About Our New Health Center
Our Passion, Our Mission
Since 1980, Ritter Center has helped thousands of individuals experiencing housing insecurity
and homelessness find and maintain housing, access medical and behavioral healthcare, participate in safety net and social programs, attain nutritious food, and connect with our community partners for access to complementary programs that treat the whole person.
Today, we are engaged in a robust capital campaign to purchase and renovate a new state-of-the-art health center at 800 A Street in San Rafael. The new facility will reflect our commitment to and respect for our clients, and enable us to evolve with the needs of Marin County’s vulnerable children, families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness and economic insecurity.
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Why Ritter Center Needs to Expand
Ritter Center works! Together, we are ending homelessness, providing essential healthcare services, and running the largest food pantry in Marin County. With your added support we can do this! Our vulnerable neighbors won't have to choose between food, healthcare or rent. Homelessness is decreasing due to our efforts. However, remaining in stable housing requires supportive services. In Marin County, housing is limited and costs are rising, threatening to reverse this positive trend. You need to earn $54.23 per hour ($112,800 annually) - 3.4 times the state minimum wage - to afford the average monthly asking rent of $2,820* for a one bedroom apartment in the County. Meanwhile, the maximum Social Security Income benefit is $1,182.94 for an individual adult.
Marin County 2024 Point in Time Count
862
individuals experiencing homelessness had unmet needs
24%
decrease in chronic homelessness
12%
decrease in family homelessness
75%
of extremely low-income families pay more than half of their income on rent
375+
food pantry visits each week ensure that individuals and families don't go hungry
22,000
bags of groceries are distributed each year at Ritter Center's food pantry
Today’s Challenges
16 Ritter Street has served as Ritter Center's site for 44 years, but now poses challenges that a bigger space will solve. They include limited office and medical space, no parking, outdated facilities, insufficient interior waiting rooms, and an environment that does not reflect our dedication to providing high-quality services.
Improving Services
Standing at nearly 14,000 sq. ft., the new center will have the following:
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2x the medical exam rooms
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Modern healthcare equipment
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Confidential behavioral health rooms
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Lab for onsite testing
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Treatment room for minor procedures
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Meditation and lactation room
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Off-street parking and EV charging infrastructure
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Large, interior waiting rooms
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Medical team room
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Food pantry that’s double the size of our current pantry
As a result, Ritter Center will increase healthcare equity and quality of care by:
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Expanding women's health services
- Adding ancillary pediatric services
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Adding supportive employment services
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Queuing all pantry and clinic visitors inside
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Providing more culturally appropriate food
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Providing food to more senior clients
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Uniting our staff under one roof
Our Impact
See how our work has helped our people in need and benefited the community.
Support Our Project or Schedule a Tour
Ritter Center CEO Mark Shotwell is currently providing private tours and briefings. If you would like to schedule a tour or support the project, please contact Noelle Colomé, Director of Donor Advising at (415) 847-8043 or ncolome@rittercenter.org.
