Laserfiche WebLink
Assistant City Manager Dolan addressed Councilmember Brown's concern regarding Habitat for <br /> Humanity, noting staff has not found away to address the issue, however wants to give it another <br /> year before considering not funding it. <br /> Housing Manager Hernandez provided background on funding Habitat for Humanity and <br /> referenced challenges in the City of Pleasanton that Habitat for Humanity has not encountered in <br /> any other jurisdictions. He added it is challenging to find qualified applicants in the City as many <br /> of those applying, although they need repairs done, are over the income limits needed to qualify. <br /> Additionally, while applicants want grants, they qualify for loans but would rather forego services <br /> than get a loan. Another challenge is that many who are qualified for the program, have a limited <br /> capacity to go through the program. Staff is confident it can still work with Habitat for Humanity to <br /> find solutions and have a successful program. <br /> Assistant City Manager Dolan added administrative costs that have been paid directly to Habitat <br /> for Humanity are modest and it has been a challenge to hand the money to people that need it. <br /> He referenced "legacy applicants" noting they require an enormous amount of time. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked if Habitat for Humanity services would include a bathroom remodel <br /> to make it more functional. Housing Manager Hernandez replied that the Housing Rehabilitation <br /> program focuses on health and safety and related accessibility and improvements qualify as <br /> eligible projects. In response to Councilmember Pentin's question, he stated it would create a lien <br /> only if the homeowner would accept a loan which they would not have to pay back until they sell <br /> the home. <br /> Councilmember Testa understood Abode Services would be taken over by City Serve and <br /> Housing Manager Hernandez indicated the Hope Outreach Program provided by Abode Services <br /> would be taken over by City Serve and it was the result of a mutual decision between City staff <br /> and Abode Services. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened public comment. <br /> Michael Galvan, Program Director, Community Resources for Independent Living, thanked <br /> Council and the City for its continued support and announced Cal Fresh Food is expanding to <br /> recipients of SSI and they are helping qualified persons apply in addition to other needed <br /> services. He distinguished between programs and loans available to homeowners versus renters <br /> and offered to respond to questions from Council. <br /> Councilmember Testa suggested that staff consider ways of making funds available for renters <br /> who need improvements to their homes/apartments. <br /> Housing Manager Hernandez confirmed as it is currently structured, the Housing Rehabilitation <br /> program is only available for homeowners. <br /> Assistant City Manager Dolan added staff can review the program to see if changes can be made <br /> to address the matter. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed the public comment. <br /> Mayor Thorne stated it is unfortunate that not everyone gets what they ask for but noted the City <br /> tries to spread the money as best it can. <br /> Councilmember Testa announced, that although she has an FPPC opinion indicating no conflict, <br /> she would abstain on voting for the Nami allocation as she is on the Board of Directors. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7 May 21,2019 <br />