The impact of the current economic downturn on our region’s safety net has been swift and steep. Food and shelter providers in San Mateo and Santa Clara County are experiencing dramatic increases in demand for their services.

ONE Magazine In this issue, read about how nonprofits are balancing the growing demand for services and shrinking resources. Download the new face of need

Silicon Valley Community Foundation in December 2008 awarded $3 million in grants to 47 food and shelter providers in the region. The same month, the leaders of more than 50 nonprofit organizations attended our Food and Shelter Summit to discuss the crisis and explore common interest in public policy solutions.

The community foundation’s board of directors has voted to support California Assembly Bill 1057, which would reduce barriers in the application and delivery process for obtaining food stamps. The community foundation believes that our region needs to have as many people who are in need and eligible receiving food stamps so that we reduce family hardships and circulate those benefits in our local economies.

In June 2009, the community foundation and San Mateo County distributed $1 million to safety net organizations as part of a unique collaboration. Learn more about the project and our grantees.

Demand for food and shelter continues to increase and safety net providers and the current economic environment has exacerbated California’s significant budget shortfall. In addition to its grantmaking, the community foundation is continuing to talk with nonprofit leaders about innovative solutions.