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teens that have been kicked out of their homes by parents when the youth's sexual orientation was discovered. A family of four is considered extremely low income (30% of area median income adjusted for household size), with an annual income of $26,790 (Feb. 2009) in Alameda County. The National Low Income Housing Coalition found that it would take $21.02 per hour at 40 hours per week ($43,720 annually) to afford the median fair market rent for a one bedroom unit. Present California minimum wage is $8.00 per hour. The California Employment Development Department estimates that seven out of ten occupations have mean wages below the County's housing wage for two bedroom housing ($21.02 /hour). The housing wage is the hourly wage rate needed to afford a fair market rent unit using 30% of total monthly income. The majority of new jobs projected between 2006 and 2016 will pay $18,168 (Combined Food Preparation and Serving workers including fast food) to $93,646 (Nurses) annually. The majority of these positions have no or very limited benefits and opportunity for advancement or training. The lack of affordable housing is the other major component of raising rates of homelessness. Some of the economic and social dynamics of the area that contribute to the causes of homelessness include: 1) low vacancy rates; 2) very high housing costs; 3) the many entry level jobs in the local economy have shifted from manufacturing to retail sales /services (see above); 4) high levels of unemployment and 5) residential foreclosures. Affordable housing units are making a modest gain in Alameda County. Between 2001 and 2007, there were 4,960 affordable subsidized housing units gained in Alameda County; for a total of 23,655 affordable subsidized housing units. The waiting list for the Housing Authority of Alameda County will be reopened this year (2010). It last opened in December 2001. Excessive waiting periods for public housing means that people live in housing that is more expensive than they can afford and may become homeless. This means more people must live on the streets or in their vehicles. In many cases, homeless people are more likely to live with relatives, friends or in other unsuitable types of housing than be on the street. For the past two decades, Alameda County, cities in the county, non profits, the faith -based community, businesses and concerned citizens have responded to the needs of homeless youth, families, and single adults. This response has included food, clothing, transportation, shelter, housing, employment related services and health related services. As the need for services continued to grow, the need to formalize the funding and operation of homeless service became a necessity. Over time, many valuable partnerships and organizational links have been created to meet the needs of the homeless individuals and families. Responding to the need for comprehensive planning and coordination of services for the homeless, the 45- member Alameda County -wide Homeless Continuum of Care Council was formed in 1997. In 2004, a unique collaboration was formed among community stakeholders, cities and Alameda Strategic Plan FY2010 FY2014 City of Pleasanton Page 19