In 1989, on a cold rainy night, a young girl lay in bed wondering why we don't adopt homeless children in this country as we do children in other countries. A group of dedicated individuals pondered this, and Adopt A Family of Marin was born.

Even in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Adopt A Family has found many parents who suddenly need help in providing a home for their children due to an unexpected crisis in their lives: an injury, a serious illness, a jump in the monthly rent, spousal abuse, loss of employment, etc.

Adopt A Family of Marin provides financial assistance and emotional support to enable qualified, low-income families with dependent children to move from unstable crisis situations into stability and self-sufficiency.

• Preventing families from becoming homeless
• Enabling families to become productive members of the community

Since 1989, AAF has adopted more than 1400 families, helping to provide shelter and dignity for more than 3000 children. We have served another 800 families with occasional food, clothing and transportation assistance.

Through the years AAF has received referrals from 50 different sources. We pride ourselves in being "the Agency of last resort". Other agencies know that, when they run out of funds, AAF will try and provide assistance. We do not turn away anyone who is appropriate for our program without some emotional and/or financial support.

And, very importantly, we are the only agency in Marin that provides on-going financial assistance to families in crisis if necessary and appropriate. We understand that if a family has lost their source of income because of illness, loss of employment, an increase of rent they may need more than one time assistance.