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Commissioner Butler discussed with Ms. Andersen what difficulties Abode anticipates with the <br /> 12% decrease in funding being recommended for the agency. He also questioned whether <br /> Abode expected funding reductions from other sources. <br /> ECHO Housing (Housing Counseling Services/Senior Reverse Mortgage Counseling) - <br /> Marlorie Rocha—thanked the Commission for their past support and noted that critical services <br /> were needed now more than ever. She provided information about the tenant-landlord and <br /> discrimination investigation services they provide as well as the reverse mortgage counseling <br /> program. <br /> Commissioner Butler was advised by Ms. Rocha that ECHO Housing would find a way to <br /> provide the necessary services if they receive less funding than requested. <br /> Community Resources for Independent Living (Housing Services for the Disabled)— Michael <br /> Galvan —thanked the Commission and staff for their ongoing support of CRIL. He provided <br /> information about the core services provided by the agency within the City of Pleasanton and <br /> the specialized housing services provided for persons with disabilities. Mr. Galvan noted that <br /> most of those served by CRIL are in the low to very low income category and he believes it is <br /> essential that CRIL is able to stay in the Tri-Valley area to provide these needed services. <br /> Commissioner Butler also discussed with Mr. Galvan how reduced funding would affect the <br /> services that CRIL provides. <br /> Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center(Community Stabilization Program)— Milly Seibel — <br /> provided information about the core services provided by TVHOC to Pleasanton residents. She <br /> advised that counseling, assistance and resources are provided to households dealing with pre- <br /> and post-foreclosure issues. Ms. Seibel provided information about the new regional down <br /> payment assistance program that is administered by TVHOC and is available to residents of <br /> Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon and Danville. <br /> Commissioner Butler discussed with Ms. Seibel how reduced funding would affect services that <br /> TVHOC provides. Ms. Seibel advised that TVHOC was actively applying for funding from <br /> several other sources and is always looking at other ways to raise funds. <br /> Neighborhood Solutions (Housing Rehabilitation Program), Vicki Johnson— informed the <br /> Commission that the Housing Rehab Program provides small grants and larger loans to low and <br /> very low income Pleasanton homeowners for home repairs and improvements. The reduction <br /> in funding recommended by staff will reduce the number of grants and loans that will be <br /> available through the program. <br /> Commissioner Butler was advised by Ms. Johnson that providing grants was a desirable <br /> component of the program because no repayment is required. However, the loans are <br /> necessary for larger projects and are eventually repaid to the program with that funding used to <br /> implement new loans. <br /> Chairperson Casey closed the meeting for agency presentations and opened it for public <br /> comment. <br /> Sean Souell, Pleasanton —expressed concern that none of the applicant agencies being <br /> reviewed tonight had an office or staff presence in Pleasanton. He was also concerned with <br /> comments by ECHO Housing regarding the lack of affordable housing in Pleasanton. Mr. <br /> Souell was concerned that a city with about $800 million in its reserves could only recommend <br /> Page- 2 - <br />