San Rafael, CA – While Marin County can be proud of its progress getting residents vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, it recognizes another crisis brewing. There is still a strong local emergency response effort to help to those who remain at the highest risk of contracting the coronavirus, including those experiencing homelessness.
Statewide, Project Roomkey has provided COVID-vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness with a safe place to temporarily reside and reduce risk of virus exposure. (Photo courtesy Los Angeles County Department of Health)The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to take advantage of a statewide program that targets assistance to the most vulnerable and reduces community spread of COVID-19. The program is called Project Roomkey (not to be confused with Project Homekey).
Project Roomkey is a State of California-driven initiative to provide COVID-vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness with a safe place to temporarily reside and reduce risk of virus exposure. Locally, the program provides funding for 40 rooms at a Marin motel plus case management support and connections to health care coordination. HHS said the program recently reached full capacity of 40 individuals and will remain in place until funding ends September 30.
Carrie Sager, Marin HHS’ Whole Person Care Senior Homelessness Program Coordinator, said Roomkey participants receive housing support services through federal Emergency Solutions Grants-Coronavirus (ESG-CV) funding. The support will help participants develop housing plans and can provide short- to medium-term rental assistance and case management after they leave Roomkey.
This has been a big part of our COVID-19 response,” Sager said. “Connecting folks to shelter, case management, and health care can lead to other positive opportunities. The goal is to give them choices other than returning to the streets.”
Amanda Nagle, a registered nurse and case manager with Marin Community Clinics, said one Project Roomkey participant recently shared a personal story.
“Our first patient referred to Project Roomkey mentioned to me how comfortable their first night sleeping in a bed was and how nice it was to be able to take a shower,” Nagle said. “They are hoping to stay in the program long enough to save up money for a place of their own as they recently became employed as well.”
Marin Community Clinic’s Cayenne Bierman said the program assists pregnant women experiencing homelessness with a place to shelter during pregnancy and provides vital medical treatments to participants diagnosed with cancer.
“I believe that Project Roomkey is saving lives during a time of national loss,” said Bierman, a behavioral health manager.
Earlier in the pandemic, the County of Marin and its nonprofit partners collaborated on Project Roomkey by providing temporary housing at three motels to reduce COVID-19 spread for the most vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness. Rooms were offered to both single adults and families with children who were sleeping outside or in their vehicles. The program participants were provided with hot daily meals, a safe place to sleep, connection to mental and physical health support, and case management to connect them with permanent housing.
“Marin has a strong track record of caring for this population,” Marin HHS Director Benita McLarin said. “We’re very proud that we started thinking about long-term solutions at the beginning. We will be working closely with these residents to work toward permanent housing options wherever possible.”