Caring Hands in Health program

Caring Hands in Health program is sponsored by San Mateo County Health Foundation. This program provides emergency financial assistance to San Mateo County Health patients facing significant financial hardship.

Caring Hands In Health Application - San Mateo County Health Foundation San Mateo County Health Foundation Caring Hands In Health Application 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.

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 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 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 The following are not eligible for assistance: Cosmetic procedures, including tattoo removal Moving or storage expenses The Foundation reserves the right to decline any request that does not align with program guidelines, mission, or funding priorities.

Financial Assistance Categories Groceries, personal care items, baby supplies ONE TIME AWARD for rent or temporary lodging, not both 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 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 Medical needs and supplies Transportation for Medical Appointments For rides not covered by insurance such as: Door-through-door service 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 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025) Ron Robinson Senior Care Center Equipment for the San Mateo Medical Center Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin-in