Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program

Through this Request for Information (RFI), the San Mateo County Human Services Agency’s Center on Homelessness (COH) seeks to identify organizations interested in supporting a potential Targeted Homelessness Prevention program in San Mateo County. This RFI is part of a market research effort to assess the level of interest and capacity among organizations that could play key roles in implementing a new countywide targeted homelessness prevention initiative currently being designed through a community planning process. Information gathered through this RFI will help inform program design, planning, and potential future procurement efforts.

This RFI provides background information on the targeted homelessness prevention initiative and describes several potential roles that organizations could play in implementing the program. Responses to this RFI are for planning purposes only and do not obligate organizations to take any action in the future.

The County of San Mateo, through its Human Services Agency (HSA) Center on Homelessness (COH), oversees a coordinated homeless crisis response system designed to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move toward stable housing. COH works countywide and collaborates with community-based organizations, public agencies, housing providers, and other stakeholders to strengthen the local homelessness response system.

COH serves a diverse population that includes families with children, seniors on fixed incomes, youth and young adults, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health needs. National research indicates that more than half of Americans are one missed paycheck away from serious housing instability, underscoring the financial pressures facing many households.

San Mateo County faces particularly significant housing pressures. In 2025, the average monthly asking rent in the County was estimated at $3,463, and approximately 81 percent of extremely low-income households spent more than half of their income on housing costs. High rents and low vacancy rates increase the risk that financially vulnerable households may lose housing without timely intervention.

San Mateo County has made substantial investments in homelessness prevention programming. To further strengthen these efforts, the County is exploring a more targeted prevention strategy designed to identify and assist households at highest risk of imminent homelessness. A targeted approach has the potential to improve system effectiveness while complementing the County’s existing prevention programs.

The County has received a planning grant to develop this targeted prevention approach. Planning activities are expected to occur during the first three quarters of calendar year 2026.

The RFI response period will remain open until May 1, 2026. Instructions for submitting questions about this initiative are included in the RFI, and responses to all submitted questions will be posted in the OpenGov.

This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering purposes. No funding or contracts will be awarded through this RFI, and responses do not obligate organizations to participate in any future solicitation.

Informational Sessions:

COH will host two informational session(s) to provide an overview of the RFI, clarify objectives, and allow potential respondents to ask general questions regarding the requested information. Attendance is voluntary and not required for submission of a response to this RFI. Verbal questions may be asked during the session; however, all official questions must be submitted in writing in OpenGov in accordance with the RFI’s Question and Answer deadlines. Responses will be posted publicly.