A Guide to Winter Resources in Redwood City
Welcome to our Homelessness Blog series! This series highlights Redwood City’s work to address homelessness, featuring programs, partnerships, and community outreach efforts. If you missed November’s edition, you can catch up here. In this installment, we spotlight programs that provide shelter, essential resources, and emotional support during the colder months, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City, local agencies, and community organizations.
Staying Safe During Inclement Weather
San Mateo County’s Inclement Weather Program is now activated through mid-April 2025 to support community members during harsh weather conditions. When activated, this program expands shelter capacity by 75 cots at the San Mateo County Event Center, offering a warm space for families and individuals who need it.
Interested in the Inclement Weather Program? Fair Oaks Community Center makes referrals to the program. Visit the Center at 2600 Middlefield Road to speak with staff and learn more about eligibility.
While City facilities are not designated shelters, they offer safe spaces to stay warm during regular operating hours. Visitors are encouraged to check facility hours here and use these spaces to stay warm.
Supporting Our Community During Winter
Colder weather brings unique challenges, particularly for those without stable housing. Access to warm meals, clothing, and other essential resources provides much-needed support during the winter months.
Fair Oaks Community Center continues to serve as an important resource during this time, offering services, shelter referrals, and the Homeless Help Desk. For those seeking meals, bagged lunches are available every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Additionally, fresh produce is available through our partnership with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, with upcoming distributions scheduled for December 13 and January 10.
The City also collaborates with local organizations to ensure our community’s needs are met. Non-profits like St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room, Catholic Worker House, and Street Life Ministries, provide warm, nutritious meals and distribute items like winter clothing, jackets, shoes, and sleeping bags to help community members prepare for colder weather.
St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room also brings the community together during the holidays by offering festive meals, including a special holiday dinner on December 25th.
Winter can be difficult for many in our community. So, we recommend people to reach out to the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County or your existing provider for support. This organization provides services to help individuals manage their mental health. We also encourage you to check in on loved ones who might need extra care during this season.
Steps You Can Take to Make an Impact
Looking for ways to support your community this holiday season? Here are some opportunities to contribute to local organizations in San Mateo County.
Street Life Ministries provides critical resources to individuals in Redwood City and Menlo Park. Donate new or gently used items to their Winter Clothing Drive. You can find the full list of needed items here. Or, sign up to volunteer in their programs helping with organizing the clothes closet or serving meals. You can also make a donation to support their efforts.
LifeMoves works to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, helping them achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency. Here are a few ways you can contribute to their annual Holiday Program:
● Organize a gift drive.
● Decorate a site for the holidays.
● Host a holiday event at a shelter.
Learn more by clicking here or scanning the QR code in the flyer!
Samaritan House works to address poverty throughout San Mateo County. Consider volunteering with Samaritan House in their Food Services Support Program or their Mobile Meals Delivery Program. You can sign up for volunteer opportunities using the link here.
Samaritan House is currently hosting a Winter Food Drive and is seeking donations of canned vegetables, fruits, and proteins like tuna or chicken. Check the flyer below for a full list of items and donation details.
St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room is dedicated to meeting the basic needs of our community through its food and clothing programs. This winter, you can support their mission by:
● Helping sort food or serving daily meals as a volunteer.
● Making in-kind donations of canned goods, dry foods, or fresh produce.
● Donating to help fund their programs.
