#news The city of Los Angeles purchased a Ramada Inn for $10.2 million to convert it to housing for the homeless – So far, they’ve housed 30 people and spent $20 million
The City purchased the hotel in 2020 with plans to turn it into supportive housing for the homeless under California’s Project Homekey initiative.
As of today, the property remains largely vacant and unfinished; about $20 million has been spent on expenses —and it’s only able to house 33 people at a time – when its finished.
The NGO, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) Ventures was to oversee the conversion into permanent supportive housing.
However, the building has been sitting idle, with construction at a standstill despite getting money from taxpayer dollars.
According to city documents, the property has suffered multiple delays tied to permitting and financing.
PATH reportedly took nearly two years to get approvals from multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, the Fire Department, and accessibility regulators.
Los Angeles currently spends $1 billion a year on homelessness, yet has about 75,000 homeless people.
