The Safety Net Program invests in people with low or no income, helping them meet basic needs, achieve educational and career goals, and build power for systemic change towards economic and social justice.

To this end, the Foundation supports local organizations who invest in communities, families and individuals in San Mateo County – especially in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, Redwood City, Daly City and the San Mateo County Coast.

Specific areas of focus include:

• Food/Emergency Assistance – Providing meals, food assistance and other support to individuals and families in crisis or unable to afford or access food or other basic provisions

• Public Health – Meeting high-priority public health needs that are underserved and in the geographic focal area

• Family Engagement – Supporting opportunities for parents/families to better support and participate in their child’s learning/development and become advocates for their child

• Youth Development – Providing underserved youth with development opportunities through civic education, career and academic activities

• Career Training – Helping people to advance or enter career pathways. This area includes scholarship or and institutional support for short-term career training and job placement services within San Mateo

• Civic Engagement – Increasing long-term civic participation by underrepresented communities in San Mateo County through engaging residents in identifying common issues of concern, leadership development, organizing and advocacy skill building, and voting