022119 - Laserfiche WebLink

8 A motion was made by Commissioner Gaidos, seconded by Commissioner Kiziloglu, to categorize the Housing Commission priorities as follows: 1) Comprehensive East Pleasanton Specific Plan Study; 2) First Time Homebuyer Down -payment Assistance Program; 3) Adopt a Homelessness Strategy; and 4) Develop Sunflower Hill. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Gaidos, Galvin, Kiziloglu, Welsh, and Chairperson Soby. NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Review of Semi -Annual Progress Reports for FY 2018/19 Housing and Human Services Grant (HHSG) Subrecipients Mr. Hernandez advised that this was an informational item and no action was required, however, agency representatives would be providing information about the projects for which they had received grant funding. Tri -Valley REACH, Inc. — Housinq Preventative Maintenance and Reoair — Ms. King advised that funds received are used for repairs and maintenance of seven (7) homes in Pleasanton that house adults with developmental disabilities. Commissioner Kiziloglu indicated that she would like for the Commission to be provided before/after photos of repair and maintenance project so they can see the improvements that are being made. Mr. O'Brien thanked the City of Pleasanton for the funds allocated and informed the Commission that REACH is trying to acquire additional housing units because of the big need and so is very careful to conserve funds. ECHO Housinq Counseling Services — Ms. Rocha provided information about the counseling services provided by ECHO relating to eviction notices, repairs, rent increases, legal services, and 3 -day notices. She discussed the necessity for affordable housing. Chairperson Soby discussed with Ms. Rocha the number of different services that ECHO was able to provide. Ms. Rocha commented on the advice that ECHO provides. Commissioner Kiziloglu expressed concern about the advice given, if ECHO was not able to help people find other housing. Mr. Hernandez advised that ECHO provides tenant/landlord information to the clients and are not paid to be eviction attorneys. Commissioner Kiziloglu proposed that ECHO hire a lawyer to help and Mr. Hernandez advised that a lawyer could not be obtained for the $40,000 that ECHO receives in grant funds and ECHO is receiving funds to help educate people and provide assistance during difficult situations. Commissioner Kiziloglu felt the funds were being wasted. Ms. Rocha informed Commissioner Kiziloglu that people go to ECHO Housing Counseling Services to get assistance when they are in panic situations and they are able to provide them with help to learn about their rights and help negotiate through difficult problems. Commissioner Galvin commented on the total number of people the agency had helped and Commissioner Kiziloglu questioned if ECHO collaborated with other agencies. Chairperson Soby reminded Commissioners that they should be asking Mr. Rocha about the Page - 5 -