Interested in helping the 516 Canal Neighbors?

Please consider donating to the Canal Alliance Support Fund or the Marin Community Foundation Canal Residents Emergency Fund.

   
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Homelessness

City Response to Homelessness Supporting Unhoused Community Members Report Issues Community Questions About Homelessness
Back Ordinance Regulating Encampments Sanctioned Camping Area Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale Road
Back Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Daniel Cooperman
Community Services Division Director
(415) 256-5565
endhomelessness@cityofsanrafael.org
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901

The City of San Rafael is committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and accountability.

Our goal is to honor the dignity of every person while ensuring that public spaces remain safe, clean, and accessible to all. On this page you’ll find information about City policies, the sanctioned camping program, upcoming plans, and ways to connect with services or report issues. 

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Ordinance Regulating Encampments

Learn about San Rafael’s local camping ordinance, why it was updated, and how enforcement works

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Interim Shelter Site

Information about the interim shelter program at 350 Merrydale Road.

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Community Questions (FAQ)

Answers to common questions about homelessness in San Rafael.

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Supporting Unhoused Community Members

An overview of local services, programs, and ways residents and businesses can help.

Two people speaking to each other at Marin Housing both at a resource fair
Resources for Renters

Information on tenant protections, rental assistance, and programs to prevent homelessness.

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Sanctioned Camping Area

Information about the Mahon Creek Path site, services provided, and future plans.

Latest Update: 10/15 Press Conference – Announcement of New Interim Shelter at 350 Merrydale Rd

News and Updates

October 28, 2025 Meeting flyer

Community Meeting: 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter Project scheduled for October 28, 2025

Posted on October 15, 2025

Join the City of San Rafael and County of Marin for a virtual community meeting about the 350 Merrydale Road Interim Shelter Project, where you can ask questions and provide your feedback. Date: October 28, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Location: Zoom Webinar - Join the meeting online by clicking here or scanning the QR...

City of San Rafael and County of Marin Announce New Interim Shelter Site at 350 Merrydale

Posted on October 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2025 Media Contact: Daniel Cooperman (he/him) Community Services Division Director City of San Rafael Daniel.Cooperman@cityofsanrafael.org (415) 256-5565 CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND COUNTY OF MARIN ANNOUNCE NEW INTERIM SHELTER SITE, PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING San Rafael, CA – The City of San Rafael, in partnership with the County of...

Administrative Order: Temporary Prohibition on Camping at City Hall and Canalways Property

Posted on May 19, 2025

The City of San Rafael has issued a temporary ban on camping at City Hall and the Canalways property last week. The temporary ban starts on May 19 to June 9th at City Hall and from May 27 to June 17 at the Canalways property. The temporary ban is to support our Wildfire Mitigation team’s...

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