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Margie Rocha, ECHO Housing—noted that funding was being requested to allow ECHO to <br /> continue being able to provide counseling services to Pleasanton residents relating to tenant- <br /> landlord issues, evictions, discriminations, repairs, rent assistance, etc. Ms. Rocha noted that <br /> ECHO hopes to provide assistance to 385 Pleasanton households in the next year. <br /> Commissioner Soby was advised by Ms. Rocha that ECHO works with other agencies providing <br /> services and referrals. She also informed Commissioner Lombardo that ECHO is the only <br /> agency providing fair housing services to Pleasanton residents. The rental assistance program <br /> is an ECHO program and determination is made by the agency to make sure those receiving <br /> assistance are not being served by any other program. Mr. Erickson provided information about <br /> differences between the rental assistance programs offered by ECHO and Abode. <br /> Commissioner Cass was informed by Ms. Rocha that tenant-landlord issues represent the <br /> largest number of cases in Pleasanton. <br /> Michael Galvan, Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) —informed the <br /> Commission that CRIL was seeking funding to help with providing specialized housing services <br /> for Pleasanton residents with disabilities. He noted that over 3,000 Pleasanton households live <br /> below the poverty level and many of these have disabilities. He noted that people using their <br /> services are looking for units that are affordable and accessible. <br /> Mr. Galvan discussed with Commissioner Lombardo various stages of disability eligible for the <br /> CRIL program that have been identified by Social Security, and the need to allow those with <br /> disabilities to live independently. <br /> Mr. Erickson commented on the reports CRIL is required to provide to the City of Pleasanton <br /> and noted that three (3) units in the Anton Hacienda will be for persons with disabilities. <br /> Commissioner Lombardo discussed with Mr. Galvan services provided to families that may have <br /> a disabled child but are above the income level. <br /> Vice Chairperson questioned whether there was an unmet need in Pleasanton and if the funding <br /> request would be sufficient. Mr. Galvan advised that specific programs could be expanded if <br /> more funds were made available, however CRIL wanted to be realistic when requesting funding. <br /> Vice Chairperson Welsh closed the meeting for agency presentations at 9:00 p.m. <br /> Commissioner Lombardo discussed with Mr. Erickson comments made in the agenda report <br /> regarding Abode's challenges locating suitable affordable rental housing in Pleasanton and the <br /> possibility that Pleasanton TVHSP clients could be housed in other jurisdictions. Mr. Erickson <br /> also provided Vice Chairperson Welsh with information on how staff had determined the <br /> allocation amounts provided in Attachment 3 of the agenda report. <br /> Commissioner Lombardo indicated he was concerned about the number of people Abode would <br /> be serving within their program compared to the numbers served by other programs. <br /> Mr. Erickson provided Commissioners with information about funding provided to Axis <br /> Community Health. Commissioner Soby asked staff to provide the Commission with a matrix <br /> indicating services the agencies provide. <br /> Commissioners indicated they agreed with the funding recommendations suggested by staff. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Soby, seconded by Commissioner Cass, recommending <br /> Page -5- <br />