Housing Project in El Monte Struggles to Complete Renovation

A state-backed initiative aimed at converting a troubled Southern California motel into accommodation for the homeless has turned into a significant financial drain. Millions in taxpayer money have been spent, yet the project remains incomplete nearly six years after it started.

Residents living next to the former M Motel in El Monte report enduring persistent disruptions from early morning construction, dust clouds, and a recent series of gas leaks. This property was acquired in 2020 under Governor Gavin Newsom’s $3.8 billion Homekey program, which was created to rapidly provide housing during the pandemic.

Originally, the city received $10.35 million for the purchase and renovation of the 93-room motel, supplemented by further funding from state, federal, and county sources.

Now called Hilda Solis Rose Court, named after a prominent local politician, the site remains a construction zone, despite early enthusiasm from officials when the Homekey program was first announced.

“Why is it taking so long to fix the building?” asked Edgar Gudiel, 63, a retired resident of the nearby Baldwin Valley Apartments, adding, “They’re just spending too much time and money.”

Homekey was intended to quickly convert motels and similar properties into temporary housing for the homeless. However, delays have plagued the program. As of late 2025, around 3,000 homes that were promised under the initiative still hadn’t opened, according to a report from CalMatters.

El Monte received funding in November 2020, granting a total of $17.7 million for both the M Motel and the adjacent Budget Inn. The city finalized the purchase the next month.

The M Motel had initially been allocated $10.35 million for its renovation, with the city later obtaining an additional $5.8 million in federal funding for further work. Los Angeles County also contributed $7.5 million to the Rose Court project after a budget shortfall emerged.

In 2024, another $2 million grant for operations and services at Rose Court and the adjacent Hilda Solis Iris House was presented to El Monte.

Residents near Baldwin Valley Apartments expressed their frustration, describing the ongoing construction as a nightmare. Some noted that work often begins as early as 6:30 a.m., forcing them to keep their windows shut due to the dust and debris.

“Had I known this construction would be ongoing, I never would have moved here,” said Luke Boyer, 26, who mentioned struggling to sleep while dealing with the noise and disruptions.

The situation escalated into a safety hazard this year when ongoing construction led to gas leaks. Neighbors reported having to evacuate amid feelings of nausea and difficulty breathing.

On April 22, a fire crew discovered a serious gas line break, prompting a lengthy shutdown of the area, which left residents anxious. Gudiel recalls a stressful evacuation experience, waiting for hours before learning the gas would be turned off for 24 hours. Another incident on August 25 similarly forced street closures, alarming nearby families.

A pregnant resident expressed her fears about potential risks from the gas leaks, noting, “Now that I understand the potential harm, I worry for my unborn child.”

Gudiel and his wife have also faced respiratory issues due to the leaks, intensifying their frustration over the ongoing delays.

Despite the initial celebration of progress by local officials back in 2022, which claimed the motel was housing residents, extensive renovations have continued. These include necessary repairs like roofing, electrical upgrades, and addressing ADA compliance.

Rose Court was tentatively set to open in January 2025 as a transitional space for the homeless, later converting to permanent housing. However, discussions around lease agreements with service providers have dragged on.

City officials admitted earlier this year that the costs for renovation had escalated much beyond initial estimates due to the state of the motel being worse than anticipated.

“It feels like we don’t matter to these disconnected politicians,” said resident Ian Jameson, expressing the sentiments shared among many in the community.

The city of El Monte was approached for comments regarding the complaints, financial issues, and construction timelines, but responses were not forthcoming.

Boyer voiced his concerns: “I think this whole situation is a joke; it just seems like the construction needs more oversight.”

The California Department of Housing and Community Development acknowledged the difficulties faced at the El Monte site and indicated that asbestos remediation and planning complications have contributed to the delays. They confirmed that no additional funding will be granted to El Monte until the current project is finished.

Despite the challenges, the Homekey program has funded 16,000 homes and supported approximately 30,000 Californians across 261 developments. However, Wayne Winegarden of the Pacific Research Institute described the situation as emblematic of broader systemic problems within the Homekey model, emphasizing the need for a balance between supporting vulnerable populations and maintaining the quality of life for residents in affected neighborhoods.

Jameson noted a brief conversation with a city official who suggested a completion timeline, but after years of setbacks, residents remain skeptical about the promised progress.

“I just don’t know what’s happening; it’s frustrating and anxiety-inducing,” Boyer concluded.