Marin Voice: Compassion, collaboration needed for encampments 

In the wake of last month’s executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom, which encouraged local governments to clear homeless encampments (following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson), everyone has been asking what it means for Marin County.

As director of the Marin Health and Human Services Department, I can say we share Newsom’s urgency in addressing our state’s homelessness crisis with an “every tool in the toolbox” approach. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the compassionate, “Housing First” approach that has proven effective in Marin. The only permanent solution to homelessness is a home, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to safe and stable housing.

“Resolving” an encampment is a complex effort that must be paired with robust outreach and housing availability. When people exit an encampment, they need to have somewhere to go. “Clearing” encampments, which some cities and counties may ultimately decide to pursue after the governor’s order, is likely to only relocate the homeless to new (often nearby) places; break established connections with outreach workers and community supports; increase health and safety risks; and erode trust with local officials, businesses, the public and the homeless.

Marin has long been a model for effective and compassionate solutions to homelessness. Since 2017, the county’s collaborative approach under Housing First has focused on permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing, as well as essential services through outreach and housing-based case management.

Most importantly, it has worked. Since 2022, chronic homelessness in Marin has decreased by 23%, and veteran homelessness by 32%. We have made significant strides in Marin, achieving notable successes in our fight against homelessness. However, the persistent lack of affordable housing and high costs in the Bay Area continuing to push people into homelessness can make it feel like we are not making progress.

The Housing First approach is based on the principle that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything  more enduring, such as getting a job, budgeting properly or addressing substance use issues. Housing is the foundation for life improvements, and Marin County has fully embraced this strategy. By providing permanent housing without preconditions, we have seen a substantial reduction in homelessness and an improvement in the quality of life for many residents.

Continued success in addressing homelessness requires continued collective action. City-county collaborations, especially programs addressing individuals who frequently use city services, demonstrate a proactive stance in tackling homelessness. These collaborations include initiatives that identify and support those who are the most frequent users of emergency services, hospitals, and the criminal justice system. By targeting this group, we can provide the intensive support needed to break the cycle of homelessness.

Additionally, Marin’s award of $18 million in state funding to resolve encampments in West Marin, San Rafael and along Binford Road will provide the needed support to ensure residents of those encampments are housed and the encampments closed. Implementing these projects will take time but will ultimately lead to the permanent resolution we all seek. This funding is a significant step forward and represents a commitment from the state to support Marin’s effective strategies.

Moreover, these funds will be used to enhance the existing support systems, ensuring that we can provide comprehensive services that address the root causes of homelessness. This includes mental health services, substance use and addiction treatment, job training programs, and other essential services that help individuals reintegrate into society.

Marin’s success in tackling homelessness is a testament to the power of doing what works with collaboration and adaptability. As other communities face similar challenges, Marin stands as a beacon of hope, proving that a compassionate and strategic approach can yield tangible results in the fight against homelessness. Through collective effort, evidence-based strategies, and unwavering commitment, we can make homelessness a thing of the past.

Marin’s approach to homelessness is not just about providing housing; it’s about building a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As we continue to face the challenges ahead, we remain committed to compassion, collaboration and the belief that everyone deserves a home.

Lisa Warhuus is director of Marin County Health and Human Services.