Addressing concerns about housing facility

As a volunteer with the Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Marin group and a resident in a nearby community, I am glad to see support for addressing longterm underinvestment in affordable housing options for our unhoused neighbors with the plan for 1251 South Eliseo Drive in Larkspur. In response to a recently published article (“Larkspur homeless housing plan faces growing resistance,” Jan. 20), I must point out that there are many supporters of this site, myself included.

Myths are circulating about the proposed facility and its intended residents — that the unhoused population is a risk to our community, that they are benefitting from local investments but are from outside of Marin and that providing this type of housing might invite more unhoused individuals into Marin County. These can be easily dispelled.

I encourage all readers to visit 1251seliseo.com to learn that staff will be present 24/7 at the South Eliseo location. Case managers will visit the households regularly. Additionally, we know that the majority of the unhoused population in Marin does not abuse alcohol or drugs. Individuals who are subject to a lifetime registration requirement under any state sex offender registration program will not be eligible.

We know that 73% of people experiencing houselessness in Marin were residents here before they lost their housing. Almost half of them have lived here for more than 10 years.

The reality is that Marin’s escalating housing prices, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated housing challenges in recent years. Government intervention is essential to support our vulnerable populations. I encourage community members to sign the Marin Organizing Committee’s petition (tinyurl.com/y9ajwkue) and voice support in future forums and the Board of Supervisors meetings.

— Debbie Toizer, Kentfield