing units in our community, reaffirming our unwavering dedication to serving those in need,” he said.

A funding gap of $1 million remains to meet the total cost of $31.8 million for the housing, Fordham said. Work on the second building with 26 apartments is expected to start in February.

“The first units constructed with this funding will allow us to end veteran homelessness in Marin County,” he added. “It’s apt that this new housing is being built on a former military base.” The housing will be adjacent to Homeward Bound’s Admin Offices at the former Hamilton Army Airfield.

The project is one of six around the state, and the only one in Marin, to receive funding in the most recent awards that totaled $95.6 million.