Youth Interim Housing Program

SMC’s Human Services Agency (“HSA”), through its Center on Homelessness (“COH”), contracts and oversees homeless services throughout San Mateo County. COH serves as the county liaison to Core Service Agencies, homeless service providers, and interim housing programs in the County, and establishes HSA's policies on homelessness.

SMC strives to end homelessness in our community by reaching and maintaining Functional Zero, meaning that every unsheltered homeless person who chooses to receive assistance will be provided with interim or permanent housing. As part of the work towards achieving this goal, the County of San Mateo is seeking proposals to operate a Youth Interim Housing Program to serve transitional age youth (TAY) experiencing unsheltered homelessness in San Mateo County.

Interim housing programs serve as short-term interventions that are designed to act as safety nets for households who are unsheltered (i.e. living outdoors, in vehicles or other places not meant for human habitation), are experiencing a housing crisis, and have no alternative housing options (after housing problem-solving brainstorming with Coordinated Entry System (CES) Diversion Specialists). Interim housing programs provide intensive services to assist clients with identifying and moving into permanent housing as quickly as possible. Interim housing programs do not charge any fees or rent to clients.

The County’s COH is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-COH-RFP-00071. HSA intends to award a three-year contract to one qualified proposer, tentatively scheduled to begin in early January 2026. The County shall have the option to extend the term for an additional period not to exceed two years, which the County may exercise in its sole, absolute discretion. To exercise this option, the County shall provide written notice to the Contractor at least thirty days before the end of the agreement’s term. The County does not guarantee any minimum utilization or expenditure with any Contractor during the proposed period.

The County may make additional/future awards for any of the services listed under this RFP on an as needed basis and if funding is available. Proposers scoring above 75% on the evaluation criteria may be eligible for future awards. Any additional awards made will adhere to the terms set forth in this RFP.

See attachments for RFP and all enclosures