Ritter Center

In Marin County, the shadows of poverty and homelessness loom large, affecting countless lives with stark realities. The Ritter Center stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in this landscape, passionately dedicated to alleviating the struggles of those most in need. Every day, our team witnesses the transformative power of care, commitment, and community support, working tirelessly to ensure that every person who walks through our doors finds a path to stability, health, and dignity.

Mission Statement: Ritter Center’s mission is to prevent and resolve homelessness and improve the health, dignity, and well-being of people living in poverty in Marin County by providing high-quality, culturally sensitive, and easily accessible medical care and social services.

History: Ritter Center’s roots date back to the early 1970s when the Marin County Welfare Department formed a committee to identify and support the needs of low-income families. This initiative evolved into Community Action Marin (CAM) in 1976. When federal funding for the "War on Poverty" dwindled, local congregations and community volunteers established the Human Concern Center of Marin in 1980, which later became Ritter Center. Over the decades, Ritter Center has expanded from offering basic safety net services to providing comprehensive healthcare, housing assistance, and social services. Today, Ritter Center serves over 2,570 clients annually, offering a broad spectrum of services that address immediate needs and foster long-term stability and well-being.

Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC): In 2013, Ritter Center became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) grantee, serving as a Health Care for the Homeless site. FQHCs are community-based healthcare providers funded by the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. This designation allows Ritter Center to offer services to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, and to receive enhanced reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid.

Our goals include expanding access to comprehensive healthcare, housing assistance, and behavioral health services, ensuring that our clients achieve stability and self-sufficiency. We are dedicated to stamping out homelessness in our community by providing critical support services that address both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Ritter Center employs a multi-faceted approach to achieve its goals. Our strategies include:

Housing First Approach: We prioritize securing stable housing for clients as the first step towards achieving overall stability and self-sufficiency.

Integrated Services: We provide comprehensive healthcare, including medical, mental health, and substance use treatment, alongside housing assistance to address the full spectrum of our clients' needs.

Community Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and community groups to maximize resources, coordinate care, and ensure that our clients have access to the best possible services.

Client-Centered Care: Our programs are designed to meet clients where they are, offering personalized care plans that respect their unique circumstances and empower them to take control of their lives.

Advocacy and Outreach: We actively engage in advocacy to address systemic barriers that contribute to homelessness and poverty, while also conducting outreach to connect with those in need who may not be aware of available services.

These strategies work together to create a robust support network that helps our clients move from crisis to stability, ultimately reducing homelessness in Marin County.

Ritter Center has over 40 years of experience in serving Marin County’s most vulnerable populations. As a federally qualified health center (FQHC), we are equipped to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, mental health, and substance use treatment. Our dedicated and skilled staff, combined with strong community partnerships, allow us to offer integrated services that address the complex needs of our clients.

We operate with a robust infrastructure, including a new facility that will enhance our ability to deliver services efficiently. Our financial stability, backed by an annual revenue of $9.54 million, ensures that we can sustain and expand our programs. Additionally, our deep connections with local organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders amplify our impact and ensure that we are well-positioned to meet our goals.

This blend of experience, resources, and strategic partnerships makes Ritter Center highly capable of achieving its mission to prevent homelessness and support the well-being of low-income individuals and families in Marin County.

Expansion of Services: Ritter Center has significantly expanded its services over the years. The organization now serves over 2,700 individuals, seniors, veterans, and families annually, with 65% of those served being individuals who are not homeless but need assistance to stay housed. The organization distributes $440,000 worth of nutritious food each year through its food pantry, helping hundreds of families and individuals maintain food security while managing their other essential needs.

New Facility Development: Ritter Center has made substantial progress in relocating to a new, larger facility at 800 A Street in San Rafael. This move is a part of a $14.5 million investment to expand and enhance the organization's ability to serve the community. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was held in January 2024, and significant steps have been made since, including the demolition of an adjacent derelict house to make way for client and patient parking. The renovation and construction are on schedule, with the interior renovation of the new facility beginning in June 2024.

COVID-19 Response: During the pandemic, Ritter Center played a critical role in public health by administering over 40,000 COVID-19 vaccines in partnership with the Marin County Department of Public Health. This effort was part of a broader strategy to ensure the well-being of Marin County's vulnerable populations during a critical time.

What’s Next:

Completion of the New Facility: The renovation and interior construction of the new facility at 800 A Street are expected to continue throughout 2024, with the goal of moving into the new space by the end of the year. This facility will enable Ritter Center to provide more comprehensive services, including expanded healthcare, housing assistance, and food security programs.

Enhancing Service Delivery: With the new facility, Ritter Center plans to increase its capacity to serve more individuals and families in need, particularly focusing on integrated services that address the full spectrum of challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness or economic insecurity.

Ongoing Community Engagement: Ritter Center will continue to engage with the community through its various seasonal programs, fundraising efforts, and partnerships, ensuring sustained support and resource availability for those in need.

These accomplishments and ongoing efforts demonstrate Ritter Center’s commitment to its mission of preventing homelessness and supporting the health and well-being of Marin County’s most vulnerable residents​.