Linc Housing Unveils Project Homekey Successes with the Completion of Zephyr and Crescent Communities
In an inspiring development for the multifamily apartment industry, Linc Housing, a nonprofit developer in Long Beach, has recently celebrated the completion of two transformative housing projects under California’s Project Homekey initiative. Zephyr and Crescent, rehabilitated from former motel properties into affordable and supportive housing communities, stand as emblems of positive change and hope in the ongoing effort to address homelessness and housing scarcity in the region.
Zephyr, now comprising 135 studios, and Crescent, with 39 studios, were strategically chosen to provide much needed shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness, a number that has risen by 6.5% in the last year in Long Beach alone. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn highlights the effective utilization of existing structures, “I think the public appreciates that we are using existing buildings to create housing faster, smarter, more cost-effectively than ever before,” mirroring the community’s push towards rapid and efficient housing solutions.
Mayor Rex Richardson of Long Beach has expressed a strong commitment to expanding supportive housing, recognizing that a secure home is foundational to an individual’s stability and independence. The relevance of these projects is not just in the bricks and mortar, but also in the services accompanying residency, from mental and physical health support to employment counseling and financial management, all designed to propel residents towards a brighter and more stable future.
Financed with a combination of Project Homekey funds, American Rescue Plan Act monies, loans, and housing vouchers, these projects exemplify a collaborative approach to tackling entrenched social issues. Suny Lay Chang, President and COO of Linc Housing, praised the local government and community partnerships, stating, “Together, Zephyr and Crescent demonstrate how Long Beach and Los Angeles County are leveraging Project Homekey to tackle the region’s housing shortage head-on, creating pathways to healing, belonging and hope.”
These projects underscore an innovative approach to affordable housing, converting underutilized buildings into vibrant communities, an effort that is set to continue with the future opening of Atlas and Azure. The successful renovation of Zephyr and Crescent by Linc Housing not only offers life-changing housing options but also serves as a beacon for how public, private, and nonprofit sectors can unite to address complex housing challenges. With the majority of apartments at Zephyr already occupied and Crescent beginning to welcome residents, these communities represent important strides in the fight against homelessness and contribute meaningfully to the multifamily housing sector’s mission of creating supportive, sustainable living environments for all.