HELPING MAKE ENDS MEET

The Safety Net Services

TEAM OFFERED COMMUNITY MEMBERS A FIRST LINE OF RESPONSE TO MEETING EMERGENCY NEEDS. They filled in gaps, increased stability, and strengthened moves toward self-sufficiency for people across the county via:

• Energy and rental assistance

• Mortgage payments and security deposits

• Cash for car repairs, medicine, or other essential needs

• Emergency food

Of the more than 550 families enrolled in the agency’s childcare programs, two-thirds received cash, housing, or energy assistance.

CONFRONTING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This past year, many among us faced extreme hardship. In response, staff delivered unprecedented support to help those facing crisis find stability and hope.

Service Hubs Get Help To Community

Increased needs made innovations for expanded service delivery necessary. Through a new collaboration with the Sausalito Marin City School District (SMCSD), agency staff worked onsite at Bayside Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy from Monday to Friday. From April to June, over 80 new community

$1.8M

APPROXIMATELY 1,200 FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS received over $1.8 million in rental assistance members connected to needed support in Marin City. The location allowed residents to receive safety net, financial, career, and credit coaching services right in their neighborhood. It gave them access to referrals too, from the agency’s mental health services and childcare, to warm handoffs to critical partners in public health, legal aid, and other social services.

Pathways To Economic Recovery

Recovery is a journey, and the Safety Net Services team made it possible for people to get the support they needed to stay housed, keep the lights on, and put food on the table. “We’ve helped more people than ever before,” said Laurel Hill, Safety Net Services Director. “People who received services may have been several months behind in rent, or someone would find out they qualified for energy assistance, and it put their mind at ease knowing they could now afford food. Once they received help, they were so relieved.”

Every day, dedicated staff helped individuals and families to find their footing and take a step forward.

“YOU DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH I appreciate all you have done for me especially in these difficult times. I just received news that my rent is already paid in full. I’m happy to know that I was able to pay the rent for this April with your help, and thanks for the help with the electric services.

A thousand thanks to your agency for everything they do for our community. And I am glad to know that there is an agency like Community Action Marin that can help in these times.”

– K. MILAGRO, SERVICES RECIPIENT, RENTAL ASSISTANCE

IMPACT AT A GLANCE:

$320K IN DIRECT CASH ASSISTANCE provided to approximately 640 families and individuals

$570K IN ENERGY ASSISTANCE allocated to over 890 families and individuals

50+ PEOPLE SERVED in our outreach program monthly

OVER 100 PEOPLE referred to shelter, residential treatment, or obtained permanent affordable housing

MORE THAN 20 tents and OVER 40 sleeping bags distributed to the unhoused

MORE THAN 1,500 bag lunches and OVER 150 hygiene kits distributed

80+ CLIENT VISITS in just over a month at our new Marin City Safety Net Services Hub

“THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS were transferred electronically and are now deposited in my bank account. These funds will allow me to pay on time my quarterly Medicare supplement health insurance premium. I’m grateful to Community Action Marin. They helped me in so many ways!.”

– S. BILOW, SERVICES RECIPIENT, RENTAL ASSISTANCE CARE TEAMS distribute essential items like socks and sleeping bags