A temporary shelter to serve adults facing homelessness has opened at 3301 Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael. Homeward Bound will operate this site while rebuilding Mill Street Center, our longtime emergency shelter.

With the help of volunteers, the top floor of the Kerner Boulevard building has been outfitted with beds, lockers and storage for residents as well as a dining and sitting area. Our staff members plus a security guard serve residents onsite around the clock.

Mobile showers have been installed in the parking lot and our Fresh Starts culinary team delivers morning and evening meals. Strict protocols remain in place — such as frequent sanitizing, social distancing, and mask requirements — to reduce virus risk for staff and residents.

In this new site, Homeward Bound provides support to help each individual overcome barriers to stability and find a path to stable housing.

On Oct. 1, the San Rafael Planning Commission gave unanimous approval for use of the top floor as a temporary shelter for up to 45 people.