Glendora’s City Council has approved a $5 million dollar purchase of a 2.17-acre assisted-living facility to convert it into affordable housing.

Half of the funds to be used for the transaction will come from the Affordable Housing Fund and the Housing Authority, with the balance allocated from Measure E.

The purchase, approved April 25, is now pending a 90-day escrow.

“Today’s action allows us to address a critical local need as was highlighted by our residents in the community survey,” said Glendora Mayor Gary Boyer in a statement. “We’re pleased when an agreement like this allows us to address those concerns with an opportunity that will benefit everyone in the city in many ways.”

In two community surveys, 22% of Glendorans listed homelessness as the biggest quality of life concern. Glendora counted 145 people experiencing homelessness in 2020 and 84 in 2022 (2021 count was canceled due to COVID).

The original owners of the facility, located on 1762 Dale Road, wanted the property to continue serving a public purpose and contacted city representatives themselves.

According to officials, to ensure the facility’s operations wind down responsibly and consistent with legal relocation obligations, residents were relocated to other nearby similar assisted living facilities over the last several weeks.

This includes providing relocation assistance to four employees who have lived on the property as part of its operation.

In May 2022 the City contracted with L.A. CADA (Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse) and secured two, full-time outreach workers to provide housing navigation services, reuniting individuals with their families and continually addressing encampment-related issues.

While many details of this project are in development, the site will be demolished and secured until ready. Officials said that extensive community outreach and input is needed before plans can begin.