On Monday, November 17, the San Rafael City Council approved the acquisition of the property at 350 Merrydale Road, paving the way for a major step forward in the city’s strategy to address homelessness. This dual-purpose project brings both immediate relief and a long-term vision for affordable housing.
The plan includes 65 private cabins, each lockable and equipped with heating, electricity, and storage, as well as access to case management, housing navigation, health and behavioral health referrals, benefits enrollment, and employment counseling. The shelter will be professionally operated with 24/7 security, controlled entry, perimeter fencing, lighting, and ongoing collaboration with SRPD and the SAFE team.
The interim shelter is time-limited and will close in June 2029 at the latest. The long-term goal for the property is to develop at least 80 units of affordable housing. This project was made possible through a strong partnership with The County of Marin. This week, the Board of Supervisors approved a grant for $8 million to acquire the 350 Merrydale property.
Next steps: The City of San Rafael will be facilitating a community engagement session on December 8, to receive feedback on the updated Good Neighbor Policy and preliminary site design. Residents can sign up for updates to stay informed about this project and future opportunities to provide input.
To learn more, watch the City Council meeting and view the presentation.