New Human Services Agency Location at Fashion Island to Open September 14

SAN MATEO, Calif. - The County of San Mateo Human Services Agency is opening a new service location at Fashion Island in San Mateo on September 14, 2026, making it easier for residents to access help with food, health coverage, employment, family support and other essential services.

Located at 1500 Fashion Island Blvd., the County-owned facility brings together Human Services Agency teams that serve children, families, older adults, job seekers, people with disabilities and other residents. The location includes benefit eligibility services and a full-service Resource Center in an accessible setting near major highways and everyday amenities.

"This is about making it easier for San Mateo County residents to connect with the safety net services they need," said Claire Cunningham, Director of the Human Services Agency. "The people who come here are our neighbors, parents, seniors, people with disabilities and workers. Many have lived in San Mateo County for decades and were doing fine until something unexpected happened, such as a job loss, illness, family crisis or rising cost of living. When that moment comes, people need somewhere to go for help. Our job is to help them regain stability and self-sufficiency as quickly as possible."

The facility will house 354 Human Services Agency employees from Employment Services, Economic Self-Sufficiency and Children and Family Services. It is expected to serve approximately 165 clients at the office and approximately 700 clients over the phone each day.

The Human Services Agency's work is part of the infrastructure of a healthy community. When residents can get assistance early, a temporary setback is less likely to become a larger crisis. When people lose support, their needs do not disappear. Without an accessible and supportive social safety net, problems become more visible, more urgent and more costly for individuals, families and the community.

The new location is also designed to support a positive, welcoming client experience. Its public spaces, interior design and layout are intended to be comfortable and easy to navigate. Bringing more Human Services Agency teams together also supports stronger coordination among staff serving residents with multiple needs.

The move is part of a multiyear County effort to reduce reliance on leased space by locating services in County-owned property. After the Harbor Campus in Belmont was sold in 2021, the Human Services Agency and several other County departments that had operated there faced substantially higher leasing costs under new ownership.

With the transition complete, the County projects approximately $7.2 million in annual lease-cost savings.

"With this move, we are strengthening our ability to serve residents while making a responsible long-term investment of County resources," said Mike Callagy, County of San Mateo Chief Executive Officer. "This facility puts formerly vacant space back into active public use, creates a central place for residents to access key services and helps protect the County's costs over time."

"This space is an investment in the community and in the people who call San Mateo County home. From design to operations, it reflects our commitment to equity, dignity and respect for every resident who walks through the door, said Noelia Corzo, president of the Board of Supervisors. "By creating a welcoming environment and making services easier to reach, the County is helping ensure that residents can get the support they need, when they need it, today and in the years ahead."

The Fashion Island campus also includes the County's Family Justice Center at 1510 Fashion Island Blvd.

Paul Laustsen
[email protected]
650-465-9977