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Sanctioned Camping Area

San Rafael operates a sanctioned camping program along the northern portion of the Mahon Creek Path. This temporary program, funded through the State's Encampment Resolution Fund Grant Program, provides stability, safety, and on-site services for residents while connecting them to long-term housing solutions. 

Sanctioned Camping Area Background

Purple and white sign that reads "sanctioned camping area" For many years, individuals experiencing homelessness have camped along the Mahon Creek Path and nearby areas. 

  • When the City banned camping at Albert Park, many people relocated to Mahon Creek Path and Lindaro Street. 
  • In December 2023, camping was also prohibited along Lindaro Street because it is a school route. As a result, more individuals moved to the Mahon Creek Path and Andersen Drive areas. 

In 2024, the City of San Rafael and County of Marin received a $6 million Encampment Resolution Fund grant. The funding requires alternative shelter in the same general area as the existing Mahon Creek Path encampment. 

After a year-long search, the City was unable to identify a different viable site. The sanctioned camping area was therefore established at Mahon Creek Path. The program is temporary, with the goal of connecting people to housing through dedicated services and support.

Watch the transformation of the Mahon Creek Path into the Sanctioned Camping Area and see how the space was redesigned to create safety and stability!

(Credit: FS Global)

Who Can Use the Sanctioned Camping Area?

The sanctioned camping area is limited to individuals who lived in the Mahon Creek Path encampment before January 31, 2024 (the ERF3 grant application date). The sanctioned camping area has 50 tent sites for enrolled participants and be located on the northern portion of the Mahon Creek Path. 

Participation in the sanctioned camping area is voluntary and individuals were prioritized based on the following criteria (in rank order): 

  1. Plaintiffs in Boyd v. City of San Rafael 
  2. Assessment Score using the Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) or the new Marin Assessment for Vulnerability – Single Adult (MAV-SA)
  3. Length of time residing in the Mahon Creek Path Area encampment 
  4. Previous participation in the City’s Service Support Area 

The City provided notice to all Mahon Creek Path Area encampment residents regarding the new sanctioned camping program, including details on how to register to participate, the code of conduct required to participate, and the requirements for individuals on the northern portion of the path to work with the City to replace their tents and to adjust their location to an approved camping spot. 

The City has also created a no-camping buffer along the southern portion of the Mahon Creek Path. This is a best practice and seeks to limit individuals from taking advantage of services while not abiding by the requirements of the program.

Services Provided at the Sanctioned Camping Area

Photo of blue and beige tents in a line

Participants have access to a range of services and supports, including: 

  • Case Management: Three full-time housing case managers and one outreach worker from Marin County Health & Human Services. 
  • San Rafael SAFE Team: Crisis response for mental health, substance use, or non-emergency medical needs. 
  • Weekly Shower Service 
  • Portable Restrooms with Handwashing Stations 
  • Garbage Pickup & Dumpsters: Residents must keep items within their tent area. 
  • Pet Area: Designated space for dogs with waste bags and trash bins. 
  • Designated Smoking Area to reduce fire risks.  

Safety and Security

24/7 security personnel are on-site to assist with resident safety, uphold the no-visitor policy of the camping location, notify emergency services as needed, and monitor the overall location. Additional safety measures include: 

  • Controlled access: Fencing surrounds the site, with gates at Lincoln Ave and Francisco Blvd West. 
  • Visitor Policy: No visitors are allowed inside the sanctioned camping area. 
  • Fire Prevention Fire extinguishers are placed throughout the site. The San Rafael Fire Department conducts regular inspections.

Sanctioned Encampment Area (SCA) Dashboard

The Sanctioned Camping Area has provided a safer and more stable environment, and the outcomes show it works. Of the residents, 86 percent are either housed or actively working toward housing. Fifty-four percent have increased their income through employment or General Assistance, and 82 percent are enrolled in benefits such as Medi-Cal or CalFresh. One in four residents are engaged in treatment services that address mental health and substance use.

Together, these results show that the SCA provides real pathways to stability.

Pie chart showing Sanctioned Encampment Area client housing outcomes. 12% permanently housed, 74% in housing search, and 14% exited SCA to alternate shelter, unsheltered homelessness, or institution. Pie chart showing Sanctioned Encampment Area client income outcomes. 54% increased income (either through employment or public health), 46% maintain income (actively in employement search, or process to receive public benefits)
Sanctioned Encampment Area (SCA) Client Benefit Outcomes" showing two segments: 82% of clients have received benefits such as MediCal and CalFresh, and 18% are in the process of obtaining benefits. Pie chart showing Sanctioned Encampment Area client medical treatment outcomes. 26% engaged in outpatient or residential treatment, and 74% did not need outpatient or residential treatment.

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