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David Nagler, Human Services Commission, stated that each applicant was considered very carefully. In the case of Abode, the Commission spent considerable time discussing the very question raised by the Council — the number of clients relative to the requested funding. He explained that if the total budgeted amount was to service six residents, but four has proven to be a consistent number of students, then the allocated amount seems appropriate. He stressed that the Commission recognizes and respects the terrific contributions Abode's services have provided to the community but in light of having to allocate too few dollars to a number of deserving opportunities, the Commission had to make this difficult decision. He said the Commission did not have information indicating that the decision would threaten the viability of the entire program. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked if he saw any issue with the Council funding the gap out of the Affordable Housing Fund. Mr. Nagler said "no." In terms of special project funding, he concurred with staff's assessment and said it is the Commission's hope to have several projects from which the Council can select. He thanked the Council and staff for the efforts put into developing a more cohesive process based on real data and needs. Mitch Reitman, Development and Marketing Officer for Eden l&R, thanked the Housing and Human Services Commissions for the recommendation of a grant in the amount of $15,000 towards the 211 Alameda County Phone Communications System for access to multi-lingual health, housing and human services. He reported that as of April 30th, 211 answered 1,001 calls from Pleasanton residents during this fiscal year. Vivian Wan, Abode, described the Housing Scholarship Program which assists homeless or at risk individuals and families. She explained that case managers work with people often one to two years before they are accepted into the program because of the educational requirements and then a similar period following the program. Based on this time commitment the requested funding serves much more than four households in a given year. She discussed the economic, health and social challenges associated with homing some of the program's individuals and asked the Council to consider the gap funding recommended by staff. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked how many people are currently working to prepare for the program. Ms. Wan deferred to the case manager for statistics. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked how many, who complete the program, are self-sustaining. Ms. Yuan said 80% to 90%. Councilmember Sullivan asked what impact underfunding the case management side would have on rent subsidies. Ms. Wan said the entire program would be terminated. She anticipated that the amount currently recommended for allocation would be used to transition participants out of the program before the end of the fiscal year. Aimee Baca, Tri-Valley Housing Scholarship recipient, asked the Council for continued support of the program. She came to the program after committing to make a different kind of life for her family than she had herself. She said that because of the program, her children are housed and she will be graduating with two associates degrees in business administration this year. Without the Council's support, there are a great many people who will not have the same opportunities she did. Jill Oliveira, Las Positas College counselor, said she has worked with a number of program participants over the years. She reminded the Council of how prohibitive housing can be when trying to obtain an education, particularly when supporting a family. She stressed the importance of case management, City Council Minutes Page 8 of 11 May 1, 2012