Council to Weigh $16.4M for Ramkabir Motel Housing

Bakersfield's City Council will consider combining grant funds to convert a vacant motel into permanent supportive housing.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Remote Work

Council to Weigh $16.4M for Ramkabir Motel Housing

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Should your city spend more public money on housing for people experiencing homelessness?

The Bakersfield City Council is set to consider combining $16.4 million in grant funds for the Ramkabir Motel housing project at its Wednesday, November 4, 2026 meeting. The vacant 38-room motel at 901 Union Avenue would be converted into 30 permanent supportive housing units, with half reserved for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters

The project would add permanent supportive housing units in Bakersfield, using state Homekey+ funds and local homelessness grant dollars. Council approval would allow construction and supportive services to move forward under an agreement with Community Action Partnership of Kern.

The $16.4 million package combines over $14 million in state Homekey+ funding with local Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant dollars for a 38-room conversion. Construction is expected to take about 10 months, against a state deadline requiring completion within 12 months.

The players

Community Action Partnership of Kern

A nonprofit anti-poverty agency in Kern County that would plan, build and run the Ramkabir housing project under the proposed agreement with the city.

California Department of Housing and Community Development

The state agency that awarded over $14 million through the Homekey+ program to fund the Ramkabir Motel conversion.

The details

Bakersfield purchased the former Ramkabir Motel at 901 Union Avenue in April 2024. The city submitted a joint application with Community Action Partnership of Kern, which under a proposed agreement would handle planning, design, construction and completion, while the nonprofit would also provide case management, mental health and substance use treatment, and employment services.

April 2024: City purchased the former Ramkabir Motel at 901 Union Ave.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: City Council considers combining grant funds at 5:15 p.m. at 1501 Truxtun Ave.
Early November 2026: Construction is expected to begin.
September 2027: Construction completion deadline.

Remote Work Landscape

Projects like the Ramkabir Motel conversion are funded through California's Homekey+ program, which has financed hotel and motel acquisitions for housing across the state. The Bakersfield project follows that model by pairing state capital funds with local homelessness grants.

If approved, the project would bring 30 permanent supportive housing units to the Union Avenue site, with half reserved for veterans. Residents of those units would receive case management, mental health and substance use treatment, and employment services.

The takeaway

Permanent supportive housing projects like this one depend on coordinated state capital funds, local grants and nonprofit service providers working together over several years. Readers following the project can track the council's decision at the November 4 meeting.

What happens next

The City Council is scheduled to consider combining the grant funds on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with construction expected to begin in early November and be completed by September 2027.