San Rafael Launches Program To Aid Homeless

SAN RAFAEL, CA – San Rafael has partnered with several local government and nonprofit groups to develop a new program to aid the city’s homeless population, officials said.

The city partnered with Caltrans, the County of Marin, CHP, and multiple service organizations to launch a Service Support Area for the city’s viaduct encampments Tuesday.

This designated space will provide security, restrooms, handwashing stations, garbage pick-up, regular outreach and service referrals, and other quality-of-life amenities.

The program will also promote the continuing of work with local partners to identify permanent paths to housing.

For more information on San Rafael’s efforts to support its unhoused community visit here.

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.

Caltrans will begin the process of consolidating the encampment activity under the viaduct while these supportive services remain in place.

The consolidation process 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 $1.3 million 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 and city along with local partners have housed over 340 of the most vulnerable people experiencing long-term homelessness in the 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).

San Rafael Police Department’s non-emergency number is (415) 485-3000. For emergencies, dial 911.