Important updates and resources in the time of COVID-19
A message from Kim: what CLAM and our partners are doing in the time of COVID-19, plus... • Marin eviction ban in effect • Emergency rental & other assistance • Foreclosure moratorium • Coast Guard decision on hold
CLAM is working to stem effects of the economic and societal crisis that will arise from COVID-19. We’ve been in close touch with all of our residents and homeowners, and we’re actively working with community partners to create a West Marin safety net.
CLAM Residents Supported During this Challenging Time
CLAM staff has called every CLAM resident to check in. Several residents anticipated modest or dramatic fluctuations of income during this time. Real Community Rentals (RCR) homeowners and renters have also been contacted. Some residents can work from home and/or work with reduced hours. Those working in restaurants are unsure if there will be enough restaurant take-out business in the coming months to support their jobs. Thanks to local funding initiatives, any CLAM resident who needs it will be provided rental assistance.
Many of the residents were grateful for our phone call and said they felt loved and supported. When sheltering in place and "social distancing," it's comforting to feel connected and hear each other’s voices.
CLAM and RCR residents pay no more than 30% of their household income to rent. This policy makes clear sense especially now; residents who are not housing-cost burdened are more likely to have savings to help them get through difficult times. While it’s not uncommon in West Marin to pay 50% or 60% of one’s income to rent, periods of upheaval and uncertainty highlight the benefit of income-restricted rental programs such as those provided by community land trusts like CLAM.
CLAM staff working remotely
With Marin's Shelter-In-Place order in response to COVID-19, at CLAM our foremost concern is the well-being of our community and staff. We are taking all recommended precautions. Our measures include
CLAM staff is working mostly off-site. We check phone messages frequently throughout the day and will respond promptly.
We are checking in on CLAM residents and encourage residents to call CLAM at 415-663-1005 with any concerns.
We will post more information on our website as this situation evolves.
Annual Meeting
Not surprisingly, we have postponed our 2020 Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for the end of April. We will be in touch about a new date as soon as possible.
The information below covers Marin and Bay Area measures in place, with many links to resources to help you find what you need.
Thank you again for your support. We are here for you.
Be well, stay well, stay in touch as we work through this together.
On March 24, 2020 the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved an emergency resolution to prevent residents and business owners from being evicted because of a sudden loss of income tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ban is in effect countywide in every city, town, and unincorporated area of Marin County and lasts until May 31, 2020, unless extended by the Board of Supervisors. Tenants will need to plan to repay back rent over a six-month period after the ban is lifted.
Emergency Rental Assistance
CLAM has been working with West Marin non-profit partner organizations to mobilize emergency rental assistance funds for West Marin residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are some of the local resources coming forward.
Emergency rental assistance will be available from the County of Marin specifically for West Marin residents in the Measure W tax area which stretches from Muir Beach to Dillon Beach. Three agencies serving the following micro-regions will each receive approximately $50,000 in Measure W funds for each micro-region. These organizations are actively working together to coordinate rental assistance application and support procedures. More information will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
Community members who do not live in West Marin can also get help with rental assistance through non-profit agencies throughout Marin and Sonoma. Legal Aid of Marin can help. Click this flyer in English and this flyer in Spanish for more information.
Other Emergency Assistance
West Marin Fund has launched a COVID-19 Community Response Fund and has already awarded 2 grants to preschools to provide cash to families with young children. This is stop-gap funding that can be dispersed immediately. The Response Fund will prioritize undocumented residents, isolated seniors, and low-income families with children.
The County of Marin and Marin Community Foundation created a $1 million local relief fund. The fund will be administered by Marin Health and Human Services and is designed to provide:
Emergency rental assistance for low-income residents;
Expanded food for economically disadvantaged families;
Expanded meals for seniors;
Wi-Fi mobile access for economically disadvantaged students; and
Emergency childcare for health care workers and emergency responders.
Mortgage impact responses to COVID-19
On March 18, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages (Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae) for 60 days. Many major banks are also taking action now to help borrowers who may be economically impacted by the pandemic. Homeowners who may be facing economic hardship should immediately contact their servicer if they are at risk of falling behind on their mortgages, so that loss mitigation strategies can be explored and implemented quickly.
Coast Guard Decision on Hold
The Marin County Board of Supervisors postponed the item on their March 17th agenda to select a developer for the Coast Guard neighborhood, as it coincided with day two of the COVID-19 shelter in place order. The County has not yet announced a new hearing date. We will keep you informed when the County reschedules the hearing.
Thanks to your tremendous support, we feel CLAM and Eden Housing are in a great position to win this project. Here are some ways we’ve heard and received the community’s support:
CLAM collected over 500 signatures supporting CLAM’s bid and many letters of support from local organizations for our bid. These were presented to the BOS by community members in February, 2020. In preparation for the March 17th hearing many people wrote letters, emailed and called the BOS to express support for CLAM and Eden to be awarded the project. THANK YOU for the overwhelming vote of confidence! We will not let the community down.
Folks can still comment on this item to BOS@marincounty.org, as it will be included in the public record when it comes up for hearing again.
