Marin’s Ritter Center Seeks Help With Storm Damage Recovery

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A San Rafael-based nonprofit group that provides essential services to those in need is now itself in need of a helping hand in the aftermath of a storm that damaged its downtown facility.

The Ritter Center is asking for the public’s help recovering from substantial property damage in the aftermath of the Oct. 24 storm that caused widespread flooding in Marin left parts of nonprofit’s facility in a foot of standing water.

"It's really hard for the families who come here, 350 families a week get food from us,” Ritter Center Executive Director Mark Shotwell told ABC 7 News.

“It helps them to stretch their very limited income because they may need to pay for other things like gas and transportation and rent."

Currently, both the clinic area and day services center have a leaky roof and water has seeped into the ceilings, lights and walls, and all of the furniture and supplies in those areas are now a total loss.

All but two of the Ritter Center’s tents used for COVID-related services were totally destroyed.

Much of the flood damage will not be covered by insurance.

“We are working around the clock to get our services back up and running for the hundreds of families and individuals we serve every week,” the Ritter Center said in a statement.

The Ritter Center’s stated mission is to prevent homelessness and improve the health and well-being of individuals and families who are homeless or low-income by providing a range of culturally sensitive, easily accessible, high quality medical care and social services.

“The holidays are a time when those with no housing, family, or income suffer from hunger, the rigors of chronic homelessness, and heightened stress and loneliness,” the Ritter Center said.

“Food is an important part of the health of a whole person and without it, our neighbors may be forced to buy food instead of paying their rent, putting them and their families at risk of becoming homeless. This is a decision no one should ever have to make.”

In 2020, Ritter Center distributed 22,000 bags of food valued at $440,000 to ensure people have food to eat.

“This year, due to COVID, the need is just as high as it was last year; we’re experiencing a 15-20% increase in demand at the food pantry on any given day from an average of 350 families per week,” the Ritter Center said.

“Wondering where food will come from is particularly difficult and stressful around the holidays.”

Augmenting its regular food pantry services, Ritter Center distributes Thanksgiving Meal Kits (a turkey and sides) the week of Thanksgiving.

“In 2020, we distributed 182 meal kits, a 48% increase over 2019. This year, we anticipate distributing 150-200 meal kits to families in need,” the Ritter Center said.

Ritter client Sandra McMillion in an ABC 7 News interview described the Ritter Center as a lifeline that helped her survive tough times.

"If it had not been for Ritter, I would have died because they looked after me, they took care of me, they got me all the doctors, they got me all the treatments and medications," McMillion told the television station.

"It made me feel like a human. For the first time in my life I felt like somebody cared."

The Ritter Center also hosts a Holiday Meal for the Homeless in December.

Due to COVID, the format changed in 2020 from a hot, in-person meal to a boxed meal to-go.

Just as important as the meal, seeing friendly, welcoming faces and socializing helps decrease isolation and depression among those living in poverty, seniors, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness.

This year, the meal will be a sandwich or wrap with sides, a beverage, and a hot soup made by Ritter Center volunteers, led by a retired professional chef.

“The holidays can be especially lonely, so the in-person meal is more than a dinner,” the Ritter Center said.

To contribute, visit here.

Amazon shoppers can help by selecting an item from the Ritter Center’s “wish list” by visiting here. ⠀