CCSM voted to become a Sanctuary Church in February 2017, approving this motion: “The Congregational Church of San Mateo declares itself a Sanctuary Congregation and as such will open our doors to welcome into Sanctuary undocumented individuals who are facing deportation and in need of safe refuge.” Later that year, two members of the TransGay Caravan, Estefany and Natalia, were received by the church to live in an apartment on the grounds adapted for that purpose, with Estefany staying for an extended period. Currently, a father and son, David and Byron, reside in the church’s Sanctuary apartment.