Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis today awarded $2 million in First District Community Grants Program funding to the City of El Monte. This significant investment will support operations and services at two Homekey properties serving as interim housing sites: the Hilda Solis Iris House (formerly known as the Budget Inn) and the Hilda Solis Rose Court (formerly known as the M Motel).
“Jurisdictions across the First District have played a critical role in bolstering our homeless services system – including the City of El Monte,” said Supervisor Solis. “While some communities continue to push back against offering our most vulnerable a chance, the City of El Monte has been a leading partner in our fight to solve homelessness. To that end, I am proud to show my gratitude by providing the City of El Monte with $2 million to support operations and services at their two Homekey sites.”
The City of El Monte’s commitment to addressing homelessness has been evident in their proactive measures and partnerships. Alma Martinez, City Manager for the City of El Monte, expressed the city’s gratitude: “The City of El Monte is grateful to Supervisor Solis for this much-needed investment. As the leading city in the San Gabriel Valley moving forward initiatives to shelter our unhoused, receiving this funding is a testament to our resolve in addressing the homelessness crisis.”
Last year, Supervisor Solis joined the City of El Monte for the ribbon cutting of the Hilda Solis Iris House, located at 10038 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731. The two-story, 40-unit motel was repurposed by the City of El Monte into interim housing thanks to a $4.1 million Homekey Round 1 grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD). This site prioritizes housing for transition-aged youth, aged 18 to 24, currently or formerly in foster care, and those impacted by the probation system.
The City of El Monte also purchased the M Motel, now known as the Hilda Solis Rose Court, located at 10024 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731. This site received a $10.3 million Homekey Round 1 grant from the California HCD and $7.5 million from the County of Los Angeles, thanks to Supervisor Solis’ advocacy in helping the City of El Monte cover a budget shortfall. The site is expected to open in January 2025 and will serve individuals engaged through the County’s Pathway Home and other encampment resolution efforts. It will operate as temporary housing for five years, eventually transitioning to permanent supportive housing in its sixth year.
Through the Homekey program, the California HCD has funded local jurisdictions to develop a broad range of housing types. These include hotels, motels, hostels, single-family homes, multifamily apartments, adult residential facilities, and manufactured housing. The program also focuses on converting commercial properties and other existing buildings to serve people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of falling into homelessness.
This $2 million award is the latest in a series of funds granted to non-profit organizations and schools in the First District. The Community Grant Program, established by Supervisor Solis in 2014, helps develop and support services that meet the diverse needs of First District residents in key areas such as arts, environmental justice, health, housing, immigration, and education.
Supervisor Solis’ continued support underscores a strong commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting the diverse needs of the community. This funding not only aids in operational support but also reinforces the collaborative effort required to make significant strides in solving the homelessness crisis.
