Binford Road parallels Highway 101, adjacent to Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, just north of Novato.
The lengthy Binford Road homeless encampment near Novato is growing smaller, as county officials are taking action to address the stretch of vehicles that has made headlines across the country.
Since the County of Marin’s last headcount in August, 10 individuals have moved into housing, with 19 more on a pathway to housing with assistance from social workers. Eighteen vehicles have been removed, and vacated roadside parking spaces are being fenced off to discourage new arrivals, county officials reported this week.
The Binford Road encampment started with a dozen or so RVs during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as recently as Dec. 1, had grown into a refuge for 101 individuals and 132 vehicles.
According to feedback Marin County human-services officials fielded from the Binford unhoused, many living in vehicles there cannot afford Marin’s high rents, have lost housing or a job, or have endured unexpected medical expenses.
Binford Road is a County of Marin-maintained road parallel to Highway 101 just north of the Novato city limits. Bordering the encampment on the east side of Binford is Rush Creek Open Space Preserve, a sensitive wildlife habitat.
On Dec. 12, the Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted a measure prohibiting overnight parking along the west side of Binford Road to ensure more turnover and parking for businesses.
Other progress includes:
- More than two-thirds of the Binford population has been connected to the County’s Coordinated Entry system for more stable housing.
- Environmental and health upgrades are being implemented, including biweekly sanitary pumping services, more portable restrooms and handwashing stations.
- Public safety measures have also been added, including protective fencing along the waterfront, weekly debris removal, and a slower speed limit of 35 mph that goes into effect Dec. 28.
In addition, the Board adopted a pilot vehicle-buyback-incentives program for individuals with an identified housing destination and exit date, but who may require some assistance to transition. From now through June, the program will pay $175 per linear foot for occupied vehicles if the owner can demonstrate they are relocating to a permanent housing destination. Registered, operable second or third vehicles at the site may receive the same incentive to turn in their vehicles—with proof of ownership, presence on Binford Road prior to Oct. 1, 2023, and agreement to abide by all state Vehicle Code and County regulations.
Gary Naja-Riese, the county’s Director of Homelessness and Whole Person Care, applauded the approval of the buyback program. “Incentives [in the program] will mean fewer vehicles along the roadside while we accelerate housing options for some who just need a little help to transition.”
A $1.6 million Encampment Resolution Grant from the State of California, matched with approximately $600,000 per year from the County, is providing the resources needed to address the Binford Road encampment over a three-year period. The money is used on public outreach, case management, housing vouchers, security deposits, first and last month’s rent, and other housing-related costs, according to county officials.
