FAQs

The preliminary findings of the 2024 San Mateo County One Day Homeless Count and Survey found that 2,130 people in San Mateo County were experiencing some form of homelessness on the night of January 24, 2024. 1,145 of these people (54%) were experiencing unsheltered homelessness, residing on streets, in cars, in recreational vehicles (RVs), or in tents. 985 people were experiencing sheltered homelessness, residing in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. 

No, Permanent Supportive Housing is a long-term solution to homelessness by providing a unit of permanent housing that a tenant can rent indefinitely. Each tenant enters into a lease of an individual apartment and pays rent based on a portion of their income. They have the same rights and responsibilities as would any tenant of an apartment building. In contrast, a shelter is temporary emergency housing in which the occupants do not have a lease to occupy a private unit, do not pay rent, and are not in a landlord-tenant relationship. Clients stay at a shelter only until a permanent housing solution can be found.

San Mateo County has identified housing the homeless as a key priority. The County is committed to reaching functional zero, when every county resident experiencing homelessness can be safely sheltered in an emergency shelter, or in temporary or permanent housing, to achieve functional zero in our county it requires additional interim shelter and permanent supportive housing.

Permanent Supportive Housing provides permanent housing for individuals and families who are currently homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless.

Residents have been evaluated and screened for appropriate services and placement via Adult Coordinated Entry (ACE).

The County in partnership with property management companies conduct complex conduct criminal background checks and collect available prior landlord references for all referrals prior to providing a lease.

Yes.

Providers offer a robust program of services to residents including case management, education and employment services, benefits assistance, mental health and well-being counseling, physical and behavioral health services, substance use services and peer support activities. 

Residents are not required to work in order to live in permanent supportive housing, but many residents do. Permanent supportive housing is intended as a place where residents can thrive and live well as members of the community.  How residents spend their time depends on each resident’s needs and interests, but this may include employment, visiting the doctor, connecting with family or friends, and pursuing personal interests. 

Like any relatively large apartment complex, Permanent Supportive Housing developments employ property management staff, and most have staff that live on-site available 24/7.  Permanent Supportive Housing also includes on-site supportive service staff who offer the types of services described in the question above.  Many also include front desk concierge/security staffing.

Numerous national studies have found that low-income housing, including permanent supportive housing, does not negatively impact neighborhood property values.