Key Considerations for States and Local Jurisdictions Exploring Hotel/Motel Acquisitions as a Housing Strategy for People Exiting COVID-19 Shelters
States and communities across the country are currently facing a historic moment in their ability to improve the lives of their most vulnerable residents, challenged by the evolving public health crisis, structural and institutional racism, and the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression. Many have taken bold action to help people experiencing homelessness move into temporary settings, such as hotels, motels, trailers, and large public arenas, in response to COVID-19. As communities begin their planning to prevent thousands of residents from returning to the streets after the pandemic, one commonly proposed option is to acquire the hotels and motels where people are living.
This document outlines six considerations to take into account when exploring this option, including initial feasibility questions to ask about hotel/motel acquisitions and the importance of exploring multiple re-housing strategies.