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Commission may wish to discuss with Abode the status of unused funds from the prior year. Commissioners were informed that funding recommendations from the Housing Commission would go before City Council for their consideration at its meeting of April 18, 2017, together with funding recommendations made by the Human Services, Civic Arts and Youth Commissions. Commissioner Galvin had questions regarding agencies that could be called upon during emergency situations. Chairperson Welsh opened the meeting for agency presentations. Jason Blair from Abode Services felt his agency would be involved in discussions and would want to help coordinate matters during such problematic situations. He provided information about a collective group of nonprofits in the county that would be available to assist. Rachel Cole-Jensen provided information on coordination with Red Cross during times of crisis. Commissioner Gaidos discussed with Mr. Blair the matter of unused funds. Mr. Blair provided information about the number of people in the area needing assistance and the fact that housing searches are slow in this region. He advised there are more people in need of housing. Commissioner Soby was informed by Mr. Blair that the increase in people needing housing has been brought about because of their collaboration with City Serve and resulting referrals. Commissioner Soby asked about Abode's HOPE Outreach Program and use of a medical van. Ms. Cole-Jensen described the types of services provided through the program. Ms. Hopkins provided details about the HOPE Outreach Program, noting that it is a street outreach program with a number of agencies involved as a team doing outreach to determine what services are needed. She advised that Abode and the Pleasanton Police Department are partnering together trying to build a relationship with the homeless, finding housing for them, and help get their documents in order. Ms. Hopkins advised that the goal is to try and help the homeless without having them become incarcerated. She discussed a coordinated system throughout the county and the work being done between cities and Abode. Ms. Cole-Jensen commented on the street aspect portion of the program. Chairperson Welsh discussed a Livermore church program for homeless and wondered if Pleasanton had a similar program. Ms. Hopkins advised that the church in Livermore was a "refuge" and the City of Pleasanton is trying first to get a handle on the number of homeless in the city. Ms. Cole-Jensen advised that they have currently identified approximately 16 individuals to date. Commissioner Soby questioned whether the number of persons referred to correlated with the goals in Abode's funding request. Ms. Cole-Jensen provided details of what services they will be able to provide. She discussed the difficulty of building relationships with the homeless, especially those that have been homeless for a long period of time. Mr. Blair advised that the program would likely serve more than 15 persons because the agency will not turn people away and will provide support. He discussed staffing costs and trying to build relationships. Chairperson Welsh noted that the funding amounts suggested by staff were less than the Page - 3 -