A tranquil neighbourhood in San Rafael, California, has been plunged into controversy following the city's decision to establish a significant homeless encampment of tiny homes. Homeowners have expressed fury, claiming they were kept in the dark about the project for years.
Community Feels 'Blindsided' by Secretive Process
Residents of the area only became aware of the plans a few months ago, despite Mayor Kate Colin admitting that officials had been considering the project for years. Frank Mason, a local resident, said he felt 'blindsided' after learning about it through a press conference held near his home in October. Many accuse the city of deliberately withholding information to avoid opposition.
This sentiment was clear in November when the San Rafael City Council voted unanimously to acquire the property, even as dozens of concerned citizens packed the meeting to voice their disapproval. A newly-formed advocacy group, Marin Citizens for Solutions Not Secrecy, argued the shelter should be placed in an area with existing care infrastructure like daycares and assisted living facilities.
The Shelter Plan: Costs, Timeline, and Policy
The site, purchased by Marin County for $7 million, is bordered by a storage facility, an eight-lane freeway, businesses, and family homes. The plan is to install a temporary tiny home community for approximately 70 people currently living on the streets, with occupancy slated to begin by August this year. Operating costs are estimated at $2 million annually for staffing, security, and support services.
The shelter programme could last up to four years before the site is redeveloped into around 80 units of affordable housing by June 2029. San Rafael has agreed to fast-track approvals for this permanent housing by June 2028.
The decision comes as the city grapples with a 63 percent surge in its homeless population since 2019, from 161 to 264 individuals as of 2024.
Housing First Approach and Resident Fears
A major point of contention is the city's 'Housing First' policy, which does not require shelter users to be sober or drug-free. Officials defend this approach. Gary Naja-Riese, Marin County's homelessness director, stated, 'Housing First does not mean a lack of rules or accountability... But it removes barriers that can prevent people from accessing shelter.'
Residents like Kim Wik, whose home overlooks the site, are taking matters into their own hands; she plans to build an eight-foot fence for privacy. The city has promised 24/7 security, mental health professionals, EMTs, and on-site support groups like Narcotics Anonymous to manage the community.
Mayor Colin has conceded failures in public communication, acknowledging, 'The disconnect was a big vision and not taking the time to bring everyone along.' As the August move-in date approaches, the divide between the city's macro-level solution and neighbourhood-level concerns remains stark.
