Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – In response to a severe storm forecast by the National Weather Service for Marin County, which includes strong wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, leading to downed trees, and potential power outages, Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS) is activating its Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) to provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness. This activation follows SWES criteria and is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the community during these extreme weather conditions.
In collaboration with HHS, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will operate an overnight shelter at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael).
Any person(s) experiencing homelessness can seek temporary overnight relief at the heated San Rafael location from Monday, December 23 at 5 p.m. through Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 am. Individuals experiencing homelessness are welcome to bring essential personal belongings to this emergency shelter. Sheltering for families is also available. To request accommodations, email the severe weather emergency shelter team.
Currently, HHS is not able to accept community volunteers or donations for the emergency shelter.
Sheltering is a protective emergency response action. HHS activates SWES operations based on the following criteria:
- The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for a minimum of three (3) days of overnight (10 pm to 6 am) temperatures of 36 degrees or less lasting for three (3) hours or more, or
- NWS forecast calls for a minimum of two (2) days of overnight (10 pm to 6 am) temperatures of 45 degrees or less lasting for three (3) hours or more; and there is a total of 1 inch or more of rain each night, or
- Hazardous conditions: NWS issues high wind warning or predicts other weather conditions that pose a life-threatening threat, or
- Hazardous air quality (AQI > 300)
HHS works with homeless service provider partners to coordinate outreach and access to severe weather emergency shelters.
For more information on SWES criteria and preparing for severe weather, visit Marin HHS Emergency Information or call (415) 473-6100. For more information on homelessness in Marin, visit Housing First Marin.
For the latest emergency updates, visit the Marin County Emergency Portal for information on significant incidents, events, and resources for the community.