The City of Oakland has received $7.1 million from California’s Homekey+ program to acquire and renovate the Maya Motel at 4715 Telegraph Avenue in District 1. The project will convert the existing motel into 23 studio apartments intended for individuals exiting homelessness.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the recent round of Homekey+ funding, which is supported by Proposition 1, a measure that provides $6.4 billion for mental health treatment and housing services across the state.
Each unit at the Maya will include a kitchenette, cooktop, refrigerator, private bathroom, bed furnishings, free internet access, and laundry services. The location offers proximity to public transportation options such as AC Transit buses and MacArthur BART station, as well as retail stores and medical facilities.
“The Maya project demonstrates what Oakland can accomplish when we combine smart policy with decisive action. Every one of these 23 units represents a person who will have stability, dignity, and the support they need to rebuild,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “Oakland leads by example, and we’re committed to moving forward with these solutions until every resident has housing.”
This grant marks Oakland’s tenth successful application under the Homekey initiative. It also leverages nearly $8.7 million from the city’s Rapid Response Homeless Housing (R2H2) program along with $1.8 million from Alameda County’s Department of Behavioral Health.
Danco Communities will be responsible for developing and owning the property while Operation Dignity will manage it and provide supportive services including connections to substance abuse resources, peer support activities, health care services, education programs, and employment assistance.
Operation Dignity Executive Director Timothy Evans stated: “Operation Dignity is honored to partner with the City of Oakland. We believe every veteran deserves access to a stable and safe living environment, essential resources, and community referrals… As we continue this essential mission, we are committed to positioning Operation Dignity as a leader in veterans’ services in the Bay Area…”
Alameda County Department of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Karen Tribble added: “We share the City of Oakland’s commitment to providing life-changing resources to those who are in greatest need and know that many individuals are who are experiencing severe mental illness will be supported through this project.”
Chris Dart, President of Danco Communities said: “Danco Communities is honored to partner with the City of Oakland on the Maya Hotel project… We are deeply committed to creating affordable housing solutions that strengthen communities…”
Tomiquia Moss from California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency noted: “California’s Homekey+ continues to help people experiencing homelessness gain access to affordable and stable housing…”
Gustavo Velasquez from State HCD commented: “Through the Homekey+ program, we are able to connect our deserving veterans—and other Californians facing behavioral health challenges—to housing stability…”
District 1 Councilmember Zac Unger said: “I’m thrilled to have this protect underway in our district… We know that stable housing… promotes long-term stability and well-being.”
Emily Weinstein from Oakland Housing & Community Development stated: “Increasing the supply of deeply affordable housing is critical in our efforts to address the homelessness crisis…”
Since 2020 Oakland has secured more than $105 million in State Homekey funds supporting ten projects totaling 490 affordable units for unhoused residents.
Homelessness remains a major issue for local residents; Oakland’s Housing & Community Development Department uses its “3P” strategy—protecting current residents from displacement; preserving existing affordable homes; producing new deeply affordable units—as part of its response plan.
