Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Acceptance of Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg Fund Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Approve an Appropriations Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $550,000 to the Human Services Agency, recognizing unanticipated revenue from Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg Fund DAF for emergency financial assistance; and
B) Adopt a resolution authorizing the Human Services Agency (HSA) Agency Director or designee, to accept funding for a targeted homelessness prevention program from the Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg Fund DAF, an advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, in the amount of $550,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The Human Services Agency’s Center on Homelessness (COH) contracts, coordinates, and monitors homeless services throughout San Mateo County. Currently, the primary interventions offered are outreach and engagement, shelter/interim housing, rapid rehousing, housing navigation, permanent supportive housing, target programs for special populations such as veterans, families with children, youth, and emergency financial assistance.
COH is participating in a national initiative called Right at Home, which is seeking to learn about what targeted homelessness prevention strategies work locally and to build a case for national investment in such services. In 2025, COH received a $500,000 planning grant from Right at Home through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Since then, COH has been working with community stakeholders to design a local program consistent with Right at Home’s broad criteria and submitted an application for $9 million in implementation funding to Right at Home.
DISCUSSION:
COH asks for approval and acceptance of this grant award in the amount of $550,000 from the Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg Fund. The funds are planned for use to provide services and emergency financial assistance to the most precariously housed San Mateo County residents, those at highest risk of becoming homeless imminently, and to provide high-impact interventions. More information about Right at Home is available at www.rightathomeusa.org.
HSA requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the HSA Director or designee to submit reports and execute any agreements, amendments, or other documents with Right at Home to apply for and accept future funding.
The County Attorney has approved the Resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg Fund grant is for a total amount of $550,000. Funds will be distributed to the County in one installment as indicated in the grant agreement. These funds will be held in trust by the County until they are utilized. Budgetary appropriation to authorize the use of these funds will be included in the budget years that will be affected. There is no Net County Cost.