MEHC template email to urge Board of Supervisors to approve emergency shelter housing

Included in the March 6th and 10th Action Alert was a template letter advocates were encouraged to send to the Board of Supervisors. You can read it below:

Dear Board of Supervisors, 

I am writing to you today in support of the Shelter Crisis Declaration and Alternate Building Codes ordinances. These ordinances are critical to addressing the displacement and homelessness crisis. I strongly urge you to adopt these policies. 

There are an estimated 150 – 200 people living on ranches in West Marin who are at imminent risk of displacement from West Marin. This includes people living in horrible, substandard conditions in Martinelli Ranch as well as those living on the Point Reyes National Seashore ranches that will be closed in the next year. These families are a critical part of West Marin’s community, workforce, and school and many have nowhere to live in West Marin if they lose their homes. The County and the community need emergency housing solutions for these families in the next few months. 

West Marin was already in a severe housing crisis prior to these ranch family evictions. According to the West Marin Housing Report, there is a need for at least 1,000 units of housing affordable to households earning less than $65,000 a year. 

Declaring a Shelter Crisis allows Marin County to cut through red tape and act quickly in creating emergency housing. The Alternate Building Codes provide a pathway for property owners who want to help their neighbors by offering temporary housing. These policies are critical to develop temporary housing options to keep people housed and in their communities while long-term solutions are developed.

Thank you for your consideration. I urge your support.

Sincerely, 
[Your Name]