Bottom Line: The City of San Mateo and Shelter Network team up to renovate a city-owned single occupancy hotel to help get chronically homeless people off the street.
In 2007, the City of San Mateo and Shelter Network, launched a new program to help meet the needs of the chronically homeless population in the city (those who typically do not benefit from traditional shelter services due to multiple barriers including mental health or addiction). The centerpiece of the program is the newly rehabilitated Vendome Hotel. This single-occupancy hotel, owned by the City of San Mateo, was renovated with the help of local community members and businesses, and is now operated by the Shelter Network.
During 2007, thirteen qualified people moved into rooms at the Vendome. The process is part of Shelter Network’s “Housing First” program. The key concept of “Housing First” is that homeless families and individuals benefit most from returning to permanent housing as quickly as possible. Case management services, assistance with increasing income streams, and addressing other needs can take place after people return to permanent housing. By focusing efforts on moving families into permanent housing even faster, Shelter Network can further improve the outcomes for these parents and children and use facilities more efficiently, as more people can be served.
The success at the Vendome would not have been possible without the successful partnering with a number of local businesses, including Salesforce.com, Winsom’s Hardware, Ching Lee Laundry, and San Mateo Lock Works, all of which donated time and materials to the renovation.
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Vendome hotel pic
