Marking a progressive stride in San Rafael's ongoing battle against homelessness, the City has officially acquired the property at 350 Merrydale Road, a move that follows considerable planning and community involvement to buttress individuals currently living without shelter. In partnership with the County of Marin, this new ownership paves the way for establishing both short-term and long-term solutions to housing insecurity, as detailed on the City's website.
The proposed plan outlines the creation of a temporary tiny cabin community, which will serve as an interim shelter expected to operate for around 3 to 4 years, concluding by June 2029 at the latest. The brief yet crucial respite aims to offer a path toward stability for many who find themselves without a place to call home, giving them the ability to work alongside case managers to transition into permanent housing. After this phase, the focus will shift to erecting a minimum of 80 units of affordable housing, which will be subject to deed restrictions ensuring their affordability for the long term.
San Rafael has been addressing the issue of homelessness for years, establishing a Homelessness Subcommittee in 2012 and adopting a Homeless Action Plan the following year, in an ongoing effort to decrease the rates of unsheltered homelessness. Previous initiatives have set the stage for this moment, such as the Service Support Area and the Mahon Creek Sanctioned Camping Area. These projects have been integral to the City's integrative approach to addressing the multifaceted challenge of homelessness, according to a statement on the City's official website.
San Rafael's Mayor, Kate Colin, shared a poignant reflection on the project's importance: "No one should have to suffer on our streets. The interim shelter will restore dignity for our unhoused neighbors and provide a supportive place to begin rebuilding their lives. It’s incredibly difficult to make progress while trying to survive outdoors. By offering temporary housing, case management, and supportive services, this program will provide a safe space for healing and serve as a springboard toward permanent housing," she said via the City's official website, emphasizing the City's pledge to manage the site responsibly, taking into account the feedback and concerns from the neighboring community, striving to uphold its welcoming and vibrant feel.
The next stage of community involvement is set for Tuesday, December 9, at 6 p.m., where local residents are invited to participate in a community engagement session at the Venetia Valley School’s multipurpose room. City and County staff will provide updates, conduct small group discussions, and gather public input, particularly on the proposed Good Neighbor Policy and the site design for the interim shelter. For further information or to stay updated on the progress of the 350 Merrydale Road project, the public can visit the City of San Rafael's website.
