The San Mateo County Event Center demonstrates its strong support for the San Mateo community through its positive economic impact, hosting numerous events, and the annual Fair. Beyond this, the Event Center shows its unwavering commitment to community resilience and welfare as a designated emergency management site. It is proud to announce a vital partnership with the San Mateo County Human Services Agency to implement the Inclement Weather Program.
The program, designed to provide essential refuge and aid during harsh weather conditions, will serve as a lifeline for vulnerable individuals within our community. It aligns with our mission to strengthen the well-being and safety of San Mateo County residents in times of need.
The San Mateo County Event Center is not just a venue that serves the business community and public but is also an emergency management facility prepared to support the community when in crisis. The Event Center in partnership with the County of San Mateo and State of California is slated to invest over $20 million in critical infrastructure upgrades to include a community kitchen and resiliency dining hall, new restrooms with showers, an on-site laundry facility, backup generators for the entire campus and other infrastructure improvements. These enhancements make the Event Center uniquely equipped to serve as a temporary shelter, providing meals, basic necessities, and essential services to those affected by extreme weather events and facing housing insecurity.
“Our collaboration with the San Mateo County Human Services Agency underscores our deep-rooted dedication to supporting our community when it matters most,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center. “As an emergency management site, we are fully committed to providing a safe, supportive environment during inclement weather, and we are honored to open our doors in this capacity.”
“Our residents make so many good memories at the Event Center. The fact that it will continue to be a trusted refuge and resource in challenging times like during the pandemic, is a testament to its importance in San Mateo County. This county partnership is what it means to come together as a resilient and compassionate community,” said Supervisor Corzo at the County of San Mateo.
The San Mateo County Human Services Agency in collaboration with Event Center staff will manage daily operations of the Inclement Weather Program, ensuring individuals accessing the shelter receive the necessary care and access to community resources. Trained staff and volunteers will be on-site to offer assistance, guidance, and connections to additional support services.
“People living without a roof over their head are extremely vulnerable during cold weather. Adding warm beds at the Event Center can literally save lives this winter,” said Claire Cunningham, Director of the County’s Human Services Agency. “The Event Center will now be an option for people with few options.”
The Inclement Weather Program will be activated in response to adverse weather forecasts and will operate during specified periods of extreme cold, rain, or other severe conditions.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact a Core Services Agency near you.
About San Mateo County Event Center
The San Mateo County Event Center is a premier, multi-functional venue serving the greater Bay Area, it is also a designated emergency management site committed to the safety and well-being of the San Mateo community. With its extensive convention and conference facilities, it hosts a diverse array of events, from conventions and community gatherings, to large festivals and the annual Fair, contributing to the region’s economic vitality and well-being.
San Mateo County Event Center is a proud member of the California Emergency Resiliency and Response Venues and Fairgrounds.
The California Emergency Response and Resiliency Venues and Fairgrounds (CERRVF) comprises leading fairgrounds and venues in our state. Across California, our venues and fairgrounds play a critical role in leading emergency and disaster response operations when our communities need it the most.
