In response to a National Weather Service[External] Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory forecasting dangerously low overnight temperatures and hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations, Marin County Health and Human Services (HHS) is activating its Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) to provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

This activation follows SWES criteria and is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the community during these extreme weather conditions.

In collaboration with HHS, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS)[External] will operate an overnight shelter at HHS’ Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael). 

Any person experiencing homelessness may seek temporary overnight relief at the heated Connection Center Building on the Wellness Campus from 5 PM Thursday, February 19, through 6 AM Friday, February 20, and again from 5 PM Friday, February 20, through 6 AM Saturday, February 21. Individuals are welcome to bring essential personal belongings, and sheltering for families is available. Email the HHS SWES staff to request family accommodations: HHSSWES@marincounty.gov.

HHS is not able to accept community volunteers or donations for the emergency shelter. 

Sheltering is a protective emergency response action[External]. HHS activates SWES operations based on the following criteria:

• The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for a minimum of three days of overnight (10 PM to 6 AM) temperatures of 36 degrees or less lasting for three hours or more, or
• NWS forecast calls for a minimum of two days of overnight temperatures of 45 degrees or less lasting for three hours or more; and there is a total of 1 inch or more of rain each night, or
• Hazardous conditions: NWS issues high wind warning or predicts other weather conditions that pose a life-threatening threat, or
• Hazardous air quality index greater than 300 

HHS works with homeless service provider partners to coordinate outreach and access to severe weather emergency shelters. 

For more information on SWES criteria and preparing for severe weather, visit Marin HHS Emergency Information or call (415) 473-6100. For more information on homelessness in Marin, visit Housing First Marin. 

For the latest emergency updates, visit the Marin County Emergency Portal for information on significant incidents, events, and resources for the community.