Update on 516 Canal Street Fire: Support for Families and Next Steps 

Dear Marin community, 

Thank you for the outpouring of support for the families of the 516 Canal Street fire. As always, I am heartened and humbled by your generosity, particularly in times of crisis and loss. 

Today I want to share an update on the fire refugees, and also on the collaboration that took place over the weekend to transition these families from temporary shelters into hotel rooms for the coming weeks. 

Immediate Support Provided 

• On Thursday, August 21, Canal Alliance staff joined first responders—including the San Rafael police and fire departments, staff from the City of San Rafael and the County of Marin, the local Red Cross, at the Albert J. Boro Community Center, and supported the residents of 516 Canal Street in securing aid and navigating immediate next steps.   

• By the evening of Friday, August 22, we successfully transitioned all fire refugees from the temporary shelter into hotels. It was a marathon effort, made possible by countless partners. Special thanks to Canal Alliance’s case managers, the San Rafael School District, and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce.  

• Extra Food has stepped in to lead meal coordination and delivery and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.  

• Countless immediate interventions were provided over the weekend, including support with health needs, clothing, food, and replacing lost cell phones and cars, and repairing others. 

• Canal Alliance set up private channels to facilitate clear communication with refugee families and answer their questions quickly and effectively. 

• Canal Alliance’s Client Support Fund was identified as the best vehicle by which to receive donations to support these families. The Client Support Fund allows Canal Alliance to step in quickly during emergencies such as this one—to help cover urgent needs such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and other essentials. More information and the link to donate can be found here:

• Gift cards or cash contributions are also being accepted at Canal Alliance’s neighborhood location at 91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael during business hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm).  

• Please, we request no material or food contributions at this time. 

Next Phase of Support 

• Canal Alliance’s staff will coordinate with partners to address ongoing needs, including health, therapists and counseling, permanent housing, transportation, and school. 

• As noted above, Extra Food will lead with meal and grocery distribution until families are rehomed in permanent housing and have access to their own kitchens. 

• Canal Alliance’s staff will help families secure new identification documents and passports as a necessary first step to securing permanent housing. 

• Canal Alliance staff will also file Freedom of Information Act requests for the victims this week to recover immigration-related documents lost in the fire. We will also support individuals by directly providing immigration legal representation or securing pro bono representation, as many families lost all the savings they were hoping to use to hire immigration attorneys. 

• Canal Alliance will continue to accept financial support for these families via the Client Support Fund or donated gift cards. We are also coordinating with Marin Community Foundation, which has also established a fund to support the fire refugees. 

There is so much work ahead, for all of us, and especially for these families. The collaboration over the weekend between the San Rafael School District, the Red Cross, Canal Alliance, Extra Food, Legal Aid of Marin, Marin Community Foundation, the County of Marin, and the City of San Rafael and so many others has been swift, compassionate, and effective.  

What’s also been swift and compassionate is the way in which you — along with so many other members of our community — stepped up to support these families with your generous giving. Thank you!  

Yours in community, 
 
Omar Carrera 
Chief Executive Officer