35 - Laserfiche WebLink

Attachment 1 THE CITY OF ,,,,.1,!! , , Housing Commission �. _. MI:�IN !. . t 11 LEASANTONC [Draft-SUBJECT TO APPROVAL] Virtual Meeting May 21, 2020 — 7 p.m. 4. Review and Approve Proposed Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Renters Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic Mr. Dolan indicated that he and Mr. Hernandez were happy to be able to bring this item to the commission for their consideration. He advised that staff has discussed the amount and budgeting for this and have received the City Manager's approval to move forward with the item. Mr. Hernandez reviewed a PowerPoint presentation with commissioners advising that the COVID- 19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is being put together to help mitigate potential homelessness and displacement of people living in Pleasanton who are having difficulties due to a decrease in household income due to the pandemic and now cannot pay their rent. Commissioners were informed that the intent of ERAP is for the city to be able to assist those who are eligible unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 emergency. ERAP would only pay delinquent rents and the payments would be made directly to landlords. People eligible for the program will be required to meet the following criteria: 1) be current Pleasanton resident and have a lease with a third-party individual landlord for at least six continuous months; 2) their household income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) established by Alameda County that is adjusted for household size; 3) have to be in good standing with the payment and terms of their lease that will be verified by their landlord; and 4) will be required to show documentation of loss of income because of COVID-19. Mr. Hernandez also noted that applicants will be required to submit applications electronically and support the application with documents that include: a) a current Pleasanton Residential Lease Agreement; b) proof of household income of 80% AMI or below; c) verification from the landlord that the tenant's rent was current prior to the Shelter-in-Place date of March 16th; and d) financial impact verification due to COVID-19. Additionally, Mr. Hernandez reviewed with commissioners' graphs showing the 2020 Maximum Income Limits and the 2020 Housing Affordability Maximum Rent. He advised that staff is proposing that an amount of$500,000 from the Lower Income Housing Fund be allocated for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, of which approximately $50,000 will be allocated to administer the program, possibly by ECHO Housing, and the remainder to assist approximately 200 Pleasanton households by providing grants with a maximum of$2,500. Chairperson Gaidos indicated he would be calling on commissioners individually for their questions and comments. Commissioner Duggan questioned whether the amount of rental assistance grants would be Page - 1 -