COVID-19: HOW YOU CAN HELP
We are grateful for the outpouring of volunteers in our San Bruno community who want to help in the current COVID-19 crisis. All of our caring residents make San Bruno the "City with a Heart."
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The City of San Bruno and the San Bruno Community Foundation offer the following ways you can help our community in this time of need.
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We will be updating this webpage as we receive current information.
Take a deep breath. The best thing you can do is follow current guidance from the County and State and do your part to self-isolate to help stem the spread of COVID-19 through our community - remain at your home except for essential needs, practice social distancing (at least six feet from the nearest person) when you do leave your house, and wash your hands (20 seconds with soap and water) often. Scientific evidence shows that social distancing is one of the most effective approaches to slow the transmission of this highly communicable disease.
If you know of any neighbors who are elderly, have compromised immune systems, or otherwise need assistance with essential needs, offer to pick up groceries or pharmacy prescriptions when you go to the store. Check in with them periodically to see if they need any assistance.
But do so while following social distancing requirements. Make sure you are feeling well. Use gloves, wash hands or use hand sanitizer, and offer contact-less delivery when you drop off groceries on your neighbor's doorstep (e.g., drop them off and then text or call your neighbor so they can retrieve the items). These neighbors are especially vulnerable, so you should be vigilant in your social distancing and good hygiene/safety practices.
Many community-based organizations and nonprofits continue to provide essential services during this time, including food, shelter, and health services and need the help of volunteers. Below are various avenues for healthy volunteers to offer services to help vulnerable members of our community.
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When volunteering, remember to adhere to social distancing requirements as described in the County's Order (such as staying six feet apart, hand washing/sanitizing, cleaning high-touch surface areas) and any other protocols the volunteer service organization has put in place. It is highly recommended that those in high-risk populations (including persons over 60 years old or persons with underlying health conditions) and those who do not feel well (including fever, cough, and shortness of breath) should not volunteer.
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We will update this list as we receive new information, but please note that organizational needs are changing rapidly. You may want to call an organization to confirm its volunteer needs.
VOLUNTEER LIST
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San Mateo County is assembling a county-wide list of volunteers willing to help serve vulnerable members of our community.
Click HERE to join the list.
Volunteers are to be age 60 and under.
Second Harvest is continuing its food bank and food distribution services for those in need. As many regular volunteers are seniors and unable to participate, the organization is seeking additional volunteers.
To find and sign up for nearby volunteer opportunities, go to the Second Harvest website.​
Peninsula Volunteers is continuing its meals-on-wheels food delivery to seniors in need in San Mateo County.
To volunteer as a driver, contact PVI Volunteer Coordinator Ann Eisenberg at aeisenberg@penvol.org.
Catholic Worker Hospitality House needs volunteers to help with its takeout breakfast service for those in need at St. Bruno's Catholic Church in San Bruno. If you are interested in volunteering, call 650-827-0706 or email peterstiehler@gmail.com.
San Mateo County Health is looking for skilled healthcare workers to volunteer during this challenging time. If you are not considered at-risk for COVID-19 and you want to help your community, please contact Karishma Kumar at 209-204-9160.
If your nonprofit organization serving San Bruno needs volunteers to assist community members during the COVID-19 crisis and would like to be listed on this page, please email community@sbcf.org.
Contribute to organizations helping our most vulnerable community members cope during this time. These organizations include:
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved $3,000,000 in emergency funding to support those most impacted in San Mateo County in partnership with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Through San Mateo County Strong, individuals can make directed donations that will specifically benefit San Mateo County residents, small businesses and nonprofits.
Donations to GiveDirectly's Bay Area COVID-19 Cash Relief Fund support direct cash payments to low-income families that have been hit hard by COVID-19. GiveDirectly is delivering cash ($1K each) to families enrolled in SNAP (a federal nutrition assistance program) and living in the local ZIP codes most affected by COVID-19. Join Google in supporting this effort.
The San Bruno Education Foundation is raising funds to assist the San Bruno Park School District in providing technology and Internet access to students in need so that they can participate in remote learning during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has created three COVID-19 Response Funds. Support low-income individuals and families who are most severely affected through the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund. Help nonprofits whose operations are being affected through the Regional Nonprofit Emergency Fund. Provide help to small businesses through the Small Business Relief Fund.
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Catholic Worker Hospitality House continues to operate its emergency shelter operations as well as offer takeout breakfast service to those in need at St. Bruno's Catholic Church in San Bruno.
Gifts to the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation's Emergency Fund will address the immediate and essential needs of students at Skyline College, the College of San Mateo, and Cañada College, including food, lost wages, and Internet access and computers for online classes.
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LifeMoves supports families and individuals experiencing homelessness in their efforts to return to stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency. LifeMoves has created a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to cover the increased costs of protecting thousands of children and adults experiencing homelessness who are largely in high-risk groups for the virus. Donations to the Emergency Relief Fund will be matched 1:1.
Serving San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the nation, distributing healthy food through a network of 310 nonprofit partners at 1,000 sites, including distribution sites in San Bruno.
Area blood banks are facing shortages and continue to rely on volunteer donations. Healthy, eligible donors are encouraged to make a donation to ensure there’s lifesaving blood on the shelves for those who need it most.
VITALANT
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(formerly Blood Centers of the Pacific)
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Peninsula - San Mateo Donor Center
48 2nd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401
1-877-258-4825
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* Need for blood donations in wake of COVID-19
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STANFORD BLOOD CENTER
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Menlo Park Donation Center
445 Burgess Drive, Suite #100
Menlo Park, CA 94025
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* FAQ on blood donation and coronavirus
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AMERICAN RED CROSS
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American Red Cross of the Bay Area
1663 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-427-8000
* What to know about blood donation and coronavirus
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The San Bruno Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of San Bruno businesses that are open during the Shelter-At-Home Order. Show your support by patronizing these local businesses, especially the restaurants that are offering takeout and delivery services.