Why is this important?
When an individual experiences barriers to housing, the ability to lead a healthy, productive life is severely affected.
When an individual experiences barriers to housing, the ability to lead a healthy, productive life is severely affected.
“The fact is that Marin as a whole sees homelessness as a failing of the person experiencing homelessness and not a failing of the society that allowed them to become homeless. I think that really creates barriers.”
—Key Informant
—Key Informant
GOAL
Increase housing security in Marin County
Outcome 1.1 Increase number of affordable and accessible housing units.
Strategy 1.1.A. Deepen and expand resident support and political will for permitting and building affordable and accessible housing throughout the county (e.g., “housing as health”)
Strategy 1.1.B. Expand housing options for lower-income key populations
Strategy 1.1.C. Leverage resources and land assets to increase housing that is affordable (e.g., workforce housing, develop housing on hospital sites or church owned property)
Outcome 1.2 Increase quality of existing housing and living conditions.
Strategy 1.2.A. Provide resources to improve quality of low-income housing without displacement
Strategy 1.2.B. Expand access to timely legal services to address tenant/living conditions
Strategy 1.2.C. Pilot approaches to address overcrowded housing without displacement
Outcome 1.3 Reduce number of people and households experiencing first-time homelessness.
Strategy 1.3.A. Provide/expand coordinated approach to emergency rental and cash assistance to meet basic needs
Strategy 1.3.B. Provide education about tenant rights and legal support/services to stay housed (and avoid eviction)
Strategy 1.3.C. Support continuum of care for people experiencing homelessness
Strategy 1.3.D. Support policies that keep people housed
What the data say:
- 19% of homeless residents in Marin are under 25 years old.
- Black/African-American residents are 17% of the homeless population in Marin, but only 2.2% of the total county population.
- 23% of Marin residents have severe housing problems, which include overcrowding, high housing costs, lack of kitchen, or lack of plumbing facilities.
- Only 24% of Black/African-American and Latino residents are homeowners, compared to 66% of White residents.
Housing and Homelessness Indicators
This indicator shows the percentage of all housing units (i.e. occupied and unoccupied) that are occupied by homeowners.
Numerator = Total estimate of owner-occupied housing units
Denominator = Total estimate of housing units
Data Source: American Community Survey 5-Year
