New homes for the homeless open in Midway

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- City, county and state leaders on Thursday celebrated what they called a major victory in the effort to combat homelessness — the grand opening of Pacific Village, a former motel that has been transformed into permanent housing for unhoused residents.

The project converted a once-vacant Ramada Inn into 62 fully remodeled apartments, including 15 units set aside for homeless veterans.

For residents like 67-year-old Navy veteran Tod Heath, the new space means more than just a roof over his head.

“Having my own set of keys is such a big deal,” Heath said. “Not everybody out there is breaking into cars or doing crimes. They’re just struggling to survive.”

The property previously served as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by flooding early last year, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava said. Now, it’s part of a growing effort to provide long-term housing solutions through partnerships among city, county and state agencies.

Pacific Village was funded through $5.9 million in combined contributions from the city and county, along with $16.8 million from the state’s Homekey Program — a grant initiative designed to turn existing buildings into permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“We are truly fortunate that housing and homelessness solutions are priorities among our elected officials in San Diego,” said Lisa Jones, president and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said that since 2020, the housing commission and its partners have created more than 600 affordable rental homes through the Homekey initiative.

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell noted that the site offers more than just housing. “Pacific Village provides on-site services, including physical and mental health care, life skills training, case management and employment services,” she said.

Tenants will pay 30% of their income toward rent, with the remaining balance covered by housing vouchers from the San Diego Housing Commission.

Dr. Kimberly Giardina, deputy chief administrative officer for the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, welcomed residents during the ceremony.

“To our current and future residents — welcome home,” she said.

About 90% of the units are already occupied — a sign, leaders said, of the continued need for more housing like Pacific Village.

For Heath, the opportunity represents a new beginning.

“I’m so grateful to everybody that made this possible,” he said.