St Vincent de Paul Society District Council of Marin County

Homelessness services - the Marin homeless outreach team (hot) is a collaborative effort of local public and nonprofit entities designed to bridge the system gaps and assist those in greatest need to access permanent housing. Using national best practices, hot focuses at any given time on a small number of people experiencing chronic homelessness and crafts a personalized housing plan for each. Plans may include access to behavioral health treatment, re-engagement with family, or wraparound case management, all with the goal of placing that person as quickly as possible in permanent housing appropriate for their needs. Additionally, rapid response is available to all Marin residents who are currently experiencing homelessness. Rapid response prevides emvergency services vi the phone oer through our wal-up service (no appointments nexessary). These services can include clothing, transportation, housing location, rental deposits and short term rent and shrot term housing case management for people to get back on their feet into safe, affordable, permanent housing.

Conferences - in most catholic parishes within Marin County, small groups of men and women organize local volunteer efforts to assist neighbors in need. These groups, known as conferences, provide help to people of all faiths and backgrounds, preventing eviction and homelessness by addressing financial crises on a case by case basis. Some of the services offered include emergency financial assistance for utilities and rent, food pantries, overnight shelter vouchers, and assistance with obtaining clothing and furniture. While not social workers, volunteers also provide solace and comfort for people at risk of isolation and depression.

Free dining room - the free dining room was created in 1981 to serve Marin County's hungry citizens nutritious, well-balanced meals in a welcoming atmosphere. The free dining room has served more than 2 million meals since then, often providing the only sustenance of the day for those who eat there. Many diners are Marin's "working poor," struggling to stay housed, living in poverty and trying to make ends meet. The dining room serves senior citizens, veterans, and people with disabilities, both homeless and housed in the community. The dining room currently serves over 200,000 meals annually.