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Robert Vernon, representing Shelter Network's Maple Street Center, spoke about their <br />services to clients with a history of chronic homelessness. He introduced a client, Mr. <br />Steve Carey. Mr. Carey spoke about his experiences and how he became homeless <br />and ended up living in his car with a cat. He spoke about how he immediately felt <br />kindness and respect there, was fed, clothed and left there a much better person. <br />Ashley Hartoch, representing Shelter Network's Redwood Family House, introduced <br />Kathleen Colombana, who then spoke about her experiences in being a homeless <br />single mother with cancer, and having lost everything but still needing to care for her <br />twelve-year old son and her disabled daughter. She spoke about the help she received, <br />which included a place for her daughter to stay, attending workshops on how to get <br />back on her feet, finding housing, learning how to save, and getting a job. She also <br />spoke a new alumni group that meets once a month. She expressed her hope that the <br />Council would continue to support them. <br />Andy Frisch thanked the Redwood City Council, and the Housing and Human Concerns <br />Committee for their assistance to Kainos and Pete's Place. He introduced Tom Cerini, <br />a resident at the shelter, who shared his experiences. They both expressed their <br />appreciation in having a place that works with adults with developmental disabilities to <br />integrate them into the community. <br />Kate Comfort Harr, representing Rebuilding Together Peninsula, and a resident of <br />Redwood City, shared information on recent projects they have completed around <br />affordable housing, including 16 projects in Redwood City. She said they are proud of <br />their ability to leverage funds and that every dollar they get can be turned into $5 to $6 <br />with their partnerships such as through in kind donations and services. She thanked <br />Council for its support. <br />M/S Foust/Gee to close the public hearing. Motion carries unanimously by voice <br />vote. <br />M/S Pierce/Aguirre to approve all three staff recommendations. <br />One Council Member stated she would like to give more money to these agencies <br />because they are efficient and get so much leverage for every dollar received. Another <br />Council Member noted that it is amazing what these agencies can do with so little <br />awarded. Vice Mayor Aguirre thanked all those who spent the evening here and she <br />values their services and hard work. Mayor Ira expressed his thanks as well. <br />Motion carried unanimously by electronic vote. <br />9. MATTERS OF COUNCIL INTEREST <br />A. City Council Members Reports of Conferences/Meetings Attended. <br />Council Member Foust stated that this report should not say all Council Members since <br />some of those attending did not get covered by the City. City Clerk Vonderlinden stated <br />she would look into the matter. <br />Vice Mayor Aguirre reported attending a conference in Sacramento and the speaker <br />from the Governor's Office addressed the importance of volunteers and a statewide <br />program www.californiavolunteers.org_. She noted that it fits well with what they heard <br />from many of the speakers tonight and their programs. <br />JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD APRIL 26, 2010 <br />MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 <br />