Department of Housing

The 2022 San Mateo County One Day Homeless Count and Survey found that 1,808 people in San Mateo County were experiencing some form of homelessness on the night of February 23, 2022.  1,092 of these people (60%) were experiencing unsheltered homelessness staying on streets, in cars, in recreational vehicles (RVs), or in tents. 716 people experiencing sheltered homelessness staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. 

San Mateo County has identified housing the homeless as a key priority. To reach functional zero in our County, we have identified the need for additional interim shelter and permanent supportive housing. The acquisition of 1390 El Camino Real supports a “housing” first approach guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical such as getting a job, budgeting properly or attending to substance use issues. 

The County was seeking a North County location that met certain criteria, including proximity of public transit, good general condition, unit size, and common space to allow for the creation of meeting rooms for onsite supportive services.

No, it will be permanent supportive housing.

Residents will be families and seniors exiting interim supportive housing in the County and will have been evaluated and screened for placement.

State and federal laws require the County to select residents in a fair and equitable manner that is responsive to their needs and matches them with the appropriate resource.  That said, ties to the community are considered among the factors for select.

Yes

The County intends to form a Community Advisory Committee for 1390 El Camino Real to include city staff as well as representatives from the neighborhood and larger Millbrae community. The County and the property operator will meet regularly with the advisory committee to inform on the progress of the site.

Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco will operate the property and provide on-site supportive services.

The County will conduct a criminal background checks and collect prior landlord references for all referrals.

Episcopal Community Services will provide a robust program of services to residents including education and employment services, benefits assistance, physical and behavioral health services, substance use services, and peer support activities.

Yes

The County will continue to own the property and be responsible for enforcing the long-term lease with the operator.

The budget for the acquisition and renovation of 1390 El Camino Real is $41.1 million.  The asking price was $38 million and after negotiation, the purchase price for the property is $33 million. In addition, the County has budgeted $8.1 million for rehabilitation of the property. If Homekey funding is granted, $26,250,000 will be covered by state funding. The cost of creating permanent housing at 1390 El Camino Real is roughly half the cost for new construction in San Mateo County.

Acquisition is tentatively targeted for late 2023, with renovation beginning in January 2024 and full occupancy by December 31, 2024.

The total annual operating expenses for 1390 El Camino Real are initially budgeted at $2,238,413 (ie: approximately $29,846/unit/annum). The median rental for a studio in our County is $29,160 annually.

Tenants will pay rent based on 30% of their actual household income. To supplement the affordable rents, the County will support tenants with housing vouchers.

The Board of Supervisors has made no decision, it will require a public vote at a future Board of Supervisors meeting.