Interim, Inc. breaks ground on 23 low-income studio apartments in Marina.

After years of fundraising and planning, nonprofit Interim, Inc. broke ground on Tuesday, Nov. 10, on 23 much-needed permanent supportive studio apartments in Marina, specifically for very low-income adults living with serious mental illness who are unhoused or at risk for homelessness. 

Named Marina Kai, the new building at 605 Bayonet Circle will bring an increase in the number of permanent supportive affordable units to the region, replacing an existing two-story building containing four apartments on Interim's Marina campus. 

The three-story project is expected to cost approximately $17.6 million. In addition to the studio apartments, it includes an apartment for an on-site resident manager, a community room, laundry facilities and offices where residents can access supportive services. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2028.

"Marina Kai represents far more than the construction of a new building. It represents the opportunity for people who have experienced homelessness and serious mental illness to have a safe place to call home, along with the support they need to build greater stability and independence," Rhiyan Quiton, Interim's executive director, said in a statement.

Funding came from a variety of sources, including $12.1 million through the California Department of Housing and Community Development's HOME-ARP program that comes with a 15-year operating subsidy to keep the apartments affordable. Central California Alliance for Health contributed $2.5 million.

Funding also came from the state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, the Berkshire Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Interfaith Outreach of Carmel's Joining Hands Benefit Shop, Harden Foundation and the Community Foundation for Monterey County, among others.