California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved the $33.8 million payment for the County to purchase the 818 Hotel on Ventura for conversion to a homeless shelter. The 100 units of interim housing will each include mezzanine beds, a desk area, storage, mini-fridge and microwave. Three meals will be provided each day by Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission’s kitchen. Hope of the Valley will also provide supportive services including permanent housing navigation, case management, crisis intervention and conflict resolution. The family that owned the hotel negotiated the sale per their wishes that it be used for homeless housing. Councilman Bob Blumenfield said, “As soon as the check clears I will move forward with a resolution so the site will have an enforceable 1,000 foot no-camping buffer zone. This will cover the right-of-ways around Taft High School, Ralphs and other buildings.” Blumenfield also emphasized he will keep the facility for families only. Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s staff will hold upcoming meetings on the conversion. Questions can be directed to her representative Tessa Charnofsky at tcharnofsky@bos.lacounty.gov.
