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Board approves up to $7 million to help bring American Cancer Society Hope Lodge to Bay Area
Summary
Supervisors authorized up to $7 million over two fiscal years to support construction of a 70‑suite American Cancer Society Hope Lodge planned for the Bay Area; ACS said the facility would offer free lodging to patients and caregivers and a community wellness hub.
San Mateo County approved a grant commitment on May 19 to support the construction of an American Cancer Society (ACS) Hope Lodge in the Bay Area, authorizing up to $7,000,000 split across two fiscal years. ACS representatives said the planned facility — the first Hope Lodge in California and the largest in the nation — would include roughly 70 guest suites and a community-facing wellness hub.
Julia (Joya) Gray, regional vice president for ACS, told the board the Lodge would provide free overnight lodging, transportation assistance, and wellness programming for patients and caregivers who travel for cancer treatment. "We have the chance to bring the first Hope Lodge in California and the largest in the nation right here," she said.
Why it matters: ACS estimated the project would provide more than 43,000 nights of free lodging annually and save families an estimated $6.5 million per year in lodging costs, while also supporting clinical trial access and community wellness programs.
Board action: The board voted unanimously to allocate grant funds (up to $3,500,500 in FY26–27 and up to $3,500,500 in FY27–28) and directed staff to negotiate a grant agreement. Supervisors emphasized workforce and local hiring considerations for construction and operations as the project moves forward.
