Marin County bringing ‘Clean Slate’ services to county’s only Black community

Afternoon walk-up events in Marin City the past two years have been big successes, so several County of Marin departments are bringing the Clean Slate program back again on Thursday, February 15. The idea behind the Clean Slate event – orchestrated with Black History Month in mind – is to bring an array of needed assistance directly to residents in their own neighborhood. Marin City is the only predominantly Black community in Marin.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be on hand for assistance with public benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh food assistance, CalWORKS services, employment training, and general financial relief for families. People in need of help with justice-related tasks such as clearing one’s record, terminating one’s probation, or dismissing a conviction will be able to walk in with documentation and receive help from the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Department, or Child Support Services.

The Marin City event is set for 3:30-6 PM in the parking lot of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, 101 Donahue Street.

Clean Slate is a community-minded collaboration of the County’s justice-oriented departments plus key support from HHS and community-based organizations. This year the County has expanded its Clean Slate partnership with Canal Alliance, Legal Aid of Marin, CenterPoint, Helen Vine Recovery Center, the Marin City Community Development Workforce and Career Development, and likely more. In the big picture, the program helps remove barriers to self-sufficiency and ensures that every resident can succeed.

Those seeking law-related help are asked to bring all relevant documents with them, including past correspondences and state Department of Justice records. Each participating department will have Spanish translators on hand to help with health or immigration-related relief.

For questions about the event related to legal services, contact the Public Defender’s Office at (473) 473-6321. For health-related questions, contact Health and Human Services at (415) 473-3350.