For emergencies, or if you are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, please contact one of the Core Service Agencies (PDF list), or call the United Way Helpline, toll free (800) 273-6222.

While Housing Leadership Council is not a housing provider, we work to increase available affordable housing and make accessing that housing as easy as possible. If you are frustrated and feel that San Mateo County needs more affordable housing opportunities, you should contact us to learn how you can get involved in our efforts to change things.

What follows are resources and information for locating the right kind of housing for you.

First, it is important to note that there is no single "source" of affordable housing in San Mateo County. Some developments are managed by nonprofits and those nonprofits maintain waiting lists and residential qualifications, while many below-market rate (BMR) units are managed by individual cities, each with their own set of qualifications. If you live in another county, you should consider learning about what options exist there, as well, in order to increase the chances of success.

For an overview of how the process works, please see the following documents prepared by the San Mateo County Department of Housing.

Information for Families and Individuals Seeking Affordable Housing

Information for Seniors Seeking Housing

Information for People with Disabilities

HLC’s Housing Database is another resource. Please note that if there is a phone number listed on a record in the database, then that is the best number to call in regards to that property.

The database allows you to search for existing affordable housing units by city, number of bedrooms, special needs of the residents, etc.

You can search for organizations that provide housing or work on housing advocacy.

You can also search for housing events in the area, including first-time home buyer seminars and housing planning meetings.

If you'd like to help update this database, or list events, please contact HLC Staff.

If you'd prefer to print a list, click here for a printable list of affordable or below market rental properties.

*Please note that rents, availability and tenant qualifications may be subject to change, and that the Housing Leadership Council has no control over any changes that may occur, and provides no guarantee that the information contained within the list or database is accurate. We encourage users to submit any additional information that may be available about affordable properties in San Mateo County to HLC staff so we can share it with the public through this and other channels.

Other Resources

The Housing Authority currently has two open waiting lists: -Public Housing: call (650) 802-3375 -Project Based Section 8: call (650) 802-3319

Home Sharing: HIP Housing helps match prospective residents with homeowners who are seeking someone to live in a room at their home. Click for current list of rooms.

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