What is the Center on Homelessness? The Center on Homelessness: Coordinates the provisions of homeless services administered throughout the County, including those by non-governmental entities. Provides information and referral. Administers the County's Continuum of Care, as a service system to assist homeless individuals and families attain self-sufficiency. Develops resources to help the homeless individuals and families. Housing Our People Effectively (HOPE): The Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in San Mateo County HOPE is a ten-year action plan that brings together the business, nonprofit, and public sector communities to address the challenging issue of homelessness at its core, rather than manage it at the margins. This plan reflects the Board of Supervisors' goal that housing should exist in our community for people at all income levels and all generations of families -- including those who are extremely low income or who are homeless. HOPE is based on a belief that we can achieve this goal through proactive, coordinated action and investments in cost-effective initiatives that solve homelessness. San Mateo County Homeless Fund Since 1992, the Homeless Fund has awarded more than 2 million dollars to shelter and homeless service providers. Some of these grants have funded the following: the San Mateo County Winter Shelter; the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City and the First Step for Families Shelter in San Mateo; the Catholic Worker Hospitality House in San Bruno; the Clara-Mateo Shelter in Menlo Park; the Bethsaida Family Living Home in Redwood City; and Free At Last's Walker House in East Palo Alto. The Homeless Fund also provides grants for additional homelessness prevention programs and permanent housing projects. Due to the County's severe housing crisis, the need for more shelter beds is greater than ever. Please consider making a payroll deduction or direct contribution to support homeless programs to help the homeless population in San Mateo County on their road to self-sufficiency. For more information on how you can help, contact Ali Shirkhani by e-mail at ashirkhani@smchsa.org or by phone at 650-802-7675.