How to Use SMC Connect Guide
SMC Connect is a digital resource finder created to help you discover community services and programs in San Mateo County more easily.
What SMC Connect Can Do
- Find local services like food, housing, health care, and job support.
- Search information from the Community Information Handbook and verified sources
- Provide results in multiple languages
- Give you a quick starting point to connect with services in your area
What SMC Connect Doesn’t Do
- It’s not a live person—it’s an automated assistant
- It can’t provide legal advice, personal opinions, or case-specific guidance
- It may not always have the most up-to-date details—when in doubt, call 211 or a Core Service Agency
- Don’t share personal or confidential information like Social Security numbers, case numbers, or medical history
Search vs. Chat
🔍Search
- Best for quick lookups
- Uses prompts or keywords
- Provides one summarized response
💬Chat
- Best for more detailed questions
- Lets you ask follow-ups and refine results
- Feels more conversational
Helpful Tips for Getting the Most out of SMC Connect
💡Ask Clear, Specific Questions
Instead of: ‘Food’
Try: ‘Where can I get free groceries near Daly City?’
📍Include Your City or ZIP Code
Example: ‘Job referrals and application assistance near South San Francisco’
✏️Use Full Sentences with Context
Instead of: ‘Housing’
Try: ‘How do I apply for emergency rental assistance in Redwood City?’
🔁Didn’t Get What You Were Looking For? Try Rephrasing Example: ‘Can you show me food pantries open this weekend?’ Example: ‘Who can I talk to about Medi-Cal eligibility?’
🌎Use Your Preferred Language
Type your question in your preferred language—SMC Connect can respond in many languages.
A Smart Tool—But Not a Human
SMC Connect helps you start your search, but it doesn’t replace talking with a person. If your question is complicated, urgent, or very specific, please call 211 or contact a local Core Service Agency for direct assistance.