SAC MIN 1998-02-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senior Affairs Commission Page 2 Minutes of Thursday,February 12, 1998 with the TIES line, a 24 hour phone number for in-home support, and the need to advertise this phone number to seniors in the community. Commissioner M. Walsh discussed a meeting she attended regarding the proposed CHAMPS (Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors) program. This program, sponsored by UC San Francisco, would use the two Redwood City senior centers as sites for health and wellness services and outreach efforts for seniors. Commissioner Walsh asked if the Commission could send a letter of support for this program. M/S M.Walsh/Anthony: To have the Commission send a letter of support of the CHAMPS program to Anita Stewart of UC San Francisco. Motion passed unanimously. Item 2 will be deferred until 4:30pm. The following items were taken out of order: ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (continued) Debbi Jones-Thomas spoke about the letter from La Raza Central Legal regarding Ms. Louella Keyser and the topic of seniors facing housing issues due to increased rents. She noted that the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the area is approximately $950.00 per month. Many apartment buildings which have recently been sold have passed on large rent increases to their occupants. Those occupants which include seniors are being forced to pay large rent increases or they must move out of their apartments. In many cases, the senior cannot find a lower priced rental unit. Ms. Jones- Thomas mentioned she is working with her 15th client due to increased rental charges which her clients cannot afford. She said the City has asked La Raza to work with the landlord of Ms. Keyser's rental unit but the situation is not being resolved. Ms. Jones-Thomas said the Housing and Human Concerns Committee (HHCC) is looking at various program options and are looking for the input of the Senior Affairs Commission on this issue. Commissioner Anthony shared his recent article on housing which appeared in the Redwood City Almanac in which he noted several solutions to the problem. Ms. Jones-Thomas noted that Redwood Commons will not be renewing its HUD subsidy and so it will be going to market rate costs. This matter will be placed on the March agenda for further discussion and the Commissioners agreed to begin looking at possible solutions to this problem. ITEM 3 — WORKPLAN UPDATES -Economic Development Lunches The next luncheon is set for Wednesday, March 18 at 1 :00pm at the Joy Meadow Restaurant located at Brewster and El Camino Real. Cost is $8.00 per person. An invitation letter was sent to all churches in the area and Chairperson Walsh has contacted the ministers/pastors of those churches. Luncheon tickets need to be reserved and paid for prior to the event with Chairperson Walsh or Commissioner Harrison. A copy of the invitation letter will be sent to the Commissioners.