Linc Housing Completes Azure Supportive Housing Conversion in Anaheim
Linc Housing and partners have completed the renovation of Azure, a supportive housing community in Anaheim that converts an underused motel into permanent homes and services for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Azure, located at 1251 N. Harbor Blvd., opened after a two-phase effort that began with interim housing in 2022 and transitioned to permanent units in February 2024. The conversion produced 67 studio apartments and 20 one-bedroom apartments, with all homes currently 100 percent occupied and targeted to households at or below 30 percent of area median income. The campus includes a community room, case management offices, a central courtyard, community garden and a dog park.
“We are thrilled to see yet another 87 permanent supportive homes open their doors to Californians in need thanks to the Governor’s forward-thinking investment in Homekey,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director, California Department of Housing and Community Development. “Azure offers its residents access to the services needed to support long-term stability and through its proximity to transit connects them to a world of opportunity.”
The project repurposed the former Studio 6 Motel and represents Linc Housing’s fourth and final Project Homekey development in the region. Project Homekey is a statewide initiative that enables the rapid creation of permanent affordable and supportive housing by transforming existing properties. Design was led by Y & M Architects and construction by Sun Country Builders.
Funding for Azure includes significant investments from the State of California’s Project Homekey program and the City of Anaheim, with additional support from the Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program funded through CalOptima Health. Capital One and Freddie Mac provided financing, Raymond James syndicated tax credit equity, and the Anaheim Housing Authority supplies project-based rental assistance vouchers.
American Family Housing will provide wraparound services and case management, including mental and physical health services, employment counseling and job placement, substance use counseling, benefits assistance, and referrals to community-based supports. Linc Housing’s resident services team will deliver community building, workforce development, financial capability programming, and digital equity efforts.
Azure illustrates how public-private funding, local government participation, and nonprofit operators can convert interim solutions into long-term supportive housing. For multifamily operators and community leaders, the Homekey model highlights a replicable approach to accelerate the delivery of affordable, service-enriched homes while leveraging existing building stock.