HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Grand Jury Response Homelessness____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: 6/18/2018
Disposition: Resolution 14524
Agenda Item No: 7.b
Meeting Date: June 4, 2018
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager’s Office
Prepared by: Andrew Hening,
Director of Homeless
Planning & Outreach
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: RESPONSE TO GRAND JURY REPORT ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL RESPONSE TO THE MAY 9,
2018 MARIN COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ENTITLED "HOMELESSNESS IN
MARIN: A PROGRESS REPORT”
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the proposed
response to the Grand Jury report and authorizing the Mayor to execute the response.
BACKGROUND:
On May 9, 2018 (public release date May 17, 2018) the Marin County Grand Jury released a report
entitled “Homelessness in Marin: A Progress Report” as a follow up to their April 23, 2015 report
entitled “Homelessness in Marin: A Call for Leadership.” As indicated in the latest report, since 2015
our community has indeed made significant progress addressing homelessness, and the City of San
Rafael, through the creation of its Director of Homeless of Planning & Outreach position, as well as its
investment in a Mental Health Resource Officer and Downtown Foot Patrol, has played a central role in
helping to drive the change.
For this latest report, the Grand Jury:
- Conducted interviews with County and city officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations dedicated
to homeless services, and informed members of the public.
- Attended meetings of the Homeless Policy Steering Committee, which serves to coordinate
County and nonprofit efforts.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
- Studied the 2017 Point-in-Time Survey, which identified and categorized the homeless
population in Marin.
- Reviewed the Continuum of Care Housing Inventory5 to assess the housing and shelter
resources available.
- Read articles in the Marin Independent Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and other
publications.
- Researched homeless programs throughout the country.
Through their research, the Grand Jury has found that the City of San Rafael, the County of Marin, and
our local nonprofits are now in many ways on the cutting-edge of homeless service provision. Since
the original report was released, the City and our local partners have:
- Have visited, vetted, and adopted both regional and national best practices such as the
Homeless Outreach Team, Coordinated Entry, and Housing First.
- We have supported our shelter providers in creating a new vision and operational framework for
“housing-focused” shelter.
- Through public policy, programming, and community education, we have worked to emphasize
the importance and feasability of ending chronic homelessness.
- We have worked to develop new funding sources like Whole Person Care (administered by the
County of Marin), and we have also worked to create more efficient service models (e.g. the
Ritter Center has hired Mark Shotwell, a leading expert on Assertive Community Teams who
had previously been the Director of Healthcare for the Homeless in Alameda County).
As outlined in the latest report, Marin, by emulating communities like Bergen County, New Jersey who
have ended chronic homelessness, is now on a path towards significantly reducing public expenditure,
improving quality of life issues for all residents, and sustainably assisting some of the most vulnerable
people in our community regain housing.
Despite all of this great progress, however, the Grand Jury also accurately points out that while we
have been able to house approximately 60 of the most vulnerable, chronically homeless people in our
community over the last two years, if we are going to accelerate this process and actually end chronic
homelessness, we have to create more permanent supportive housing units.
Solving chronic homelessness is like a tripod (Figure 1). A community needs a framework for
prioritizing the most vulnerable. Marin now has that through Coordinated Entry. A community needs
services and case management capacity to support everyone moving into housing. The State of
California and the County of Marin are now providing that through Whole Person Care. Lastly, a
community needs housing units. The Marin Housing Authority has made significant progress through
the “Landlord Partnership Program” recruiting new landlords (e.g. they recruited 82 new landlords in
2017), but in order to create the 400 units the Grand Jury report suggests we need, we cannot solely
rely on landlord recruitment.
Given this remaining challenge around housing creation, the Grand Jury has asked every city and town
in Marin to describe how they plan to create more units within their jurisdiction.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
Figure 1 – The Tripod of Solving Chronic Homelessness
ANALYSIS:
#1 What the City is Already Doing
In the summer of 2017, the City of San Rafael responded to a separate Marin County Grand Jury
reported entitled “Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Housing.” The City’s response at that time
outlined many of the steps our communities has taken to facilitate the creation of more units:
- The City has had an inclusionary housing policy since 1987
- The City has adopted a commercial linkage to help fund affordable housing projects
- The City currently has over 100 residential units (including below-market-rate units) approved
and fully entitled in Downtown San Rafael. We cannot, however, force developers to build.
- The City offers a residential density bonus for affordable housing
- The City has adopted a Junior Second Unit Ordinance
Of note, in other communities like Montgomery County, Maryland (outside of Washington, D.C.), the
local housing authority acquires below-market-rate units at the time of their creation and uses them for
permanent supportive housing. That is certainly an option in Marin. Also of note, since last summer’s
response, the City has begun its 2040 General Plan process, and the City has also been awarded
funding to create a Downtown Precise Plan. Both of these planning efforts can help with future
development in San Rafael.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
#2 A Vision for the Future
In addition to the policies above, beginning in January of 2017, the City’s Director of Homeless
Planning & Outreach has played a central role in the creation of a new county-wide working group
called “Opening Doors Marin.” Opening Doors includes representatives from the County of Marin’s
Board of Supervisors, County of Marin Department Directors, local real estate experts, nonprofit
housing developers, the faith-based community, local homeless service and housing providers, City
Councilmembers from jurisdictions throughout Marin, City Managers from jurisdictions throughout
Marin, and local philanthropies. The goals of this group are three-fold:
1. Create a community-wide vision and business plan for ending chronic homelessness by 2022.
2. Create a forum where local jurisdictions can have a regional discussion about creating more
units. W hen communities are siloed, a “prisoner’s dilemma” mentality can develop around
housing. There is a fear that if community X is the first to create housing, then community Y will
simply send more people to community X. The goal is to have each community see that
everyone is doing their part.
3. Create more operational efficiency for stakeholders. Currently, the housing development
process in our region is very disjointed (Figure 2). Opening Doors is an early effort to create
more coordination (Figure 3).
Figure 2 – The Status Quo
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Figure 3 – The Vision
#3 Remaining Challenges
The Grand Jury report recommends that cities and towns work more closely with developers, however,
there is a barrier to doing so beyond local jurisdictions’ control – affordable housing developers
continue to tell us that projects in Marin are simply too small. If they can build a 50-, 100-, or 200-unit
project somewhere else in the Bay Area, then that’s what they’re going to do. Given the historical
community opposition to new housing in Marin, as well as the pre-development costs on the front-end
of any project, even for firms that got their start in Marin, there simply is not a sufficient return on
investment.
To counteract this hesitance to working in Marin, the City of San Rafael has tried to partner with other
local “developers,” for example, Homeward Bound of Marin. The City has also reached out to nonprofit
developers outside of the region like Sacramento-based Mutual Housing. There are potential projects
in the pipeline with both groups that could cover San Rafael’s share of the new permanent supportive
housing creation.
However, even as the City remains proactive with its outreach, another challenge remains. Counties all
around us have passed or are planning to vote on significant affordable housing funding mechanisms
like bonds and sales tax measures. In 2016 Santa Clara County, for example, passed a $950 million
bond with $700 million dedicated to permanent supportive housing. Alameda County and San Mateo
County have also passed measures, and Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz Counties all have items on
the ballot in November. Contra Costa County is planning to do a measure in 2020.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
The vast majority of affordable housing developers use Low Income Tax Credits to finance projects.
More lucrative 9% Tax Credits become more competitive when there is more “local money” committed.
If all of our neighbors have access to increased “local money,” it will become even more difficult for
developers to finance projects, no matter the size.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact from the recommended action of this report.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The City is required to respond to the Grand Jury Report. Penal Code section 933(c) states in part:
“No later than 90 days after the Grand Jury submits a final report…the governing body of the
public agency shall comment to the presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and
recommendations…[contained in the report].”
To comply with this statute, the City’s response to the Grand Jury report is required to be approved by
Resolution of the City Council and submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Marin County Superior Court
and the Foreperson of the Grand Jury on or before September 26, 2017. A proposed Resolution is
included that would approve staff’s recommendation for the City’s response (Attachments A & B).
OPTIONS:
The City is required to respond, however, the City Council has the following options to consider on this
matter:
1. Adopt Resolution approving the proposed response;
2. Adopt Resolution with modifications to the proposed response;
3. Direct staff to return with more information.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the proposed
response to the Grand Jury report and authorizing the Mayor to execute the response.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Resolution
B. Proposed Response
C. Grand Jury Report "Homelessness in Marin: A Progress Report” dated May 17, 2018
RESOLUTION NO. 14524
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CITY’S
RESPONSE TO THE MAY 9, 2018 MARIN COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT
ENTITLED "HOMELESSNESS IN MARIN: A PROGRESS REPORT”
WHEREAS, pursuant to Penal Code section 933, a public agency which receives a Grand
Jury Report addressing aspects of the public agency’s operations must, within ninety (90) days,
provide a written response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court with a copy to the
Foreperson of the Grand Jury, responding to the Report’s findings and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, Penal Code section 933 specifically requires that the “governing body” of the
public agency provide said response and, in order to lawfully comply, the governing body must
consider and adopt the response at a noticed public meeting pursuant to the Brown Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Rafael has received and reviewed the
Marin County Grand Jury Report, dated May 9, 2018, entitled “Homeless in Marin: A Progress
Report,” and has agendized it at this meeting for a response.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby:
1. Approves and authorizes the Mayor to execute the City’s response to the Marin
County Grand Jury’s May 9, 2017 report, entitled “Homeless in Marin: A Progress Report,” a copy
of which response is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Directs the City Clerk to forward the City’s response forthwith to the Presiding
Judge of the Marin County Superior Court and to the Foreperson of the Marin County Grand Jury.
I, Lindsay Lara, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the San Rafael
City Council held on the 18th day of June 2018, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, McCullough & Vice-Mayor Gamblin
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Colin & Mayor Phillips
_____________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
ATIACHMENTB
FORM FOR RESPONDING TO GRAND JURY REPORT
Report Title:
Report Date:
Public Release Date:
Response by:
FINDINGS
Homelessness in Marin: A Progress Report
May 9,2018
May 17, 2018
Mayor Gary Phillips and San Rafael City Council
• I (we) agree with the findings numbered: nla
• I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: nla
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Recommendation numbered RS has been implemented.
(See Exhibit 1 attached)
• Recommendations numbered nla have not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in
the future.
• Recommendations numbered nla require further analysis.
• Recommendations numbered nla will not be fully implemented because they are not warranted
or are not reasonable.
Date:~ jVb) l~ Signed:_-=-~--"~_-I-' ________ _
Number of pages attached: 2
EXHIBIT 1
RESPONSE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO THE GRAND JURY REPORT
IIHOMELESSNESS IN MARIN: A PROGRESS REPORT"
R5. The County of Marin and each city and town should actively seek developers to create
housing for the homeless within their jurisdiction. Response: has been implemented
In the summer of 2017, the City of San Rafael responded to a separate Marin County Grand Jury
reported entitled "Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Housing ." The City's response at that time
outlined many of the steps our communities has taken to facilitate the creation of more units:
• The City has had an inclusionary housing policy since 1987
• The City has adopted a commerial linkage to help fund affordable housing projects
• The City currently has over 100 residential units (including below-market-rate units) approved
and fully entitled in Downtown San Rafael. We cannot, however, force developers to build.
• The City offers a residential density bonus for affordable housing
• The City has adopted a Junior Second Unit Ordinance
Of note, since last summer's response, the City has begun its 2040 General Plan process, and the City
has also been awarded funding to create a Downtown Precise Plan. Both of these planning efforts
should help with future development in San Rafael.
In addition to the policies above, beginning in January of 2017, the City's Director of Homeless
Planning & Outreach has played a central role in the creation of a new county-wide working group
called "Opening Doors Marin." Opening Doors includes representatives from the County of Marin's
Board of Supervisors, County of Marin Department Directors, local real estate experts, nonprofit
housing developers, the faith-based community, local homeless service and housing providers, City
Councilmembers from jurisdictions throughout Marin, City Managers from jurisdictions throughout
Marin, and local philanthropies. The goals of this group are three-fold:
1. Create a community-wide vision and business plan for ending chronic homelessness by 2022.
2. Create a forum where local jurisdictions can have a regional discussion about creating more
units. When communities are siloed, a "prisoner's dilemma" mentality can develop around
housing. There is a fear that if community X is the first to create housing, then community Y will
simply send more people to community X. The goal is to have each community see that
everyone is doing their part.
3. Create more operational efficiency for stakeholders. Currently, the housing development
process in our region is very disjointed. Opening Doors is an early effort to create more
coordination
Despite this progress, however, cities and towns in Marin County face a significant challenge when
relying on traditional nonprofit housing developers to create more units. Affordable housing developers
2
continue to tell us that projects in Marin are simply too small. If they can build a 50-, 100-, or 200-unit
project somewhere else in the Bay Area, then that's what they're going to do. Given the historical
community opposition to new housing in Marin, as well as the pre-development costs on the front-end
of any project, even for firms that got their start in Marin, there simply is not a sufficient return on
investment.
To counteract this hesitance to working in Marin, the City of San Rafael has tried to partner with other
local "developers," for example, Homeward Bound of Marin. The City has also reached out to nonprofit
developers outside of the region like Sacramento-based Mutual Housing. There are potential projects
in the pipeline with both groups that could cover San Rafael's share of the new permanent supportive
housing creation.
However, even as the City remains proactive with its outreach, another challenge remains. Counties all
around us have passed or are planning to vote on significant affordable housing funding mechanisms
like bonds and sales tax measures. In 2016 Santa Clara County, for example, passed a $950 million
bond with $700 million dedicated to permanent supportive housing. Alameda County and San Mateo
County have also passed measures, and Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz Counties all have items on
the ballot in November. Contra Costa County is planning to do a measure in 2020.
The vast majority of affordable housing developers use Low Income Tax Credits to finance projects.
More lucrative 9% Tax Credits become more competitive when there is more "local money" committed.
If all of our neighbors have access to increased "local money," it will become even more difficult for
developers to finance projects, no matter the size.
3
June 27, 2018
The Honorable Judge Paul Haakenson
Marin County Superior Court
P.O. Box 4988
San Rafael, CA 94913-4988
Honorable Judge Haakenson
Mr. Brown
Ron Brown, Foreperson
Marin County Civil Grand Jury
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room #275
San Rafael, CA 94903
Re: Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report Entitled: "Homelessness in Marin - A
Progress Report"
We are forwarding to you the following documents:
• A copy of Resolution No. 14524 adopted by the San Rafael City Council on
June 18, 2018, approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute the City's response;
• Original of the "Response to Grand Jury Report Form," executed by Mayor Phillips
on June 26, 2018;
• Copy of City Council Staff Report dated June 18, 2018.
Should you need further assistance, please contact me at (415) 485-3065.
Sincerely,
'ei'ef~
LINDSAY LARA
City Clerk
cc: Gary O. Phillips, Mayor of the City of San Rafael
Jim Schutz, City Manager
Robert Epstein, City Attorney
Andrew Henning, Director of Homeless Planning and Outreach
, CITY OF SAN RAFAEL 1400 FIFTH AVENUE. SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901 CITYOFSANRAFAEL.ORG
Gary O. Phillips, Mayor· John Gamblin, Vice Mayor· Kate Colin, Council member • Maribeth Bushey, Council member • Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Councilmember
RESOLUTION NO. 14524
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE CITY’S
RESPONSE TO THE MAY 9, 2018 MARIN COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT
ENTITLED "HOMELESSNESS IN MARIN: A PROGRESS REPORT”
WHEREAS, pursuant to Penal Code section 933, a public agency which receives a Grand
Jury Report addressing aspects of the public agency’s operations must, within ninety (90) days,
provide a written response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court with a copy to the
Foreperson of the Grand Jury, responding to the Report’s findings and recommendations; and
WHEREAS, Penal Code section 933 specifically requires that the “governing body” of the
public agency provide said response and, in order to lawfully comply, the governing body must
consider and adopt the response at a noticed public meeting pursuant to the Brown Act; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Rafael has received and reviewed the
Marin County Grand Jury Report, dated May 9, 2018, entitled “Homeless in Marin: A Progress
Report,” and has agendized it at this meeting for a response.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby:
1. Approves and authorizes the Mayor to execute the City’s response to the Marin
County Grand Jury’s May 9, 2017 report, entitled “Homeless in Marin: A Progress Report,” a copy
of which response is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Directs the City Clerk to forward the City’s response forthwith to the Presiding
Judge of the Marin County Superior Court and to the Foreperson of the Marin County Grand Jury.
I, Lindsay Lara, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the San Rafael
City Council held on the 18th day of June 2018, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, McCullough & Vice-Mayor Gamblin
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Colin & Mayor Phillips
_____________________
LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk
ATIACHMENTB
FORM FOR RESPONDING TO GRAND JURY REPORT
Report Title:
Report Date:
Public Release Date:
Response by:
FINDINGS
Homelessness in Marin: A Progress Report
May 9,2018
May 17, 2018
Mayor Gary Phillips and San Rafael City Council
• I (we) agree with the findings numbered: nla
• I (we) disagree wholly or partially with the findings numbered: nla
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Recommendation numbered RS has been implemented.
(See Exhibit 1 attached)
• Recommendations numbered nla have not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in
the future.
• Recommendations numbered nla require further analysis.
• Recommendations numbered nla will not be fully implemented because they are not warranted
or are not reasonable.
Date:~ jVb) l~ Signed:_-=-~--"~_-I-' ________ _
Number of pages attached: 2
EXHIBIT 1
RESPONSE OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL TO THE GRAND JURY REPORT
IIHOMELESSNESS IN MARIN: A PROGRESS REPORT"
R5. The County of Marin and each city and town should actively seek developers to create
housing for the homeless within their jurisdiction. Response: has been implemented
In the summer of 2017, the City of San Rafael responded to a separate Marin County Grand Jury
reported entitled "Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Housing ." The City's response at that time
outlined many of the steps our communities has taken to facilitate the creation of more units:
• The City has had an inclusionary housing policy since 1987
• The City has adopted a commerial linkage to help fund affordable housing projects
• The City currently has over 100 residential units (including below-market-rate units) approved
and fully entitled in Downtown San Rafael. We cannot, however, force developers to build.
• The City offers a residential density bonus for affordable housing
• The City has adopted a Junior Second Unit Ordinance
Of note, since last summer's response, the City has begun its 2040 General Plan process, and the City
has also been awarded funding to create a Downtown Precise Plan. Both of these planning efforts
should help with future development in San Rafael.
In addition to the policies above, beginning in January of 2017, the City's Director of Homeless
Planning & Outreach has played a central role in the creation of a new county-wide working group
called "Opening Doors Marin." Opening Doors includes representatives from the County of Marin's
Board of Supervisors, County of Marin Department Directors, local real estate experts, nonprofit
housing developers, the faith-based community, local homeless service and housing providers, City
Councilmembers from jurisdictions throughout Marin, City Managers from jurisdictions throughout
Marin, and local philanthropies. The goals of this group are three-fold:
1. Create a community-wide vision and business plan for ending chronic homelessness by 2022.
2. Create a forum where local jurisdictions can have a regional discussion about creating more
units. When communities are siloed, a "prisoner's dilemma" mentality can develop around
housing. There is a fear that if community X is the first to create housing, then community Y will
simply send more people to community X. The goal is to have each community see that
everyone is doing their part.
3. Create more operational efficiency for stakeholders. Currently, the housing development
process in our region is very disjointed. Opening Doors is an early effort to create more
coordination
Despite this progress, however, cities and towns in Marin County face a significant challenge when
relying on traditional nonprofit housing developers to create more units. Affordable housing developers
2
continue to tell us that projects in Marin are simply too small. If they can build a 50-, 100-, or 200-unit
project somewhere else in the Bay Area, then that's what they're going to do. Given the historical
community opposition to new housing in Marin, as well as the pre-development costs on the front-end
of any project, even for firms that got their start in Marin, there simply is not a sufficient return on
investment.
To counteract this hesitance to working in Marin, the City of San Rafael has tried to partner with other
local "developers," for example, Homeward Bound of Marin. The City has also reached out to nonprofit
developers outside of the region like Sacramento-based Mutual Housing. There are potential projects
in the pipeline with both groups that could cover San Rafael's share of the new permanent supportive
housing creation.
However, even as the City remains proactive with its outreach, another challenge remains. Counties all
around us have passed or are planning to vote on significant affordable housing funding mechanisms
like bonds and sales tax measures. In 2016 Santa Clara County, for example, passed a $950 million
bond with $700 million dedicated to permanent supportive housing. Alameda County and San Mateo
County have also passed measures, and Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz Counties all have items on
the ballot in November. Contra Costa County is planning to do a measure in 2020.
The vast majority of affordable housing developers use Low Income Tax Credits to finance projects.
More lucrative 9% Tax Credits become more competitive when there is more "local money" committed.
If all of our neighbors have access to increased "local money," it will become even more difficult for
developers to finance projects, no matter the size.
3
2017–2018 MARIN COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY
Homelessness in Marin
A Progress Report
Report Date: May 9, 2018
Public Release Date: May 17, 2018
Marin County Civil Grand Jury
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
SUMMARY
The Marin County Civil Grand Jury released a report in 2015 titled “Homelessness in Marin —
A Call for Leadership.” That report found that, while many dedicated organizations were
providing services to the homeless, the County-wide effort was unfocused and disorganized due
to a lack of collaboration between the County, the cities, and the service organizations. The
report called upon the County to provide the leadership necessary to obtain the maximum benefit
for the homeless with whatever resources are made available.
This Grand Jury determined that homelessness remains a critical concern of the community and
that it was time to assess the progress that has been made since 2015, as well as the work left to
be done. The Jury found that progress has been made but Marin still has people in distress living
without housing.
Since 2015, new funding to address homelessness has come to the County and new staff has
been added. Collaboration has significantly increased between the County and the many
nonprofits addressing the needs of the homeless and among the nonprofits themselves.
Coordinated efforts using the “housing first” model (discussed later in the report) are providing a
hopeful path to housing the chronically homeless in Marin.
Solutions to Marin’s general housing shortage are multi-faceted, with complexities well beyond
the scope of this report, which will concentrate on the efforts to find housing and supportive
services for the chronically homeless.
BACKGROUND
Homelessness is an urgent national problem1 visible in varying degrees in urban, suburban and
rural areas of all 50 states. The news media is filled with individual homeless stories,
descriptions of homeless encampments and reports of programs to eliminate homelessness on the
local level. Marin County is no exception. In 2015, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury report,
“Homelessness in Marin — A Call for Leadership,” found that although there were many
dedicated organizations offering services to Marin’s homeless, their efforts were inefficient due
to lack of coordination. The Grand Jury called upon the County to provide leadership and
collaboration with and among these organizations.
The problem of the chronically homeless has continued to get worse since the 2015 survey. The
Point-in-Time Survey (see page 3) conducted on January 27, 2017 found 1,117 homeless living
on the streets of Marin compared to 1,309 in 2015.2 The total number of homeless decreased but
the number of chronically homeless increased from 281 to 329. The chronically homeless suffer
1 “State of Homelessness in America.” National Alliance to End Homelessness
2 “Homeless Point-in-Time Census & Survey.” Marin Health & Human Services, 2015.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 2 of 21
from one or more conditions that impact their health, such as mental illness, physical disability,
or substance abuse.
The shortage of affordable housing in the County, especially rental housing, is an obstacle to
finding solutions for homelessness. In July 2017, the Marin Independent Journal reported that the
median rent for a one bedroom apartment in Marin was $2,470 per month.3 Using the widely
accepted assumption of 30% of household income for housing,4 an annual income of $98,800
would be needed to rent this apartment. A substantial portion of Marin’s population does not
have the necessary income. The relentless increase in housing costs adds to the challenges faced
by not only the currently homeless but the precariously housed (those who are in danger of
becoming homeless) as well. The result is that, in spite of the progress made in providing
healthcare and other needed services, the cost and availability of housing continues to impact
Marin.
With the 2017 count now at 1,117 homeless individuals or members of families, this Grand Jury
sees homelessness as a continuing and urgent problem in the County worthy of reconsideration.
This Grand Jury set out to assess the progress that has been made since 2015 and determine what
work remains to be done.
APPROACH
Over a period of six months the Grand Jury:
■ Conducted interviews with County and city officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations dedicated
to homeless services, and informed members of the public.
■ Attended meetings of the Homeless Policy Steering Committee, which serves to coordinate
County and nonprofit efforts.
■ Studied the 2017 Point-in-Time Survey, which identified and categorized the homeless
population in Marin.
■ Reviewed the Continuum of Care Housing Inventory5 to assess the housing and shelter resources
available.
■ Read articles in the Marin Independent Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and other
publications.
■ Researched homeless programs throughout the country.
Our research led us to several “best practices” that are successful in reducing homelessness. A
discussion of their implementation in Marin follows.
3 “Marin Rental Prices Reach San Francisco Levels.” Marin Independent Journal, 31 July 2017.
4 “Home Rent Limits.” Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
5 “CoC Housing Inventory Reports.” Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 3 of 21
DISCUSSION
The homeless population has many faces. Among them are individuals and families residing in
emergency shelters or transitional housing and people sleeping on the streets, in cars, in
abandoned properties, or in other places not meant for human habitation. They may be families
temporarily displaced by loss of employment, veterans suffering from PTSD or other mental
problems, substance abusers, teens trying to escape an intolerable home situation, or individuals
suffering debilitating mental illness. What they have in common is a lack of permanent housing.
The chronically homeless are the focus of our investigation. The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) defines a chronically homeless individual as someone who has
experienced homelessness for a year or longer, or who has experienced at least four episodes of
homelessness in the last three years with the total time without housing equaling a year or more,
and who also suffers from a condition that prevents them from maintaining work or housing.
Heads of households, as well as individuals, may meet this definition.6
The chronically homeless represent the most vulnerable population on the street. The average life
expectancy for individuals experiencing homelessness is 25 years less than those in stable
housing.7 Data from communities across the country show that public costs incurred by those
experiencing extended periods of homelessness are associated with emergency room visits,
interactions with law enforcement, incarceration, and regular access to social supports and
homeless services. These combined costs are often significantly higher than the cost of providing
individuals with permanent housing and supportive services. In June 2013, a local study
determined that the cost to the County of a single homeless person is about $60,000 per year.8
Point-in-Time Survey 2017 (See Summary in Appendix 1)
Every two years during the last 10 days in January, communities across the country conduct
comprehensive counts of the local homeless population in order to measure the prevalence of
homelessness in their districts. The Point-in-Time Survey gives us a snapshot of each county’s
homeless population.9
On January 27, 2017, the Marin County Point-in-Time Survey identified 1,117 individuals in
transitional housing, in shelters, and on the street. Of these, 226 persons (20%) were staying in
shelters, 183 persons (16%) were staying in a transitional housing program, and 708 persons
(63%) were living on the street, in abandoned buildings, in encampment areas, in vehicles, or on
boats not moored to a dock and without electricity or sewage. Of the total, 329, or roughly 30%,
were found to be chronically homeless.
6 “HUD Publishes Final Rule on Definition of ‘Chronic Homelessness.” National Low Income Housing Coalition.
7 “Marin County Homeless Census & Survey 2017.” Marin Department of Health and Human Services.
8 “Marin Chronic Alcohol with Justice Involvement Project Business Plan .” Marin Department of Health & Human Services,
June 2013.
9 “Marin County Homeless Census & Survey 2017.” Marin Department of Health and Human Services.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 4 of 21
The causes of chronic homelessness among this group are varied and complex. No one solution
will help them regain a permanent home and financial self-sufficiency. But programs tried
around the country have pointed to principles and best practices that will address the diverse
needs of the individuals who find themselves in this category.
What Models Have Proven Successful?
Bergen County, New Jersey, just five miles outside New York City, provides one of the most
dramatic examples of success in housing the chronically homeless. In 2003, Bergen County used
county bonds to finance their homeless project, allowing the county to skirt many of the city
approvals that would have been needed to get federal and state funds. After issuing the bonds,
the county was able to purchase land within the central government and business district,
investing $11,000,000 in their plan. On October 1, 2009, they opened the Bergen County Health
and Human Services Center, a single facility run jointly by Bergen County and the Bergen
County Housing Authority. Using the “housing first” model, their goal was to place homeless
individuals in housing, and provide the support services needed to ensure that the placement is
permanent. Those served may have a history of substance abuse, physical and mental health
problems, and unemployment in addition to homelessness.
On-site services in this single facility include professional evaluation of client needs,
development of individualized treatment plans, care management, placement in permanent
housing, medical screening, mental health and substance abuse counseling, legal aid, veterans’
services, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and
nutrition services. Assistance with job readiness and placement, and registration for various
public programs, such as Medicaid and welfare/benefits applications, is available on-site.
Employment counseling, homelessness prevention services including emergency rent, utility and
food vouchers are also available. These services are provided collaboratively by existing public
and private health and human service agencies. The Center supports job search by providing
computers, mail service and telephones for contacts with employers. Showers, bathrooms, and
laundry facilities are available. Efforts to place clients in permanent rental housing begin
immediately following assessment. When a housing placement is made, case managers work
directly with clients and property owners to ensure the placement is permanent. Homelessness
has been virtually eliminated in Bergen County.10
From the center’s opening in 2009 to 2015, 850 individuals were placed in permanent housing
with a recidivism rate of less than 5%.11 On March 28, 2017, Bergen County and federal officials
announced that Bergen is the first county in the country to end chronic homelessness. Between
May 2016 and March 2017 the county counted only three chronically homeless individuals.12
10 “Bergen County Housing Health and Human Services Center.” County of Bergen [New Jersey].
11 “The Bergen County Health and Human Services Center.” County of Bergen, [New Jersey].
12 Kelly, Kate. “Bergen County First in Nation to End Chronic Homelessness.” End Homelessness. 30 March 2017.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 5 of 21
Housing First
Communities all over the world are struggling with the lack of adequate housing. Governments,
charities, and religious organizations have attempted to provide shelter and services to the
homeless. Many different approaches have been tried with varying results. These experiences
have now led to some generally accepted best practices that get the homeless housed and back on
their feet. For example, early attempts to house those with chronic substance abuse problems
required them to “get clean” before being sheltered. The result was that people with substance
abuse problems were unable to solve their problems on the street and remained addicted and
homeless. It is now recognized that “housing first” is the most effective way to help these people.
They must have a roof over their heads before they can be treated for their healthcare and
substance issues. The Housing First approach is backed by solid research. It is also a less
expensive solution when compared to the cost of emergency shelters, hospitalizations, and
incarceration.
When the Housing First approach gained broad acceptance as the most effective way to end
homelessness, many communities developed long-term plans to significantly expand the supply
of permanent supportive housing. This focus on supportive housing has been accompanied by a
de-emphasis on emergency shelters, with some communities developing plans to reduce their
emergency shelter systems and others adopting a policy of sustaining but not expanding their
inventory of shelter beds.
Great strides have been made in providing healthcare-related services to the homeless in Marin
County. More funding is now available than ever before but the link between services and
housing is only just beginning to become effective. There are several forms of housing assistance
and it is important to understand the difference between them:
■ Emergency Shelter [HUD Program Regulation 24CFR576.2] — Any facility, the primary
purpose of which is to provide a temporary shelter for the homeless in general or for specific
populations of the homeless and which does not require occupants to sign leases or occupancy
agreements..
■ Transitional Housing [HUD Program Regulation 24CFR 578.3] — Housing where all program
participants have signed a lease or occupancy agreement, the purpose of which is to facilitate the
movement of homeless individuals and families into permanent housing within 24 months or such
longer period as HUD determines necessary. The program participant must have a lease or
occupancy agreement for a term of at least one month that ends in 24 months and cannot be
extended.
■ Permanent Supportive Housing [HUD Program Regulation 24CFR 578.3] — Permanent
housing in which supportive services are provided to assist homeless persons with a disability to
live independently.
In the Housing First model people are placed in permanent housing as quickly as possible, with
appropriate services if these are deemed necessary.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 6 of 21
Each year the County must develop an inventory of homeless housing resources as part of its
Continuum of Care application to HUD. The Grand Jury has compared the resources available
in 2008 with those available in 2017.
Housing Type 2008 2017
Emergency Shelter 179 218 (158 after REST)
Transitional Housing 416 167
Permanent Supportive Housing 311 567
Total 906 961
When you consider that 60 of the beds shown in 2017 as Emergency Shelter were provided by
the REST program (as described below), which ended in April of 2018, the situation is dire.
While progress has been made in providing permanent supportive housing, resources for
emergency shelter are clearly inadequate. The homeless shelter providers made it clear to the
Jury that their focus is now on permanent housing. This is commendable; however, the need for
emergency shelter is still critical.
When the Grand Jury compares the resources available to house the homeless with the need, as
documented in the 2017 Point-in-Time Survey, it is clear that additional housing, particularly
emergency shelter capacity, is needed. This survey found 1,117 homeless individuals, of whom
708 were unsheltered. Even when the REST program was operating, there was a significant lack
of housing-focused shelter availability.
Coordinated Entry
Coordinated Entry is a HUD-sponsored program that screens the homeless and ranks them on a
17-step scale based on their vulnerability called VI-SPDAT [Vulnerability Index-Service
Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool]. The most vulnerable are matched with the next
available bed. The Marin Housing Authority manages the program and coordinates the work of
the service providers. In 2017, 300 of the most vulnerable homeless were screened for 50
available vouchers. As of March 13, 2018, 20 have been placed.
Whole Person Care (WPC)
The County is now investing $10 million over four years along with another $10 million in
matching Federal funds to create a “Whole Person Care” (WPC) pilot program.13 WPC
represents a tremendous opportunity to better serve the homeless by providing services in a
coordinated program with a single case manager. The truly revolutionary aspect of WPC comes
from connecting funding to the individual rather than a block grant to the provider. WPC
provides case management to coordinate all of the services a person may be receiving from the
13 “Marin Targets Chronic Homeless in New ‘Whole Person’ Care Program.” Marin Independent Journal, 13 July 2017.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 7 of 21
various caregivers. It focuses on high utilizers of the healthcare system to reduce homelessness,
increase substance abuse treatment, and decrease hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
WPC will build upon existing services to provide case management, standardized screening,
information sharing and coordination among providers; it is closely aligned with the Coordinated
Entry Program.
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
Every county that receives HUD funding must have an HMIS to manage funds dedicated to
homelessness.14 Beyond this minimal requirement, Marin seeks a system that will tie the County
together with all of its partners and service providers under the WPC program. Marin County is
currently developing a more sophisticated system to track individuals through WPC. This new
tracking system will make coordination of care for each individual far more efficient.
Health Homes
Under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, an optional state benefit plan was created to establish a
program to care for people with Medicaid who have chronic conditions.15 Health Homes
providers integrate and coordinate all primary, acute, behavioral health, and long-term services
and supports to operate under the “whole-person-care” philosophy. Health Homes is for people
who have two or more chronic conditions, or one chronic condition and are at risk for another, or
have a serious and persistent mental health problem. Health Homes services consist of
comprehensive care management, care coordination, health promotion, transitional care/follow
up, patient and family support, and referral to social support services. The Federal government
provides 90% of the financing and the State provides the remaining 10%. The program is
optional and California has recently decided to use it. Since Health Homes preempts much of
Whole Person Care, the County has applied for this additional funding to support services
already provided to the homeless.
Ritter Center
When the 2015 Grand Jury Report was issued, the relocation of the Ritter Center from its current
location in downtown San Rafael was pending. Three years later it is still pending. The Ritter
Center is San Rafael’s largest provider of primary healthcare services, permanent supportive
housing, case management, and day services (food pantry, showers, laundry, mail, and lockers)
to those who otherwise could not afford it.16 Both the Ritter Center and the City of San Rafael
agree that the current facility is inadequate and poorly sited. Ritter’s goal has been to move to
better facilities away from downtown San Rafael. In December of 2017, Ritter moved the
administrative offices away from downtown to a location near many services, and they are close
to the acquisition of additional space where the rest of Ritter services can be relocated. They
discontinued providing mail service, but instead have arranged for clients to receive mail at the
14 “Homeless Management Information System.” Department of Housing and Urban Development.
15 “Health Homes.” Medicaid.gov.
16 “Ritter Center.”
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 8 of 21
Bellam Boulevard Post Office. Now that portable showers are available in San Rafael, Ritter will
soon close the showers in the downtown location.
Termination of the REST (Rotating Emergency Shelter Team) Program
For the past 10 years the REST Program has provided shelter on a nightly basis to 40 men and 20
women from November to April. This total represents nearly 30% of the emergency shelter
capacity currently available in the County. More than 40 local religious and charitable
organizations housed and fed homeless men in their facilities during the night only. Marin Health
and Human Services did the same for 20 women in their Health and Wellness Campus. REST
was designed as a temporary program to allow time for the development of more permanent
solutions to homelessness. Operations were provided by a grant from the Marin Community
Foundation. The St. Vincent de Paul Society provided staff, training, vehicles, a registration
process and administrative support. Transportation was provided from a central location to the
facility to be used that evening. No beds were provided; sleeping bags and mats were issued.
REST ended in April 2018.
The fact that REST was continuously at or near its 60-person capacity shows that there is a
continuing need for emergency shelter. Where will these people go? While Homeward Bound
plans to reduce barriers to accessing existing shelter beds at Mill Street by removing the nightly
fee and adding case management services to help people connect quickly with permanent
housing, this does not increase the number of shelter beds.
As noted in our description of Bergen County’s Health and Human Services Center, the concept
of a single-site point of entry to both housing and healthcare services is gaining support among
homeless advocates. A new single-site multi-services center for the homeless, with a housing-
first philosophy, could provide the most efficient solution for eliminating homelessness in Marin.
It should also provide some space and services for those in need of temporary emergency shelter.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 9 of 21
Collaboration
Many long-standing nonprofits and some relatively new ones are dedicated to serving the
homeless, and now, under the Housing First model, are working to eliminate homelessness in
Marin. These groups have provided tremendous assistance to the needy in Marin and have made
significant progress in developing facilities and services since the 2015 Grand Jury report. They
deserve the praise and support of the entire Marin community for the work they do. Since the
beginning of the Grand Jury’s investigation, major steps have been taken in collaboration
between nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. With funding from federal, state,
County and private donors, the following nonprofits and faith-based organizations lead efforts to
assist the homeless in Marin.
Homeward Bound is Marin County’s chief provider of shelter, housing and support services for
homeless families and individuals, including veterans. They serve approximately 1,300 people
per year in 16 inter-related residential programs.17 Their outstanding programs include:
■ Emergency shelter for adults and families
■ Transitional housing for adults and families
■ Permanent supportive housing for adults and families, including newly-opened Oma Village
■ “Transition to Wellness” beds for homeless patients discharged from the hospital
■ Job training – Fresh Starts Culinary Academy
■ Paid apprenticeships in janitorial and building maintenance and landscaping and gardening
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin provides crisis assistance programs to thousands of
people annually. These include:
■ Homeless Prevention
■ Housing Help Desk
■ Free Dining Room
■ Employment Training
■ Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) in collaboration with the City of San Rafael
■ Community Court (in conjunction with Marin Superior Court)18
Ritter Center, as mentioned above, has long been the primary provider of healthcare services
for the homeless in San Rafael.
In addition to these nonprofits, several public entities are also active in assisting the homeless,
especially by providing grants.
Marin County Health and Human Services (MCHHS), with 650+ employees, 40+ programs
and services and 12+ locations, is the largest department in the County of Marin. Its mission is to
promote and protect the health, well-being, self-sufficiency, and safety of all people in Marin. It
is the recipient of Federal and State funds that it funnels to County service providers in the form
of grants. It also provides grant funding from the County general funds.19
17 “Homeward Bound of Marin”
18 “St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin”
19 “Department of Health and Human Services” County of Marin.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 10 of 21
The Marin Housing Authority (MHA) provides 90 permanent supportive housing beds for the
chronically homeless, 496 units of subsidized housing and 2,162 Section 8 housing vouchers that
allow individuals to pay 30% of their income in rent with the housing authority covering the
remaining rent. For the last 18 months MHA has had a Housing Locator, funded by the County,
who helps MHA recruit and retain landlords to house the County’s homeless population. In
addition, its Landlord Partnership Program offers new incentives to utilize the Section 8 program
more effectively.
Downtown Streets Team, a non-profit jointly funded by the County, the cities of San Rafael
and Novato and other partners, provides a work experience program that offers volunteer
opportunities for the homeless leading to jobs for the participants.20
Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), funded by the County and operated by The St. Vincent De
Paul Society, is a collaborative effort of local public and non-profit entities designed to bridge
system gaps and assists those in the greatest need by sending outreach teams to engage with the
homeless on the streets.21 This innovative program seeks out the most needy of the homeless and
works to house them with supportive services to keep them housed.
Working together, the nonprofit organizations and the County have shown that housing can be
expanded by purchasing houses and building landlord partnerships. St. Vincent de Paul Society
has purchased three homes that are now housing chronically homeless individuals. Marin
Housing Authority has brought 80 new landlords into the fold who will accept vouchers that
allow the tenants to pay 30% of their income in rent with MHA paying the rest. Homeward
Bound is planning to build increased shelter space in its Mill Street property for clients entering
the housing-first system. Marin Homeless Action Task Force (MCHAT), a community group
including the County, nonprofit organizations, and private developers, has formed to develop a
plan to expand housing with the goal of ending chronic homelessness.
The leaders of the homeless services organizations have come up with a detailed business plan to
bring chronic homelessness to “functional zero” in the next four years. Functional zero is
reached when the number of individuals experiencing homelessness within a community is less
than the average number of homeless people being connected with permanent housing each
month.22 The proposed business plan has the form of a three-legged stool. The legs in this case
are housing, rental assistance, and case managers. Increasing available housing can be achieved
in a variety of ways, such as repurposing existing houses, converting commercial spaces to
residential units, and building new units. Section 8 vouchers will allow the newly-housed to pay
only 30% of their income for rent. Housing case managers will work with them to relearn basic
living skills and become stabilized in housing. Based on their collective experience, these
energetic, tested professionals believe they can achieve their goal in Marin if all three legs of the
stool are adequately funded. This plan represents a major step in bringing together nonprofits and
government to provide coordinated services and housing.
20 “Downtown Streets Team.” City of San Rafael.
21 “Homeless Outreach Team.” County of Marin.
22 “SNAPS In Focus.” HUD Exchange News, 7 April 2016.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 11 of 21
FINDINGS
F1. The nonprofit and faith-based groups that have provided emergency shelter under the
REST program for the past ten years will no longer continue to do so. The REST
program ended in April 2018.
F2. The Housing First philosophy espouses housing-focused shelter, including services for
the homeless and case management.
F3. Housing First is dependent upon the availability of housing. The very limited supply of
rental housing makes this a challenge in Marin County.
F4. Nonprofits provide most services and shelter to the homeless in Marin County; some of
them receive funds from the County, the State, and the Federal Government in addition to
fundraising from private sources.
F5. Collaboration between the County and the nonprofit service providers has improved. The
coalition of Ritter Center/St. Vincent de Paul Society/Marin Housing authority providing
assistance under the Whole Person Care program is a notable example.
F6. At least 400 units for the chronically homeless must be added to the existing housing
stock to achieve functional zero homelessness.23 This can be accomplished by new
construction as well as repurposing existing housing, motels, churches/convents, and
office/retail.
F7. Federal funding for the WPC and HHP programs ends in 2020. New funding sources
must be created to continue the benefits of these programs.
F8. The cost of chronic homelessness in Marin in terms of emergency room visits, hospital
stays, police services, jail and the negative impacts of living on the streets has been
documented to be approximately $60,000 per person per year. By contrast, the cost of a
person in supportive housing has been documented to be approximately $34,000. Thus,
housing is actually less expensive than abandoning the homeless to the streets.24
F9. Homeward Bound’s Mill Street facility does not have staffing during the day. As a result
everyone who stays there is turned out at 8:00 AM and cannot return until 5:00 PM. With
additional funding, this facility could provide intensive housing-focused support
throughout the day.
F10. The State of California has millions of dollars allocated to serve the homeless that have
not yet been released. Marin’s collaborative homeless advocates are well positioned to
put additional funds to immediate use in ending homelessness in Marin.25
23 “New Approaches to Homelessness in Marin.” [Video.] Marin Coalition. 7 March 2018.
24 “Marin Chronic Alcohol with Justice Involvement Project Business Plan June 2013 .” Marin Department of Health & Human
Services.
25 “Billions of Dollars to Help California’s Homeless Population are Piling Up.” Los Angeles Times, 25 March 2018.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 12 of 21
RECOMMENDATIONS
R1. The County of Marin should provide capital funding for up to 400 units of additional
housing for the chronically homeless.
R2. The County of Marin should fund Homeward Bound’s Mill Street facility to provide 24/7
staffing with housing-focused case managers.
R3. The County of Marin should create additional emergency shelter capacity to replace the
services lost by the end of the REST program.
R4. The County of Marin should create a local housing voucher program to supplement
Federal funding.
R5. The County of Marin and each city and town should actively seek developers to create
housing for the homeless within their jurisdictions.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 13 of 21
REQUEST FOR RESPONSES
Pursuant to Penal code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:
■ City of Belvedere (R5)
■ City of Larkspur (R5)
■ City of Mill Valley (R5)
■ City of Novato (R5)
■ City of San Rafael (R5)
■ City of Sausalito (R5)
■ County of Marin (R1 - R5)
■ Town of Corte Madera (R5)
■ Town of Fairfax (R5)
■ Town of Ross (R5)
■ Town of San Anselmo (R5)
■ Town of Tiburon (R5)
The governing bodies indicated above should be aware that the comment or response of the
governing body must be conducted in accordance with Penal Code section 933 (c) and subject to
the notice, agenda and open meeting requirements of the Brown Act.
The Grand Jury also invites responses from the following individuals:
■ Executive Director, Homeward Bound
■ Executive Director, St. Vincent de Paul Society
■ Housing Director, St. Vincent de Paul Society
■ Director of Homeless Planning and Outreach, City of San Rafael
■ Executive Director, Ritter Center
■ Director, Marin County Health and Human Services
Note: At the time this report was prepared information was available at the websites listed.
Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929 requires that reports of
the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to
the Civil Grand Jury. The California State Legislature has stated that it intends the provisions of Penal Code Section 929
prohibiting disclosure of witness identities to encourage full candor in testimony in Grand Jury investigations by protecting the
privacy and confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation.
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 14 of 21
APPENDIX A: 2017 Point-in-Time Survey Summary
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 15 of 21
APPENDIX A: 2017 Point-in-Time Survey Summary (cont’d)
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 16 of 21
APPENDIX B: Continuum of Care Housing Inventory
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 17 of 21
APPENDIX B: Continuum of Care Housing Inventory (cont’d)
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 18 of 21
APPENDIX B: Continuum of Care Housing Inventory (cont’d)
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 19 of 21
APPENDIX B: Continuum of Care Housing Inventory (cont’d)
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 20 of 21
APPENDIX B: Continuum of Care Housing Inventory (cont’d)
Homelessness in Marin — A Progress Report
May 9, 2018 Marin County Civil Grand Jury Page 21 of 21
APPENDIX C: Comparison of 2008 and 2018 Continuum of Care Housing
Inventories