Sup. Horvath Orders Termination of Two Proposed Ocean Ave. Housing Projects

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath has directed the termination of two proposed Ocean Ave. interim housing projects, which would have been located a few blocks outside of the Canyon in Santa Monica.

Instead, she asked the Department of Mental Health (DMH), St. Joseph Center, which would have managed the projects, and the City of Santa Monica “to identify alternative locations for these urgently needed services,” according to her website.

The proposed projects would have reportedly converted former ocean-view senior-living buildings in the 400- and 800-blocks of Ocean Avenue into a total of 49 supportive housing units for people struggling with mental health issues. The goal would have been to provide mental health care, 24-hour security, and other resources until the residents could be transitioned into other housing. 

However, many nearby residents complained that they had been shut out of the development process.

“When a project moves forward without community awareness, it erodes trust,” Horvath said. “In this case, that trust has been broken, and the community is right to be frustrated…. The lack of transparency and coordination in this process is unacceptable. It’s exactly why I directed the County to unify all homelessness and behavioral health housing programs under one coordinated department—to ensure clear leadership, consistent communication, and accountability as we address our homelessness crisis. The need for mental health and housing resources remains urgent. We must all work together to deliver the solutions we need.”