San Mateo County To Get $750K To Protect Homeless Amid Pandemic

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County will soon get financial assistance to help its homeless population amid the coronavirus crisis.

The county announced Thursday that it will receive $750,000 in funding from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

The funding will support local efforts to protect the homeless and increase shelter capacity during the coronavirus crisis.

This funding specifically applies to Project Roomkey, a statewide initiative launched by Gov. Gavin Newsom to provide non-congregate shelter to high risk homeless individuals to help stem the spread of COVID-19.

“The County of San Mateo is committed to offering and expanding shelter and housing to our homeless residents who want it,” San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy said.

“We are grateful of this funding from the state to support the mission of Project Roomkey and the County’s commitment to protecting the entire community while we are required to shelter in place,”

The county’s efforts under Project Roomkey include opening Bayfront Station, a shelter program for medically at-risk homeless residents using leased hotel rooms at a local hotel.

As of this week, there are 90 clients sheltering at Bayfront Station. CDSS funds may be used to support program operations, including on site staffing, food, security, and other needs.

“This critical funding will allow our partnership with Samaritan House and the hotel operator to continue moving forward during this crisis,” Human Services Agency Director Ken Cole said.

The CDSS funding may also be used by the County in other efforts to protect its homeless population and overall community by expanding shelter capacity, implementing new protocols at shelters, moving some homeless into alternate shelter locations to allow for social distancing and outreaching to those who choose to remain unsheltered.

For more information on the County of San Mateo’s efforts with serving the homeless population during coronavirus crisis, visit: https://www.smcgov.org/covid-19-how-county-helping-our-homeless-and-risk-residents

Learn more and watch a video about Bayfront Station at https://cmo.smcgov.org/sheltering-homeless-key-stopping-spread-coronavirus