During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges of homelessness in Marin County, particularly in San Rafael, which serves as the county seat and a hub for essential services. The meeting highlighted that a significant portion of the homeless population in Marin—62%—were raised in the area and have deep ties to the community, making relocation to less expensive regions less appealing.

The county conducts a biennial point-in-time count mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess homelessness. This year’s count revealed that Marin County has 1,090 chronically homeless individuals, with 28% sheltered and 72% unsheltered. The data indicates a slight increase in homelessness since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with San Rafael seeing a rise in unsheltered individuals from 161 in 2019 to 264 in 2024.

Officials noted that many individuals are hesitant to enter shelters due to concerns about congregate living conditions, a sentiment exacerbated by the pandemic. The meeting underscored the importance of understanding the local context of homelessness, as many individuals prefer to remain in their familiar environment despite the challenges they face. The discussion concluded with a call for continued efforts to provide adequate support and resources for the homeless population in Marin County.