Every day in Marin, hardworking neighbors—already stretched thin—face unexpected emergencies: a sudden job loss, a medical bill, an unplanned rent increase. For many, one unplanned expense can mean the difference between a warm, safe home and a night in their car or worse.

That’s exactly where Alicia* found herself. On the morning of her daughter’s 5th-grade promotion, she should have been celebrating. Instead, she had just lost her job. Rent was due, and she feared eviction.

With nowhere else to turn, she came to Ritter Center, desperate to protect her child and keep a roof over her head. Because caring neighbors like you had given in advance, we were ready to act—providing emergency rental assistance that gave her time to find new work and keep her daughter in the school and neighborhood they call home.

“If not for Ritter, my daughter and I could have lost our home”

Today, Alicia and her daughter remain stable in their home. Many of the families who rely on Ritter Center face these same unanticipated crises and need a lifeline that you can provide to help keep them safe and secure. Your generosity keeps families in their homes, children in their schools, and hope alive.

*Alicia is a pseudonym used to protect our client’s privacy. Her story is real.

Our sincere thanks goes to our generous community who have donated food, collected sides for Thanksgiving Meal Kits, dropped off care packages, and hand-made items to support our holiday programs and clients in need:  First Congregational Church of San Rafael, First Presbyterian, San Rafael, National Charity League, Rodef Sholom, San Domenico School students,  St. Stephen’s, Tiburon, San Rafael Sheriffs Association, Redwood High School Ritter Club, Marin Community Foundation, and Nugget Markets.

Help us recreate last’s year’s holiday cheer made possible by our generous donors and volunteers who brought healthcare, housing support and hope to our Marin neighbors in need.