Community Action Marin to move headquarters to Novato

Community Action Marin, a nonprofit organization that provides social services, plans to move its headquarters from San Rafael to Novato in March.

The new base will be at 7655-7665 Redwood Blvd., said Chandra Alexandre, the chief executive officer. The site is at the corner of San Marin Drive near the former Fireman’s Fund complex.

The organization has been based on Northgate Drive in Terra Linda for about six years, but the property owner is selling the building, Alexandre said.

Alexandre said the need to relocate is an opportunity for the organization to expand its services. The Novato campus, which has two buildings, will allow for more onsite intake professionals and a new place for affordable child care.

The campus includes open office space that could allow the organization’s partners to relocate their offices and centralize services from a single site.

“We are proud to make this campus a safe and welcoming resource hub for staff and community, part of our momentum to meet people where they are and facilitate anti-poverty movement building,” Alexandre said. “Our investment as we approach 60 years in the county also underscores our enduring commitment to creating a more just and equitable Marin for decades to come.”

Community Action Marin, founded in 1966, has a $32 million annual budget and approximately 225 employees. The nonprofit originally had its headquarters on Lincoln Avenue in San Rafael. It moved to 408 Fourth St. in San Rafael following a fire at the Lincoln Avenue site. The organization relocated to Terra Linda in 2018.

The organization will continue operating its nine early childhood education centers countywide and a commercial kitchen.

Novato Mayor Tim O’Connor said the new headquarters offers an opportunity for the city.

“For nearly six decades they have helped better communities across Marin,” he said. “Having this work, and these jobs, in Novato is a wonderful benefit to our town. I look forward to working with them in the near future.”

The group is one of the chief organizations working alongside the county with its equity initiatives. The county plans to spend $1.7 million over the next three years to increase racial equity for economic opportunity, mental health and housing.

“I am thrilled that Community Action Marin now has a permanent headquarters in Novato as they advance the fight against poverty and continue to serve our community,” said Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan, who represents Novato. “As an added bonus, new onsite services to be developed include below-market-rate child care that will directly benefit the nearby neighborhoods and workforce.”

According to a 2023 report from Community Action Marin, 58% of Latino renters and 56% of Black renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing in the county. The inequities have stressed the need for expanded resources and outreach in neighborhoods in Novato, Marin City and San Rafael.

Alexandre said the new site is a renewed opportunity to provide services to those who need it.

“We’re going to continue to expand the provision of those services here,” she said.