COVID-19 Resources [UPDATED]

RESOURCES FOR RENTERS

The following is an overview of resources available to those economically impacted by COVID-19, with a focus on resources that might be of the greatest use to renters in San Mateo County. This isn’t a complete list, and the availability of resources changes frequently. We’ll do our best to keep this updated! Please also check the San Mateo County’s COVID-19 website for additional updates.

Need help dealing with an eviction notice or negotiating with your landlord?

Both the Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto and The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County can provide legal assistance to those facing evictions or extreme rent increases.

Need help paying your rent?

Contact Samaritan House of San Mateo. As the core agency for the city of San Mateo, Samaritan House is the gateway for nearly all financial assistance in response to COVID-19. Call to make an appointment with a case manager at (650) 347-3648. You can also apply for financial assistance online, here, or in-person during Samaritan House’s weekly lunch distribution at 4031 Pacific Blvd. San Mateo CA 94403.

Other organizations that provide various forms of housing assistance, and/or may have financial assistance available in the future:

Need help with food? 

Reach out to Samaritan House of San Mateo on their website or by phone at (650) 347-3648. 

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley can also help:

  • Call their Food Connection hotline at 1-800-984-3663
  • Text “GETFOOD” to 408-455-5181
  • Email them at getfood@shfb.org

This flyer contains a good list of times and locations for food distribution in the County: COVID-19 Community Resources: San Mateo County

Looking for resources available to undocumented immigrants?

The financial assistance, food, and other programs offered by Samaritan House of San Mateo are available to those who are undocumented. 

Undocumented individuals and families who are not eligible for other forms of assistance due to their immigration status can apply for $500 in relief funds from the California Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) project. Funds are available by application starting on Monday, May 18 on a first-come first-served basis, until June 30 or funds are depleted. To apply, call 866-490-3899 between 8am – 9pm Monday through Saturday. Applications are only accepted by phone. Funds are limited so apply as soon as possible. For more information, go to Catholic Charities of SF’s webpage.

Accepting assistance, or accessing medical care to stay healthy during the COVID-19 crisis should not affect your immigration status. However, The Libre Project has some good information about the “public charge test”. 

The following is an extensive list of resources available to immigrant communities, including the undocumented: [Immigrants Rising] Tangible Support for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19

Finally, here is a resource that tracks relief funds available to people in California who are undocumented: Relief Funds For Undocumented Workers in California (Legal Aid at Work).docx Many of these are not currently open or are only accessible to people who live in other counties. But check for updates.

Having trouble navigating unemployment or other application processes?

Contact state representatives’ offices if you are running into problems with your applications getting processed:

State Senator Jerry Hill: For constituent services related to COVID-19, please reach out to Senator.Hill@senate.ca.gov or call (650) 212-3313.

State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin: (650) 349-2200

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