On June 6, 2016, Ritter Center, a critical safety net for the homeless and working poor and a Marin nonprofit mainstay for over 30 years, will face a decision by the San Rafael City Council that may result in the cancellation of its permit or zoning changes that will end vital social services to low-income and homeless people.

The rate of homelessness in Marin is on the rise. Nearly three out of four (71%) of the county’s homeless lived in Marin before losing their homes. Agencies, governments and advocates agree that we are in desperate need of a sustainable solution.

Meanwhile, Ritter Center is facing unprecedented pressure to stop or limit critical services before it is able to move to a new, permanent location. For the last two years, in agreement with city officials, Ritter Center has been actively searching for a new location away from downtown San Rafael. As with any real estate search, this has been challenging, even with the help of the city’s planners. As a county we cannot allow critical services to lapse in the interim, nor should Ritter Center be penalized for relocation factors out of its control. A small group of vocal critics is peddling myths and misinformation to incite fear in the community. Most of Marin’s current homeless individuals and families were once your neighbors.

Now, we urgently need your voice.

Tell the San Rafael City Council not to cut off or limit services by changing the organization’s use permit or rezoning the area before it finds a new location. Sign the petition today and ask your friends and neighbors to sign too.

The Marin Independent Journal editorial board agrees there needs to be a better solution than the current pressure on Ritter Center – “The center’s clientele is not just homeless individuals, but many low-income families and those who lack medical insurance. This is not just a San Rafael issue, but a county wide dilemma.”

Please, sign and share the petition today.

About Ritter Center: Ritter Center provides 4,500 at-risk community members in Marin with important social services, including primary health care; mental health therapy; substance abuse counseling; food and clothing; emergency financial assistance; showers, laundry and restrooms; and mail and voicemail service. These services preserve dignity and help struggling individuals and families into stable situations.

A small fraction of Ritter Center’s clients are chronically homeless; many others are only one crisis away from losing their homes. Ritter Center helps lower the number of homeless in Marin by finding people affordable housing both in and outside of Marin.  

Visit www.rittercenter.org