CCMin 2010-04-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

i Laurie Wishard, representing the Family Service Agency of San Mateo County and the Intergenerational Center at the Fair Oaks Community Center, thanked the City for its support. She spoke about working with low income elderly, how 1 in 2 senior adults have annual incomes of $10,000 or lower, and that they see more hungry and homeless seniors. Their goals are to keep people healthy and to prevent the need for serious, long-term kinds of assistance. Kara Wahlin, representing the Youth and Family Enrichment Services of San Mateo County, Day Break Transitional Housing Program, spoke about their housing and training services to youth ages 16 to 21 years and teaching them the ability to be self- sufficient. She noted that this is their 20th anniversary and they have been stable and sustainable, especially with an upsurge in clients. She introduced Victor Huiltron, a client of the program, and how they both are grateful to the Council for its support through the years. Mr. Huiltron spoke about how he was homeless, and through the program, was able to get back into school, graduate with his GED (general equivalency diploma), and interview for jobs. He thanked the City for all help with this program. Robert Vernon, representing Shelter Network's Maple Street Center, spoke about their services to clients with a history of chronic homelessness. He introduced a client, Mr. Steve Carey. Mr. Carey spoke about his experiences and how he became homeless and ended up living in his car with a cat. He spoke about how he immediately felt kindness and respect there, was fed, clothed and left there a much better person. Ashley Hartoch, representing Shelter Nefinrork's Redwood Family House, introduced Kathleen Colombana, who then spoke about her experiences in being a homeless single mother with cancer, and having lost everything but still needing to care for her finrelve-year old son and her disabled daughter. She spoke about the help she received, which included a place for her daughter to stay, attending workshops on how to get back on her feet, finding housing, learning how to save, and getting a job. She also spoke a new alumni group that meets once a month. She expressed her hope that the Council would continue to support them. Andy Frisch thanked the Redwood City Council, and the Housing and Human Concerns Committee for their assistance to Kainos and Pete's Place. He introduced Tom Cerini, a resident at the shelter, who shared his experiences. They both expressed their appreciation in having a place that works with adults with developmental disabilities to integrate them into the community. Kate Comfort Harr, representing Rebuilding Together Peninsula, and a resident of Redwood City, shared information on recent projects they have completed around affordable housing, including 16 projects in Redwood City. She said they are proud of their ability to leverage funds and that every dollar they get can be turned into $5 to $6 with their partnerships such as through in kind donations and services. She thanked Council for its support. M/S Foust/Gee to close the public hearing. Motion carries unanimously by voice vote. JOINT CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD APRIL 26, 2010 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 MINUTE BOOK NO. 63 Page No. 085