Caring Hands In Health Application
Caring Hands in Health Application
Program Policy (Updated March 2026)
Caring Hands in Health is a program of the San Mateo County Health Foundation (SMCHF), providing short-term financial assistance to San Mateo County Health (SMCH) patients facing urgent and significant hardship.
This program is intended as a last-resort resource for individuals who have exhausted all other options, including insurance, government aid, and community support. Assistance is limited to essential needs that cannot be met through other means.
Applications should be submitted only for patients with a clear and demonstrated need.
For questions, email info@smchf.org or call (650) 573-2655.
How the Program Works
- Provides short-term assistance during urgent situations
- Requests are submitted by San Mateo County Health staff or affiliated partner agency staff
- Applications are reviewed by the Foundation
- Payments are made directly to vendors or service providers, never to patients
- Designed for needs that cannot be covered through other available resources
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a patient of SMCH with a valid patient record number, such as an MRN or Avatar
- Must be a resident of San Mateo County with a confirmed address; unhoused patients are eligible
- Applications must be submitted by SMCH staff or affiliated partner agency staff
- Patient intake and verifications must be completed by patient’s care team before applying for assistance with the Foundation
Program Guidelines
- A patient may receive up to three applications per year, within category limits
- Requests are typically processed within 48 to 72 hours
- The Foundation office is open Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM; requests submitted near the end of the day may be addressed the next business day
What Is Not Covered
The following are not eligible for assistance:
- Bills or cash payments
- Childcare
- Cosmetic procedures, including tattoo removal
- Gym memberships
- Legal fees
- Moving or storage expenses
- Vehicle-related expenses
The Foundation reserves the right to decline any request that does not align with program guidelines, mission, or funding priorities.
Financial Assistance Categories
- Essential Needs
Groceries, personal care items, baby supplies
- Emergency Housing
ONE TIME AWARD for rent or temporary lodging, not both
Rent Assistance
- Covers up to half of the patient’s rent; the patient must pay the other half
- Payments are made directly to the landlord
- Applicant must be actively working on a housing plan with a social worker or case manager
- Multiple applications for rent assistance from the same household are not permitted
Not covered: security deposits, back rent, utilities
Temporary Lodging
- Available for recuperative care, domestic violence situations, or families awaiting shelter placement
- Patients must present a payment card with a minimum $100 authorization at check-in; no charges will be applied unless incidental expenses are incurred
Not covered: incidentals, penalties
- Medical Needs and Dental Procedures
Includes
- Co-pays
- Prescriptions
- Procedures
- Medical needs and supplies
- Accessibility equipment
- Transportation for Medical Appointments
For rides not covered by insurance such as:
- Companion rides
- Door-through-door service
- Senior Meals (Ages 60+)
For individuals unable to prepare meals due to recovery or mobility challenges
San Mateo County Health Foundation, incorporated in 1989, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients in the San Mateo County Health system.
San Mateo County Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID #94-3116070
