Emergency weather program offers refuge at San Mateo Event Center during extreme cold and rain
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County has teamed with the San Mateo County Event Center to provide a vital link to its most vulnerable citizens when the weather is delivering cold and severe conditions associated with the season. Aimed at protecting those without homes from extreme winter, this project is a joint effort with the Human Services Agency of the County.
Under this partnership, the Event Center becomes a refuge providing meals, cozy beds, hygienic kits, and emergency clothing rather than only a space for events and meetings. Each activation of the Inclement Weather Program can accommodate up to 53 people and families, therefore offering a secure refuge when most needed.
“Our residents make so many good memories at the Event Center. The fact that it will continue to be a trusted refuge and resource in challenging times like during the pandemic is a testament to its importance in San Mateo County,” Supervisor Noelia Corzo said. “This County partnership is what it means to come together as a resilient and compassionate community.”
Specific weather forecasts form the basis for turning on the emergency shelter facilities at Cypress Hall inside the Event Center. The program starts when the area expects very low temperatures or a major wet-weather system influencing it. This proactive strategy seeks to avoid risks connected to the weather that people who are homeless encounter.
“People living without a roof over their head are extremely vulnerable during cold weather. Adding warm beds at the Event Center can literally save lives this winter,” said Claire Cunningham, director of the County’s Human Services Agency. “The Event Center will now be an option for people with few options.”
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Revenue from the local Measure K half-cent sales tax helps the Human Services Agency to contract with the Event Center to offer these emergency shelter services, therefore supporting its operations and funding. Those seeking sanctuary must be referred by one of the eight Core Services Agencies in the County, non-profit organizations directly associated with the County that guarantee no walk-ups are permitted to preserve an ordered and efficient intake procedure.
“Our collaboration with the San Mateo County Human Services Agency underscores our deep-rooted dedication to supporting our community when it matters most,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center. “As an emergency management site, we are fully committed to providing a safe, supportive environment during inclement weather, and we are honored to open our doors in this capacity.”
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Depending on the degree and length of the weather, county officials expect most activations of this emergency shelter to last one to three days. Apart from providing quick relief, the provision emphasizes the larger safety-net services accessible via the Core Services Agencies. These organizations help people in crises through intervention and referrals depending on their immediate needs and credentials for more help.
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Getting help and assistance in challenging times starts with anyone in need of these safety-net services—including food, emergency housing, and other basic needs— calling a Core Services Agency. This network of support is ready to assist people in need in navigating their most trying events with respect and care.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact a Core Services Agency near you.
