Supervisors Look To Put Temporary Housing At Lot In Unincorporated Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved an intent to purchase a lot in Point Reyes Station at their June 10 meeting.

The supervisors said the vacant lot in Point Reyes Station could be a housing solution for displaced ranch workers and others living in substandard housing. The goal would be to turn to the location into more permanent affordable housing for the West Marin workforce.

The supervisors approved the intent to purchase the lot at B and 6th streets, which is two blocks away from the unincorporated town's business district on Shoreline Highway. It is a nearly 1 acre flat lot on the northwest corner of Point Reyes Station.

West Marin currently is facing a severe housing shortage for low-income families, many who are Latino and have lived in the area for decades, the supervisors said.

Right now there are more than 150 residents who qualify as extremely low-income that are homeless or are at risk of losing their homes due to ranch displacements.

Due to a recent settlement between ranchers and environmentalist, 14 ranches are shutting down, supervisors said.

“Beyond the economic impacts, these deep-rooted local families face significant psychological strain from prolonged housing insecurity and the threat of separation from community networks,” said Leelee Thomas, CDA deputy director. “The forced relocation of children impacted by the ranch closures will lead to negative impacts on children, school enrollment and school funding.”

In March, the supervisors declared an emergency shelter crisis after the settlement.