Riverbank approves joint Homekey Plus application for 67-unit supportive housing project

The Riverbank City Council voted 5-0 to authorize a joint application and participation with Central Valley Community Resources for a Homekey Plus grant to fund the proposed Riverbank Residential Home Village.

Staff explained that Homekey Plus is part of the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (Proposition 1) and provides funding for permanent supportive housing with on-site behavioral-health and substance-use services and veteran outreach. City staff said the program requires coordination with county behavioral-health providers, the local continuity of care and, where appropriate, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The proposed development would occupy about 4.92 acres at the northwest corner of Morrell and Oakdale roads and would include 67 two-bedroom units (approximately 640 square feet each), a supportive-services building, playground, dog park and community garden. Developers said units would be furnished, that the community would be drug- and alcohol-free, and that on-site services would include mental-health care, education and employment assistance. Developers anticipate a $20 million Homekey Plus grant request; the project team is Central Valley Community Resources and Rebuilding Green.

Staff cautioned that the project has not yet completed entitlement review and would require subsequent planning and public hearings. If awarded, grant funding typically carries affordability covenants and city monitoring requirements; staff noted the city already monitors other locally assisted multifamily housing in Riverbank. Council approved the joint application and directed staff to continue coordinating with the applicant and county behavioral-health partners.