Catholic Charities & Project Homekey+
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are Catholic Charities and the County of Marin partnering for Project Homekey+?
Marin County Health and Human Services, in partnership with Catholic Charities of San Francisco, currently operate Carmelita Women’s Home in Marinwood. The program has been operating for four years with a high success rate and, to our knowledge, no negative impacts on the neighborhood.
With the support of the State of California, there are now plans to rehabilitate a currently vacant wing of the building to create nine units of permanent supportive housing for individuals at risk of homelessness. Building upon the success of Carmelita Women’s Home, the new project uses existing space and infrastructure to provide stable housing while maintaining the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood.
2. What is Carmelita Women’s Home? Will this program continue?
Carmelita Women’s Home provides therapeutic care of women healing from trauma to stabilize their health with the goal of moving into permanent and stable housing, and to restore their lives through employment, education, or achievement of personal goals. Services include therapy, daily living skills, linkage to support services, group activities and educational classes, and access to an in-house food pantry. Carmelita Women’s Home will continue providing transitional, supportive services while the permanent supportive housing for nine residents opens at the other end of the building.
3. How was the Catholic Charities site selected for this new funding?
The new project is funded through Project Homekey+, a California state program that provides grants to local public agencies to develop housing for adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Funding is highly competitive, with many applications not selected.
In May 2025, the County of Marin and Catholic Charities applied jointly for funding to create permanent supportive housing units within the underutilized portion of the former monastery. In September 2025, the State informed the County and Catholic Charities that the application could move forward, creating a pathway to renovate the property. Over the past few months, the County and Catholic Charities have been working with the State to finalize the process for the grant funds.
4. Who will live in the new units and how are they selected?
Residents will be referred through Marin County’s Coordinated Entry System. This system ensures people are matched to appropriate housing opportunities.
Given the sensitive, residential setting of the site, residents selected will be individuals who are ready for and capable of living successfully in a neighborhood environment. The nine units will serve as permanent living arrangements for the selected residents, with the understanding that some residents of Carmelita Women’s Home could transition into this permanent housing.
5. What types of services will be provided on-site?
Each resident will have a private room with an en-suite bathroom and access to shared spaces including a kitchen, dining area, balcony, and community room. Residents will have access to wraparound services including health support and case management. These services are considered best practice for maintaining housing stability and include:
- Support with medical and mental health care
- Assistance with daily living skills
- Help accessing benefits and community resources
- Support with employment or education goals
6. Will this change neighborhood aesthetics or availability of parking?
No, the work will primarily focus on the internal space of the building. New parking spaces will be included on-site for each unit and staff, which will be located behind the existing gate so vehicles will not be visible from the street.
7. What happens if issues arise after opening?
This is permanent supportive housing, which means residents have stable, long-term homes along with access to professional support services. On-site staff and case managers work closely with residents to promote wellness, independence, and positive relationships within the community. If concerns arise, they are addressed promptly and respectfully, with a focus on communication, problem-solving, and maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for both residents and neighbors. For any operational issues, please contact Michelle Funez, 415-473-7202, michelle.funez@marincounty.gov. In all situations where immediate assistance is needed, the appropriate course of action is always to contact 911 or the Marin Mobile Crisis Response Team at 415-473-6392.
8. How will the property’s trees and landscaping be cared for over time?
The legacy of the Carmelite Monastery is deeply meaningful to Catholic Charities, and caring for the land is part of that stewardship. Landscaping and irrigation systems will be maintained as part of the project’s ongoing property management plan. Regular upkeep will ensure trees and plants remain healthy and that the site continues to reflect a well-cared-for residential property and fire safety best practices. Catholic Charities is committed to respecting and protecting the site’s trees, vegetation, and natural environment as an essential part of our mission and values.
- For more information on Catholic Charities, contact:
Tony Alioto, Director of Marketing and Communications
