CC Min 2012-04-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Lauren Hauber, Program Coordinator at Rebuilding Together Peninsula, thanked Council for its support and commitment for affordable housing. They have worked on the Peninsula since 1989 to build partnerships to rehabilitate over 1,000 homes and over 300 community facilities. She wanted to acknowledge Redwood City for being one of their first crucial funders for their year round minor home repair program and, Safe at Home. Ms. Hauber stated that since then the program has grown four to five times from just a few years ago and expanded into other cities. She also spoke about their National Rebuilding Day program, which will occur this Saturday and include five homes in Redwood City. One Council Member wanted a list of the projects funded and Mayor Aguirre noted that there was an email with this information. Another Council Member made note that each of the agencies that came to thank Council have partners like Electronic Arts, Wells Fargo, San Mateo Credit Union, DPR, Kiwanis Club, TYCO Thermal Controls, W. L. Butler, Webcor Builders, Samaritan House, Shelter Network and others. Ann Marquart, Executive Director of Project Sentinel, expressed thanks for the support. She said they came to Redwood City to provide services about three years ago and will be going into their fourth year in providing services on fair housing complaints, tenant- landlord counseling, and mortgage counseling. She noted that they have case loads in Redwood City that include disability, familial status, or national origin cases. But, there is a problem because they are facing about a 50% cut in funding from the City, and being able to afford their office rent is a concern. However, they do look forward to continuing to provide services in Redwood City and hope for additional funding. Mayor Aguirre said she will be recusing herself from this discussion because she used to be on the Board of Shelter Network; and, while she no longer serves on the Board, she is active. Chris Canter with Brian Greenberg, representing Shelter Network, particularly Redwood Family House and Maple Street shelters, spoke on behalf of Mr. Greenberg, said both shelters are completely full every night of the year. There is currently a waiting list of fifty families for their family sites and they are turning away about 80 people per week from the Maple Street shelter. In the near future, they hope to announce a strategy to deal with a significant portion of their waiting list. He expressed their gratitude for city support and detailed how they leverage those funds from other public and private sources. M/S Bain/Foust to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. M/S Seybert/Ira to approve the resolution and all grants except Shelter Network. One Council Member thanked all the agencies present for supporting the Council's goals and the businesses that have partnered with these agencies. Vice Mayor Gee thanked all the organizations present tonight and the Housing and Human Concerns JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY April 23, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 96