The Santa Cruz Inn was purchased by Housing Matters in 2025. A representative wrote that occupants are expected in early October. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
Last updated: August 2025
Project name: Live Oak Landing
Location: 2950 Soquel Ave., Live Oak
The motel is on Soquel Avenue near a Highway 1 on-ramp.
Status
- The inn is expected to open in early October as temporary housing for people struggling with homelessness.
- Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in June 2025 approved spending $500,000 of Measure K tax money on the project. The money was going to be spent on a Housing Matters navigation center, but shifted to this project.
- In April 2024, the City of Santa Cruz and Housing Matters received $4 million in state money to develop 20-25 units of interim housing.
Project description
- Total rooms: 20. Some of the rooms can house two people, Housing Matters spokesperson Michael Norris wrote in an email.
- Services: “Comprehensive case management, housing navigation, supportive services, three meals daily” and all other services provided to Housing Matters participants, wrote Norris.
- Length of stay: “Length of stay will depend on individual needs and the housing navigation process, as coordinated through [Encampment Resolution Program] staff,” wrote Norris.
In 2024, Housing Matters sought $4.9 million to purchase and repurpose the inn for temporary housing. The County of Santa Cruz in June dedicated $500,000 from Measure K tax revenue.
The bulk of the funding comes from a $4 million state Encampment Resolution Program grant. About $2 million went to the purchase of the property. The majority of the remaining $2 million in grant money would go towards staffing for the inn and services for residents, Santa Cruz Homelessness Response Manager Larry Imwalle wrote in a June email. The money is expected to support operations through at least 2029.
“After fulfilling the Encampment Resolution Program grant requirements through 2029, the property will be fully and unconditionally owned by Housing Matters,” wrote Norris.
The motel was renamed Live Oak Landing. ‘The word landing symbolizes “coming to rest after a journey,” which reflects the purpose of the project,’ said Michael Norris, a Housing Matters spokesman. (Tyler Maldonado — Santa Cruz Local)
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