What is Labath Landing?
Labath Landing is a 60-unit interim housing program for people experiencing homelessness. Along with safe shelter, program participants receive on-site supportive services like mental health counseling and job training to help them gain stability and move on to their own permanent homes. The project will provide interim housing and services for an estimated 100 people per year.
Labath Landing opened on October 24, 2022. This project was made possible through a $14.6 million State Homekey grant, which covered construction costs and will partially cover the first four years of operations. The annual operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is $2.5. Over 80% of the operational costs are currently paid for with State and County dollars,
including Sonoma County Measure O funds.
Labath Landing serves the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. Many of them have physical and mental health disabilities, which make it even more challenging to help them access housing. Many have been homeless for years. Helping these people overcome barriers and moving on to permanent homes takes time. The average stay in similar interim housing programs is six months, but some will need longer.
Together with the Safe Sleeping Program at the Roberts Lake Park and Ride, the city’s modified camping ordinance, and other city homeless service programs, Labath Landing has contributed to a reduction in the number of uncontrolled homeless encampments in the city. These encampments were harmful to the environment, community members and the people living in them.
Labath Landing alone will not end homelessness in Rohnert Park, however there has been progress. At least a quarter of people who move out of the program will move into permanent homes. Through June 2024, 48% of the people who moved out moved into permanent homes. For comparison, the average for interim shelter programs in Sonoma County is less than 30%.