Homelessness News - San Rafael

Homeless Encampment Fire, Assault, and Proposed Camping Ordinance

Posted on July 17, 2023

San Rafael, CA – On 07/14/2023, San Rafael Police Department officers arrested a fifty-five-year-old San Rafael resident, for assaulting a victim and setting a tent on fire in the area of the Mahon Creek path, where a large homeless encampment has grown significantly over the last several months. The victim was treated and is...

The City Council will Consider an Ordinance Regulating Camping on Public Property

Posted on July 7, 2023

The City Council will consider introducing an ordinance regulating camping on public property at a Special City Council meeting on July 10, 2023, at 7 p.m. The staff report and ordinance text are published on the City’s website. Summary of Proposed Ordinance The proposed ordinance keeps the existing rules on camping on public property in the City, but...

SSA Transitioning

Posted on July 7, 2022

The City of San Rafael created the Service Support Area (SSA) on July 6th, 2021, for those experiencing homelessness to provide a safe space to receive specialized services and assist in identifying paths to permanent housing. The area where the SSA is located was a Caltrans-owned space where individuals experiencing homelessness had been staying and...

Posted on May 24, 2022

Getting to know the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin has been serving San Rafael since 1946. With a long history of collaboration, St. Vincent de Paul has successfully partnered with the community in their journey to end hunger, poverty, and homelessness in Marin. Their free dining...

Request for Proposals Homeless Outreach Services – May 2022

Posted on May 11, 2022

The Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC) and the Marin Managers Association (MMA) represent all the cities and towns in Marin County. Several years ago, the MCCMC created a Community Homeless Fund where cities and towns, and the County of Marin, allocate funds for certain homelessness services. This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) is...

SSA Update: March 2022 – SSA Receives Encampment Resolution Funding from the State

Posted on March 18, 2022

Getting to know the Ritter Center 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 via designated service support areas (SSA). SSAs are designated spaces with security, restrooms, handwashing stations, garbage pick-up, regular outreach and service referrals, and...

SSA Update: January 2022 – Emergency Shelter Activation and Case Management Program

Posted on January 24, 2022

The City of San Rafael continues to successfully operate the temporary Service Support Area (SSA) for those experiencing homelessness. Individuals are in a safe place (the City funds security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) where they can access a variety of services such as mobile showers, bathrooms, case management, charging stations, and donations. The site...

SSA Update: Meditation Stories + Weather Support

Posted on December 17, 2021

The City of San Rafael continues to successfully operate the temporary Service Support Area (SSA) for those experiencing homelessness. Individuals are in a safe place (the City funds security 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) where they can connect with a variety of services including mobile showers, case management, charging stations, and food donations. The site...

SSA Update: Personal Stories + Donation Opportunities

Posted on November 10, 2021

The City of San Rafael continues to successfully operate the temporary Service Support Area (SSA) for those experiencing homelessness. The rain has certainly had an effect on the SSA, but the City and local partners have been quick to help keep the area dry. City staff are assisting by building platforms to keep tents elevated and out of puddles with lumber donated by Golden State Lumber, re-routing...

Homelessness and Housing: Service Support Area Update

Posted on October 13, 2021

The City of San Rafael continues to operate the Service Support Areas (SSA) for those experiencing homelessness and continues to see positive results. As part of the collaboration with Caltrans, the County of Marin, CHP, and multiple service organizations, this designated space located between Fifth and Mission in downtown San Rafael provides: Full time security Restrooms Handwashing stations Garbage pick-up Regular...