Samaritan House’s LIFT (Lifeline to Ignite Financial Transformation) Program supports
single parents pursuing education or workforce training programs. The Program is designed to help participants gain new skills and move into stable, higher-paying careers.

Starting in late 2026, up to 30 low-income single parents will be selected to receive $1,000/month in supplemental income and intensive case management services for 24 months (2 years).

This additional cash is not intended to replace your primary job, but to stabilize your monthly income so that you may pursue your educational, vocational or career development goals. There is no cost to participate in this program, and you do not need to pay the money back.

Over the course of 24 months (2 years), you will:

• Meet monthly with your assigned case manager with whom you will set and track progress on goals, conduct quarterly needs assessments, and receive support for ongoing needs and enrolling in workforce development, certification, and degree programs
• Participate in a Financial Empowerment Program cohort where you will receive financial coaching and participate in monthly cohort workshops
• Receive a direct cash transfer of $1,000/month

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a resident of Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, San Carlos, or San Mateo
• Have stable, adequate housing
• Be a single parent, 18+ years, with at least one child aged 15 or under in the household
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Have worked at the same job for at least the last 4 months
• Have primary source(s) of income that do not exceed the following levels:
  • 2-person family: $94,000
  • 3-person family: $105,000
  • 4-person family: $117,000
• Have a desire to engage in further education, vocational training, or career development

This current program was conceived and designed in response to Samaritan House community members who expressed a desire to engage in education, vocational training, or career development opportunities but who are limited by the need to work to meet their basic needs. If you are not interested in pursuing these opportunities, this program will not be a good fit for you. Please reach out to Samaritan House client services at (650) 347-3648 for additional support.

Below are the primary requirements and obligations for the program:

• You must remain a resident in Samaritan House’s service area, which includes the following cities: Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae, San Carlos, or San Mateo.
• You must be engaged in education, vocational training, or career development opportunities.
• You must meet with your case manager monthly throughout the program (24 months).
• You must actively participate in the Financial Empowerment Workshop during the program.
• You must work on your personal finances by creating and following a financial plan with the support of your personal financial coaches.

The application period opens on March 9, 2026 (12:00 AM PST). Applications will be accepted online and in person until April 30, 2026 (11:59 PM PST).

The application should take up to 30 minutes and will request some personal information such as how much income you earned last month and what public benefits you currently receive. Your information will be kept confidential and only used for this program’s purpose. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, [email protected] or call (650) 347-3648.

The application will be available at…