The COVID-19 outbreak, and countywide and statewide shelter-in-place orders have disproportionately affected our most vulnerable community members. The City of Menlo Park is actively working with other neighboring cities, nonprofits and community-based organizations to identify community needs and volunteer opportunities.
Many community-based organizations and nonprofits continue providing essential services during this time, including food, shelter and health services and need the help of volunteers. Let’s join forces and volunteer to support our community!
Please read the information below to learn more about volunteering during this critical time.
In California
California Volunteers is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action to tackle our State’s most pressing challenges and while lifting up all communities. Every Californian can safely help their community during these difficult times. Visit the
California Volunteers COVID-19 website to see how you can make a difference.
Right now, there is a specific need to ensure adequate staff for health care sites throughout California, and healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators asked to register for the
California Health Corps today.
Within San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo is working to collect information from people who need help and those who are interested in offering help. If you are interested in offering support to our community members, please complete the
San Mateo County volunteer survey. Once your survey response is submitted, a County staff member will reach out to pair you with a nonprofit, community-based organization or community member who is in need of help.
Samaritan House invites those not at-risk (or in a position where they risk transmission to someone at-risk) to offer temporary volunteer services to help fill the need created over the last few weeks. They’re currently looking for people who can assist with food preparation and/or transport. See list below.
The following programs are still operating and those with an asterisk * are in critical need of immediate support:
- Mobile Meals*
- Pantry*
- Kitchen*
- Grocery Rescue*
- Family Harvest food distribution on March 20th*
- Produce Mobile food distribution on March 23rd*
- Dining Room
- Safe Harbor food delivery
- Sandwich-making and other ongoing food donation partnerships
In addition to monetary donations, at this time they’re in need of pre-packaged food, toilet paper, paper towels, sleeping bags, diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, formula, baby food, tents, cleaning products, cases of water and toiletries. Visit the
Samaritan House website to learn how to donate. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please Samaritan House at 650-347-3648 first to see how to access these programs and for health screening before entering.
In Menlo Park
MPC Ready is a community-based organization helping residents of Menlo Park and unincorporated county areas be prepared and ready to be self-sufficient following a major disaster. They are working to help build stronger neighborhoods through the social ties developed through the process of getting prepared.
Starting with
Block Preparedness Coordinators, supported by a Neighborhood Coordinator, the group provides training, support and simple steps to help communities be strong and self-sufficient in a major disaster or emergency.
If you live in Menlo Park or an unincorporated County area and would like preparedness support for your neighborhood, reach out and get involved! Volunteers make our communities stronger.
Learn more about volunteer resources and needs by visiting menlopark.org/coronavirus.
