San Mateo County Health Foundation
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Caring Hands In Health

Caring Hands in Health

When life happens, we step in.

Caring Hands in Health provides immediate financial assistance to patients facing urgent challenges because healthcare doesn’t stop at the clinic door.

From housing and transportation to food, medical costs, and basic necessities, we bridge the gap when insurance and public programs fall short.

Every request is initiated by a care team member, ensuring support reaches patients quickly, respectfully and when it matters most.

Real help. Right when it’s needed.

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Application & Program Policy

If you are a staff member of San Mateo County Health, please click below to complete an application for your patient.

START APPLICATION
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Support the Program

If you would like to financially support the program, please click the link below.

DONATE
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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.

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San Mateo County Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Tax ID #94-3116070

2024 IRS Form 990
(July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025)

Our Programs

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Contact

222 W. 39th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403

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©2026 San Mateo County Health Foundation

How Do We Help?

Meet Ilsa

Ilsa is a single mother of three living in Redwood City. After a severe storm caused extensive water damage to their apartment, black mold quickly inundated their possessions, and they lost everything. She was forced to throw away their furniture and mattresses. Fortunately, their landlord moved them to another unit, but Ilsa had no means to purchase new mattresses, leaving her family to sleep on the hardwood floor.

 

Ilsa’s healthcare provider at San Mateo Medical Center, the county’s sole public hospital, brought her situation to our attention. Thanks to our Caring Hands in Health program, we were able to quickly respond to her needs. Within 48 hours of receiving her application, the Foundation furnished new bedframes, mattresses, bedding, bedroom furniture and a highchair for her toddler, providing crucial support for her family.

 

Stories like Ilsa’s are far from unique in San Mateo County, often going unnoticed. When government programs and insurance fall short, it’s essential that we have a means to support those in greatest need.