Fair Oaks Community Center: Hours, Programs, Rentals & Map

Fair Oaks Community Center Hours

Fair Oaks has separate operating schedules for social services, partner programs and facility rentals. The following times are the City’s published emergency and social-services intake hours, not guaranteed hours for every activity in the building.

Older-adult activities, childcare services, food distribution, workshops and partner appointments can follow different schedules. Do not assume all services operate during every listed intake period.

What Services Are Available?

Emergency Food, Rent, Housing & Utility Help

The center functions as a community assistance and referral point for residents facing financial or housing emergencies. The available help depends on program eligibility, current funding, household circumstances and the partner agency responsible for the service.

If You Need Food Assistance

1. Call the center and say you are looking for emergency food assistance.
2. Ask whether the food program accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.
3. Confirm the current distribution day, time and location.
4. Ask whether proof of address, identification or household information is required.
5. Arrive during your confirmed service period, following any instructions for collection.

If You Need Rental or Utility Assistance

1. Explain whether you are behind on rent, facing eviction, struggling with utilities or at risk of losing housing.
2. Ask for the current eligibility and intake requirements.
3. Prepare relevant documents, such as a lease, rent statement, utility bill, income information or notices, if requested.
4. Ask whether assistance is available directly or through a referral partner.
5. Keep confirmation of any application, appointment or referral.

Homeless Help Desk

The City lists a Homeless Help Desk offering food and other basic necessities for homeless individuals and families, generally Monday through Friday, 1:15–2:15 PM. Contact the center before traveling for current availability.

Mobile Showers & Laundry

The City’s Human Services page lists Dignity on Wheels, a project of WeHOPE, at Fair Oaks Community Center Wednesdays, 2–6:30 PM for mobile shower and laundry support. Confirm the service is operating that day, especially around holidays or bad weather.

Senior Programs & Older-Adult Activities

The Fair Oaks Older Adult Activity Center, supported by Peninsula Family Service, provides social, recreational and wellness opportunities for older community members.

• Breakfast and lunch opportunities
• Exercise and fitness activities
• Enrichment and recreational classes
• Preventive health and wellness resources
• Social participation and community connections
• Information and referrals for older adults

Contact Peninsula Family Service at 650-780-7542 for program details, meal availability, age eligibility, registration and current schedules.

Immigration, Citizenship & Legal Assistance

The center works with partner organizations providing specialized community assistance. The City’s community-center directory publishes the following contact numbers:

How to Request Assistance

1. Identify the type of help you need: immigration, citizenship, housing law, benefits or another issue.
2. Call the relevant organization before coming to the center.
3. Ask whether consultations are available in person, by phone or by appointment.
4. Confirm required documents and available language assistance.
5. Use the organization’s official intake process to share confidential information.

Services may be available in English and Spanish. For other languages or interpretation, contact the relevant provider before the appointment.

Fair Oaks Community Center Rental Rates

Redwood City’s published Fair Oaks rental schedule, revised January 2024, lists hourly rates for nonprofit, resident and nonresident/business categories. The following amounts are the City’s published reference prices; request a current quote for any 2026 or later event.

Published rates: January 2024 City of Redwood City facility rental guide. All figures are in US dollars. Contact the rental office for current approval and pricing.

Room Sizes & Capacities

Rental Rules, Extra Fees & Important Conditions

The City’s published rental guide includes rules that can significantly affect the final price and suitability of a venue.

• Security deposit: A completed rental application and required deposit are due when reserving.
• Chargeable time: Setup, the event and cleanup are included in the billable rental period.
• Ending time: Events must end no later than 11 PM under the published policy.
• Custodial fee: The rate guide lists a $100 custodial fee for events with 50 or more attendees.
• Security: Security personnel may be required for events with 50 or more guests.
• Alcohol: Published rules permit only beer, wine and champagne under approved conditions, for a maximum four-hour service period. Security requirements apply.
• Late departure: Exceeding the authorized period can result in charges at double the hourly rate, calculated in one-hour increments.
• Deposit return: The published guide estimates approximately three to four weeks for eligible deposit refunds.
• Restricted rentals: The City policy excludes sales presentations, class instruction and certain for-profit uses.

How to Reserve a Room

1. Choose the room based on your expected attendance and setup.
2. Identify whether the reservation is residential, nonprofit or another approved category.
3. Call 650-780-7500 and request current availability and an updated quote.
4. Ask about security, cleaning, alcohol, access, equipment and refundable deposits.
5. Complete the City’s facility rental application and submit the required deposit.
6. Confirm the rental agreement and payment deadlines before announcing the event.
7. Include setup and cleanup in the hours you reserve.

Food Distribution, Events & Community Activities

Fair Oaks Community Center hosts a combination of direct assistance, partner activities and occasional community events. Food programs, housing resource fairs and outreach services may use specific dates rather than a permanent daily schedule.

For example, the City held a Community Housing Fair at Fair Oaks on October 3, 2026, bringing together organizations offering housing information, tenant-rights resources, rental assistance guidance and application help. This was a scheduled event, not a daily walk-in program.

To find current events, use the City of Redwood City website and its events calendar, or ask the center about the next relevant event.

Before Attending a Program

• Check whether it is a one-time event or a recurring service.
• Confirm any registration or appointment requirement.
• Ask whether participation has a cost.
• Check age, residency or income restrictions where applicable.
• Confirm whether language support is available.
• Make sure the event is at Fair Oaks rather than another Redwood City facility.

Location, Map & Getting There

Fair Oaks Community Center
2600 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
Telephone: 650-780-7500

Driving

1. Enter the full street address rather than searching only for “Fair Oaks.”
2. Follow navigation instructions to Middlefield Road in Redwood City.
3. Check posted parking and entrance signs on arrival.
4. If attending a large rental event, ask the organizer about event-specific parking.

Public Transportation

SamTrans serves the wider Redwood City and North Fair Oaks area. Use the official transit planner to identify your route, nearest stop, walking distance and service on your chosen date.

Accessibility & Parking

The official facility listings confirm the address and services, but the sources reviewed do not establish a reliable current count of visitor parking spaces, precise accessible parking arrangements or detailed entrance accessibility. Contact the center if you require a step-free entrance, accessible restroom or parking accommodation.

Which Number Should You Call?

When calling, explain the exact assistance you need and ask whether the published phone number, eligibility rules and appointment procedure are still current.

First Visit: Practical Preparation Checklist

Related Community Center Guides

If you are comparing recreation facilities, support programs, or community spaces in California, these guides provide additional practical information:

For Fair Oaks itself, use the specific City of Redwood City contact information above. Services and eligibility are not interchangeable between different community centers.

Frequently Asked Questions