Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Measure K grants for emergency resiliency, survivor legal services and Latina workforce program
Summary
Supervisors approved three Measure K one‑time grants: up to $20,000 for Samaritan House resiliency equipment, up to $38,500 for Justice at Last to provide legal representation for trafficking survivors, and up to $25,000 for the Latina Coalition’s LEAP workforce program.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved three district discretionary Measure K grants on Dec. 2 aimed at bolstering community resilience, survivor services, and workforce development.
Samaritan House resiliency funding Supervisor Corso introduced a $20,000 grant to support a Resilient Samaritan House initiative. Jerome Ovieda, associate director of coordinated entry services at Samaritan House, said the funds would help purchase or deploy equipment across four locations — including solar generators, power stations for staff devices, evacuation chairs and floodlights — to maintain critical services during disasters. Corso said the total original ask was about $75,000 and the board funded a portion as seed funding.
Justice at Last — legal services for trafficking survivors The board approved up to $38,500 for Justice at Last to provide full legal representation and trauma‑informed case management for 10 survivors of human trafficking in the county. Founder Rose Makar said Justice at Last served 466 survivors in 2024 across the Bay Area, represented 209 in court, and that 60 of those 209 were San Mateo County residents. Supervisors discussed coordination with the district attorney’s office and upcoming county training on trafficking response.
Latina Coalition LEAP workforce expansion Supervisors approved up to $25,000 to expand the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley’s LEAP program to deliver financial literacy, workforce development, and wraparound supports (childcare stipends, transportation assistance) to San Mateo County residents. Yessica (Yassie) Cabrera said the grant will allow cohorts to be hosted locally rather than requiring travel to Santa Clara County.
Votes and context Each Measure K item passed by roll call vote. Public commenters raised questions about eligibility and alleged constitutional concerns; supervisors and presenters clarified program scope and eligibility. Several supervisors said Measure K's district discretionary funding has a track record of supporting targeted local needs and urged a countywide resiliency planning effort to scale investments where needed.
Next steps Departments and grantees will implement the funded items and report back as required by county grant procedures.
