Body of News Release
Marin County, CA — On November 19, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will meet to formally accept over $18 million in state funding and approve contracts with subrecipient partners aimed at addressing homelessness.
The vital funding was secured earlier this year from the State of California’s Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF) and with key support from state Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Damon Connolly, and other state officials, will enable Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue transformative work to house hundreds of people experiencing homelessness.
This funding marks a significant step in Marin County’s ongoing efforts to help unsheltered individuals move from longstanding encampments into stable, permanent housing. The partnership between Marin HHS, the City of San Rafael, the Bolinas Community Land Trust, and other local partners underscores the collaborative spirit necessary to tackle the complex issue of homelessness.
Funding Allocation Details:
- $8,678,324 to serve 60 individuals, primarily Latinx farm workers and their families, by establishing a new RV interim housing site in Bolinas and supporting the construction of 27 new permanent housing units.
- $5,999,241 to serve 65 people and house 46 individuals from the Mahon Creek Path area, the community’s largest encampment, located in San Rafael.
- $3,720,706 to serve the remaining 60 individuals through the extension of a previous ERF-funded project addressing the state right-of-way encampment at Binford Road in unincorporated Novato.
“Marin HHS is committed to advancing sustainable solutions to homelessness that uplift individuals and entire communities,” said Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin HHS. “This funding, alongside our partnerships with the City of San Rafael and other key stakeholders, will drive our collective mission to offer vital support and stable housing to those most in need.”
The City of San Rafael has been an essential partner in this mission. “These funds represent a tremendous step forward in our mission to create a San Rafael where everyone has access to safe, stable housing," said Cristine Alilovich, City Manager. "By working closely with the County of Marin and our community based organizations, we’re not only addressing homelessness but also strengthening the fabric of our community. This funding empowers us to build on our collaborative efforts and implement sustainable, long-term solutions that will transform lives and uplift our entire city."
Marin HHS’s Homelessness and Coordinated Care Division will manage the implementation of these projects, providing updates and ensuring that the community is informed of progress. The Division’s goal is to achieve lasting impacts by addressing not only immediate needs but also the root causes of homelessness through a comprehensive, housing-first approach.
“By securing this substantial funding, we’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting Marin’s most vulnerable residents,” said Derek Johnson, Marin County Executive. “Addressing homelessness requires bold and long-lasting solutions and the power of collaboration. This funding will enable us to make a real difference by providing stable housing and vital resources to help individuals transition out of encampments and into permanent homes. Together with our local partners and state leaders, we are dedicated to creating lasting change in Marin.”
The importance of addressing homelessness and supporting affordable housing solutions remains a top priority for the County of Marin, aligning with responses from countywide surveys that highlight the community’s desire for effective action in this area.
“Securing these funds demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainable solutions for Marin’s most vulnerable,” said Warhuus. “This is a crucial opportunity to address the county’s largest encampments and provide the necessary support to help individuals transition into permanent housing.”
The BOS meeting will be held at the Marin County Civic Center, where officials will discuss and vote on accepting the funds and approving subrecipient contracts with partners including the City of San Rafael and other agencies that will help manage these critical projects.
For further information, please contact Marin HHS or visit www.marinhhs.org.