Overview
Approximately one-third of Marin residents are renters, a percentage which is much higher in communities like the Canal, Southern Marin, and Central Novato. Rents are rising in Marin and throughout the region and people with low-incomes, Latino, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) residents, and people with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by the current housing crisis.
When people lose housing, the instability created has negative ripple effects for children and families, as well as employers and our local social fabric and economy.
Our Housing Justice programs help both adults and transitional age youth who may have been evicted from their homes, are unhoused, can’t find an affordable place to live, require help paying a housing deposit or rent, or want a referral to appropriate services. Our Homeless Outreach and Housing Case Management teams understand the unique needs of each age group, can explain the resources available, and provide caring support and assistance.
Programs
Our programs were designed to support people in getting the housing information they need, and in having and keeping a roof over their heads. The agency’s Whole Family Approach works to ensure that needs are met and outcomes at the individual, agency, and community levels are achieved to strengthen well-being.
Homeless Outreach
Through our Community Alternative Response & Engagement (CARE) homeless outreach teams, we offer vital support and assistance to unhoused people throughout Marin.
We are often the first point of contact for people experiencing homelessness. We find people in need of service and help them in simple ways like wellness checks, bringing people food, socks or sleeping bags, or transportation to a detox center, homeless shelter, or hospital.
Housing Based Case Management
Community Action Marin helps to put a roof over people’s heads. Our Case Managers receive referrals from the county and our CARE and transitional age youth outreach teams and work to understand people’s needs and provide access to programs for which they are eligible.
Case Managers can provide assistance with housing information & navigation, eviction resources, rental deposits, support services, and rent or mortgage payments, pending funding availability.
Transitional Aged Youth
In collaboration with the county, Community Action Marin offers vital support and assistance to unhoused Transitional Age Youth, ages 18-24. Our Case Managers understand the unique needs, geographies, and strengths of the age group.
Services provided help these young adults work toward housing readiness and financial stability including obtaining identification, social security cards, credit reports, and other documentation needed to obtain services.
Emergency Assistance
Community Action Marin proudly serves as the coordinating agency for the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund in Marin. When funding has not been fully utilized for the year (new applications not currently accepted), it can provide short-term, one time financial assistance with rent or mortgage and security deposits for those experiencing housing instability and have met other requirements.
Visit our Emergency Assistance page to see other rental resources in our community.
Impact
The number of individuals assisted in a HOUSING-FIRST APPROACH to eradicating homelessness
The number of precariously housed or unhoused transitional age youth ASSISTED WITH SUPPORT SERVICES like transportation, rent payments, motel stays, camping gear, and kindness
The amount of RENTAL OR MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE provided using Season of Sharing grants
Housing Advocacy
Housing is a human right. Like many communities in California and across the country, Marin County is in the midst of a housing crisis. People of color, people of low-income, seniors, and people with disabilities are bearing the brunt of this crisis and are facing disproportionate hardship and displacement. Learn more about our efforts to increase housing stability.