Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – On Tuesday, October 14, Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Division of Homelessness and Coordinated Care will present an update to the Marin County Board of Supervisors as part of a study session outlining progress made in addressing homelessness, the challenges that remain, and shared goals for the future.
Since adopting a Housing First model in 2017, Marin has used strong city and county partnerships to connect more than 3,200 residents to housing and added 151 new units across multiple jurisdictions as part of the statewide Homekey initiative in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts between local governments, service providers, and community partners have led to measurable reductions in chronic homelessness and emergency system use, demonstrating the power of stable housing and coordinated care.
Yet challenges persist. Rising housing costs, limited housing vouchers, behavioral health needs, and federal policy changes continue to strain local systems. In 2024, Marin HHS coordinated its Point-in-Time Count, a single-day inventory and survey of homeless individuals that is mandated every two years for all communities that receive federal homelessness prevention funding. Data from that count showed 45% of people experiencing homelessness report mental health challenges, underscoring the need for deeper collaboration between housing and behavioral health services. Additionally, recent changes in state and federal funding and the legal landscape presents an opportunity to reevaluate how this complex topic should be addressed moving forward in partnership with nonprofits and other agency partners such as cities.
Looking ahead, Marin will launch a strategic refresh of its Homelessness System of Care to strengthen partnerships, align investments, and close service gaps — particularly in prevention and behavioral health housing. A countywide communications campaign will also be developed to uplift community understanding and share success stories.
“Marin has proven that collaboration works,” said Gary Naja-Riese, HHS’ Director of Homelessness and Coordinated Care. “Now we must build on that progress, close the remaining gaps, and continue to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time.”
“We are excited to engage in conversation and collaboration with our Board of Supervisors and community partners to think strategically about various aspects of homeless services that are vital to our community,” said Niccore Tyler, MBA, HHS’ Chief Assistant Director and Chief Strategy Officer. “By having conversations to consider how we balance prevention, crisis, and supportive housing, we highlight meaningful and transformative approaches to create greater impact.”
The Supervisors scheduled the study session to provide a public update and collect feedback from the Board, County partners, and the public. The Supervisors are not voting on the item.
For more information, visit HHS’ Housing First webpage or call 415-473-HOME.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-7159 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail HHS staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.