# Project Turnkey Act: Converting Empty Hotels Into Housing for People in Need

The Project Turnkey Act creates a new federal program that gives money to cities, states, nonprofits, and housing agencies to buy and convert vacant hotels and motels into affordable housing and shelters. The program would provide $1 billion annually for this purpose, with funding available through 2034, making it a long-term commitment to addressing homelessness and housing shortages across the country.

The money can be used in several practical ways. Organizations can convert empty hotels and motels into permanent housing or temporary shelters, provide rental assistance to help people pay their rent and deposits, offer supportive services like job training and counseling, and repair or expand existing shelters. The bill specifically targets people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of becoming homeless, youth aging out of foster care, and people fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking. The program is designed to be flexible—local governments and nonprofits can decide what their communities need most, whether that's more shelter beds, permanent apartments, or services to help people stay housed.

To make this work quickly, the bill removes many of the usual bureaucratic requirements that normally slow down housing projects. It allows the federal government to waive standard rules about matching funds, cost limits, and other technical requirements that typically apply to housing programs. However, it keeps strict protections in place for fair housing, preventing discrimination, labor standards, and environmental safety. The funding gets distributed to cities and regions that already receive federal housing money, ensuring it goes to places with established housing infrastructure and experience managing these programs.