In March 2020, life as we knew it completely changed. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and daily uncertainties. It was a painful time, but it also showed how resilient San Mateo County – and the 20 cities and towns within the county – can be when working together. County and municipal governments responded quickly to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, providing rapid government services that saved lives and addressed the pandemic-related economic impact on individual, family, small business, and nonprofit levels.
On March 24, 2020, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors created San Mateo County Strong and approved $3,000,000 in emergency funding to support those most impacted by the pandemic and resulting Shelter-in-Place order. Since then, through a combination of Federal and State COVID-19 relief funding, additional County funds, and amazing donor partners including cities, towns, companies, foundations, and individuals – we’ve raised more than $190,000,000 supporting hundreds of small businesses, non-profits, individuals, childcare providers, rental assistance programs and more.
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The Office of the County Manager led the effort to create and sustain the work of the San Mateo County Strong Fund. The implementation team supporting the County Manager’s office includes County employees across many departments, the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), San Mateo Credit Union Community Fund, NOVAworks, San Mateo County Central Labor Council, First 5 San Mateo County, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Samaritan House, Thrive Alliance, Second Harvest Food Bank, Mission Asset Fund, and support from Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
The impact of the fund is also made possible through the support of all 20 cities and towns in San Mateo County, and the tireless work of the Chambers of Commerce and other business organizations across the county like the Peninsula Chinese Business Association and San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the San Mateo County Event Center.
Since March 2020, we’ve disbursed more than $140,000,000 and counting. Through the County’s partnerships with its Core Service Agencies, much of the funding has been distributed directly to the most vulnerable and impacted residents throughout the pandemic.
This incredible team continues to work tirelessly as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic prevent a full recovery for all San Mateo County residents and small business owners.
The pandemic is not over, but thanks to the dedication of San Mateo County residents to stay safe, get vaccinated, and protect each other, life is returning to a new normal. However, for many low-income residents, immigrants and small businesses owners, the lingering economic impacts of lost wages, lost jobs, unpaid rent, business debt to stay afloat during shutdowns, and many more issues mean help is still needed. Visit the links below to read about the work done to date and to learn how you can still make an impact for your neighbors and small businesses owners here in San Mateo County.
