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Commissioner Casey noted, that since he is a board member for Tri- Valley Housing Opportunity Center, he has been advised by the City's legal department that he should refrain from discussing any of the applications and would therefore leave the meeting and return after discussions have been completed. Chairperson Lopez opened the Public Hearing. ECHO (Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity) Housing, Sheila Brunson - Housing Counseling Services Ms. Brunson advised that funding was being requested so that ECHO could continue to provide housing counseling services to Pleasanton residents. The City is obligated to provide this type of service as part of its federally regulated fair housing and equal opportunity obligations. These counseling services include housing counseling, tenant - landlord services, and discrimination investigation. Commissioner Stark questioned whether ECHO had witnessed an increase in services due to problems with the economy. Ms. Brunson indicated that more services were being requested related to people needing rentals due to foreclosures and demographic changes within the local population. ECHO (Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity) Housing, Cherisse Baptiste - Senior Reverse Mortgage Counseling Ms. Baptiste provided information about the Reverse Mortgage Program. She advised that this is a specialized program that helps seniors who are looking for options to supplement their income in order to cover expenses such as taxes and medical bills. Commissioner Stark questioned whether changes in underlying guidelines are affecting seniors trying to get mortgage changes. Ms. Baptiste advised that some are being affected and that seniors who are trying to help their young families are finding themselves in trouble. CRIL (Community Resources for Independent Living), Sheri Burns - Independent Housing Services for the Disabled Ms. Burns thanked the Commission for their past and continued support. She advised that CRIL has been providing services since 1979 and is the only non - profit that provides comprehensive services for all types of needs for persons with a wide range of disabilities. Ms. Burns indicated that the funds requested would allow the agency to continue to provide specialized housing services for Pleasanton residents with disabilities through their Tri - Valley office in Livermore. Services include housing assistance, independent living services, and general advocacy for the disabled. Over the past several years CRIL has seen an increase in the demand for service in the Tri - Valley. Ms. Burns indicated that CRIL partners with other agencies to provide services. They recently distributed 3 -day survival kits to clients. They are on target to meet their service goals. Page - 3 -