Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center to Offer Support for Community

On February 26, 2025, the City of San Leandro proudly celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center, a critical resource to support the unhoused in the community. This milestone reflects the City’s commitment to addressing homelessness through collaboration and innovation. For the last four years, the San Leandro City Council has prioritized the development of this facility. After extensive efforts to identify the right location, the City acquired the former Nimitz Motel at 555 Lewelling Boulevard from the Solanki family in 2022.

Securing financial support from various federal, state, and county agencies, including the State’s Project Homekey program, was essential in realizing this project. In the Fall of 2023, California’s Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the City over $9.3 million for acquisition, renovation, and operations. Additional funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Alameda County, and the State of California further strengthened the financial viability of this project. 

Mayor Juan González expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that brought this project to fruition: “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and advocacy of our City leadership, community partners, and elected officials at every level. While the project faced challenges along the way, we remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that San Leandro had the resources necessary to open this facility in a sustainable way.” 

The Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center represents a significant step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness. The facility provides 29 units of temporary housing, comprehensive support services, and a pathway to permanent housing for individuals in need. Additionally, the facility will have a daytime drop-in center where unhoused members of the community have access to showers, laundry, meals, and support services. 

“This project exemplifies what is possible when government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the community come together with a shared vision,” said Mayor Gonzalez. “San Leandro remains committed to continuing this work and ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity and provided access to housing.” For more information on the Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center, please contact the City of San Leandro at humanservices@sanleandro.org. 

The facility will have a tiered opening, with the temporary housing opening in March 2025, and the drop-in center opening in May 2025. All residents of the temporary housing will be referred through the Alameda County Coordinated Entry System.