San Rafael, CA- Over the last year, the City of San Rafael has partnered with Caltrans, the County of Marin, CHP, and multiple service organizations to provide enhanced services for individuals experiencing homelessness. This innovative partnership has enabled the City to create a designated “service support area” that will launch July 6th. This designated space will provide security, restrooms, handwashing stations, garbage pick-up, regular outreach and service referrals, and other quality of life amenities. It will also allow for the continuing of work with local partners to identify permanent paths to housing. For more information on San Rafael’s efforts to support our unhoused community visit www.cityofsanrafael.org/departments/homelessness/.
Throughout the nation, the state and right here at home, there has been an increase in the number of residents who are homeless or vulnerably housed due to the pandemic. This includes Marin County and the City of San Rafael. The largest encampment in San Rafael is currently located under the Central San Rafael 101 viaduct, in the park and ride area that is owned and managed by Caltrans.
Beginning July 6th, Caltrans will begin the process of consolidating the encampment activity under the viaduct while these supportive services remain in place. The Caltrans consolidation will be a phased approach, to allow for continued shelter, housing, outreach, and case management resources, either on or off-site.
San Rafael continues to be a countywide leader in the development of new housing options for people experiencing homelessness. In November, the City Council allocated $1.3M in funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support the County’s purchase of 3301 Kerner Boulevard through the State’s Project Homekey initiative, which will create 44 units of permanent supportive housing. In June, the City Council authorized up to $260,000 in funding for additional social workers to help in housing placement.
Since October of 2017, the County, the City, and local partners in Marin County have housed over 340 of the most vulnerable people experiencing long-term homelessness in our community. Housing and services are the solution to homelessness.
Questions about the Support Service Area can be directed to Office Kaitlin Maley at: 609@srpd.org or (415) 485-5063 ext 1609.
Questions about the path to housing can go to (415) 473-INFO (4636). For emergencies, dial 911 and the San Rafael Police Department’s non-emergency number is (415) 485-3000.