Marin Co. City Touts Progress On Homelessness

SAN RAFAEL, CA — San Rafael officials Thursday touted progress on homelessness in the North Bay city.

City officials said in a news release cited state aid, a housing voucher program and investment in supportive housing as pivotal factors in providing more care for homeless people in 2020 than ever before.

State funding for housing for initiatives such as Project Homekey, increased engagement from local landlords accepting housing vouchers, and the city’s $1.3 million purchase of a 44-unit permanent supportive housing project 3301 Kerner have all made a difference, city officials said.

The voucher program has housed approximately 300 chronically homeless people in rental units scattered throughout the county.

City officials said they followed Centers for Disease Control guidance as the homeless population in central San Rafael 101viaduct swelled amid the pandemic.

“If individual housing options are not available, allow people who are living unsheltered or in encampments to remain where they are,” the CDC guidance said.

“Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers. This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”

Providing solution-oriented outreach to those living in the 101 viaduct encampment remains a top priority, city officials said.

“We are doing everything we possibly can to responsibly and compassionately address this growing site, and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work through these extremely challenging issues,” city officials said.