Right at Home Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program

The County of San Mateo, through its Human Services Agency Center on Homelessness, is requesting proposals to implement the Right at Home Targeted Homelessness Prevention Program, a national homelessness prevention initiative with proposals due September 10, 2026, and a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on August 18. The County anticipates awarding one Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent contract, two to four Supportive Service Providers contracts, and one Legal Services Provider contract (to be solicited separately); applicants may apply for one or more roles. A local-business preference applies to entities meeting San Mateo County local-business criteria.

The program will serve approximately 750 households over three years (January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029) with flexible financial assistance, housing-focused case management, and housing-related legal services. Enrollment ramps from 150 households in Year 1 to 300 households each in Years 2 and 3. All contractors must operationalize the ten essential components of the Homelessness Prevention System framework, including flexible cash assistance with payment delivery within 72 hours, supportive services, data tracking in the Clarity Human Services System (HMIS), and participation in a Randomized Controlled Trial led by the Wilson-Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at the University of Notre Dame. Active participation in national learning collaboratives, trainings, and peer-learning activities is mandatory. Organizations must demonstrate relevant experience in housing, homelessness prevention, or human services; organizational capacity; and ability to serve the target population in a culturally responsive and trauma-informed manner.

Approximately $9 million in total funding is anticipated from the national Right at Home initiative, with approximately $8.1 million available for program implementation. Of these funds, approximately $5.1 million (57 percent) will be allocated to direct financial assistance and is not available through this RFP. The Network Coordinator/Fiscal Agent will receive approximately $1 million over three years; the two to four Supportive Service Providers will collectively receive approximately $1.83 million. Indirect costs are capped at 15 percent of modified total direct costs. Questions are due August 25, 2026. Anticipated contract award is December 8, 2026. The County reserves a one optional two-year renewal period at its sole discretion. Contractors must maintain $1 million coverage each for workers' compensation, general liability, motor vehicle liability, and professional liability, with the County named as additional insured, and comply with the Living Wage Ordinance, HIPAA, and non-discrimination provisions.