At Ritter, we are deliberate in our work to be present and create space for each person who comes to us. The vast majority come from chronic persistent trauma and loss of relationships, and therefore the threshold for trusting someone is quite different. They expect that someone is going to hurt, reject or mistreat them. They have been let down so many times that it has become a built-in narrative.

We know that overall health is not restricted solely to physical health, but also includes well-being and wellness.  The “whole person” approach includes emotional, spiritual, occupational, and financial aspects of life to create a holistic view of health.

In June 2017, Marin County Department of Health & Human Services (Marin HHS) received approval from the state to begin implementation of the Whole Person Care  Pilot (WPC) with a vision to build a sustainable, evidence-based, outcomes-focused coordinated system of care across health and social sectors to more efficiently and effectively serve Marin County’s most vulnerable Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

In 2018, Marin HHS awarded Ritter Center the Whole Person Care housing-based case management grant. Our team of highly-trained assertive Case Managers implement a high-fidelity Housing First program for 120 individuals who have long histories of homelessness and serious physical and behavioral disabilities. In partnership with Marin HHS and other partner non-profits we coordinate care and share data across housing, medical, mental health, and social services.

Ritter Center’s Whole Person Care program nurtures the whole person and can help to restore dignity to an individual’s life. 

“People don’t become homeless when they run out money. People become homeless when they run out of relationships.”

At Hamilton Meadows in Novato, Ritter Center is able to provide permanent supportive housing for up to 12 formerly homeless individuals. Ritter Center staff works collaboratively with other Marin County agencies to provide necessary services, including: healthcare, medication management, behavioral health counseling, and substance use treatment. Hamilton Meadows sits amid rolling hills and a canopy of mature trees. The immediate neighborhood includes a town center, parks, schools, cultural facilities and acres of open space.