“We are actually putting together a press release that will answer some of these questions. We will send it your way once it's finalized,” Ana Bankers, V.P. of Development and Marketing for Volunteers of America responded by email after we wrote asking about an update on the planned conversion of the Hi-Way 40 Motel into supportive housing.
We’ve been watching this development closely as we’ve long advocated for saving and converting motels as an option for neighbors in need rather than tearing them down.
A City of Reno council recap had recently indicated that “in another move to address housing needs for individuals requiring mental health services, the City is joining forces with Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAHMS), securing housing for 12 clients at the soon-to-be renovated Hi-Way 40 Motel.
With significant financial support from the City, Volunteers of America (VOA) officially purchased the motel on September 15, 2023 and will soon begin the process of converting it into permanent housing tailored to low-income residents with mental health considerations.
Under the agreement that Council approved, NNAHMS will pay a nightly rate of $85.71 to the City for 12 residents, who will then reimburse this amount to the VOA. The total funding for this initiative is capped at $752,832. “
In a more detailed follow up, City Public Communications Specialist Landon Miller wrote: “Built in 1949, VOA plans to rehabilitate the structure and create 22 single occupancy units. In addition to affordable housing, there will also be a community space on site where community partners can provide on-site services, including mental health support, for residents.
The location of the building is ideal due to its proximity to not only the RTC bus line, but other resources including the Village on Sage Street, and the future Northern Nevada Hope Springs Clinic, which is under construction at 1920 E 4th St. Reno, NV 89512, and other planned projects.
The purchase and renovation of the old Hi-Way 40 Motel is the result of a collaboration between the City, VOA, NNAHMS, and the Housing Division of the State of Nevada. During the July 26, 2023 Reno City Council meeting, councilmembers approved a subrecipient agreement with VOA in the amount of $350,000. This is in addition to the $2,000,000 Council approved for the project in February 2022.”
Stay tuned as we keep tracking this motel’s evolution.