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Vacaville authorizes HomeKey+ application to fund 52 veteran units at planned Victory Gardens development
Summary
The council authorized submission of a HomeKey+ application to the state to secure up to roughly $45 million in HomeKey+ funds to support 52 veteran permanent supportive housing units within the previously‑approved Victory Gardens affordable development; project will pair vouchers and Insight Housing supportive services.
Vacaville — The City Council on June 9 unanimously authorized staff to submit a HomeKey+ application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development to pursue approximately $45 million in funding to support 52 veteran permanent supportive units at the Victory Gardens mixed‑income affordable housing project (5763 Vanden Road). The site and project entitlements were previously approved; the council’s action authorizes the city manager to execute application documents and related agreements.
Project summary: Victory Gardens is a mixed‑income development that would total about 206 multifamily units across roughly 8.4 acres. The HomeKey+ request targets 52 units specifically reserved for veterans; those units are planned to be supported by project‑based vouchers administered by the Vacaville Housing Authority and by supportive services provided by Insight Housing. Staff said the project’s proximity to Travis Air Force Base and its explicit veteran focus make it competitive for HomeKey+ funds now that the program has been amended to better support veteran allocations and allow applications before tax‑credit awards are secured.
Why HomeKey+ matters: HomeKey+ (the state’s housing acquisition and conversion program) recently added provisions that increase operating support for veteran housing and allow pairing with tax‑credit finance. Staff said those changes make the Victory Gardens proposal more competitive than in an earlier round. If awarded, HomeKey+ would reduce the need for additional local funding and provide operating support for long‑term services to tenants.
Developer and services: Mutual Housing (co‑developer) and Insight Housing (co‑developer and lead services provider) presented background on property management and on supportive‑services experience; Insight said it maintains a high housing‑retention rate in veteran programs and would provide on‑site wraparound services. Two veterans currently housed in Insight programs spoke to personal experiences, describing how stable housing and on‑site services have improved safety and well‑being.
Labor and contracting: A representative from the North Coast Carpenters urged early contractor engagement and asked developers to commit to hiring and wage‑fair construction practices; developers said contractor selection occurs at the general‑contractor stage and agreed to meet with the union to discuss opportunities as the project advances.
Next steps and schedule: Staff said the HomeKey+ application would be submitted in June; the team plans a tax‑credit application in the September round with potential awards late in the year that would allow construction to begin in 2027 and project completion in 2028–29 on the current timeline. Council’s authorization provides the city’s formal endorsement and allows the application to proceed.
What to watch for: If HomeKey+ funds are awarded, staff will return to council with funding agreements and any required city commitments. Project progress and contracting plans (including prevailing‑wage compliance and local hire opportunities) will be subject to subsequent review as the developer secures financing and selects contractors.
