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7.1.B. - Page 7 <br /> Ricardo Garibay, a resident, spoke about his efforts to save money to buy a house, but <br /> he could not, but then he heard about Habitat for Humanity and they were able to help <br /> him qualify for a house. He spoke positively about Habitat for Humanity in helping <br /> change everything the better and opined that Habitat is more than homeownership and <br /> they build families and communities. <br /> Melissa Platte, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association, thanked City <br /> Council for its support. She spoke about the stigma people with mental health face and <br /> they work to provide a home, treatment and support to those with mental illness <br /> Veronica Stevens spoke about MHA's (Mental Health Association) Spring Street Shelter <br /> in Redwood City and she shared her experience in being diagnosed with a mental <br /> illness at the age of 16 and the help she's received from MHA. She thanked MHA for <br /> being a family to her and said people can get better. <br /> Mike Calhoun spoke about his struggles with having a learning disability, and mental <br /> illness, but he had been with the Spring Street Shelter and was homeless for seven '/ <br /> months and once he received help he gained stability. He has returned to school, is <br /> working on finding a house, and is looking forward to a healthy future for himself. <br /> Seana O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director for Rebuilding Together Peninsula, said she <br /> is glad to work together to bring volunteers to help low-income homeowners. She said <br /> they are celebrating 25 years of service to the Peninsula and mentioned many partners <br /> coming together to help people rebuild their homes. She thanked Council and shared a <br /> hand out with them (on file). <br /> Nicki Manske with Ombudsman of San Mateo County thanked the City for the continued <br /> support and said they are health safety advocates for seniors and they investigate <br /> complaints and make unscheduled visits. She said they work collaboratively with the <br /> County, hospitals, police department, home protective services, and others to provide <br /> services. <br /> Sharon Navasso, representing StarVista Day Break, works to help homeless youth by <br /> providing a respite and living skills training for them. She shared some statistical <br /> information that included how 80 percent of their clients go onto high school, college, or <br /> a job. She introduced Program Manager, Sabina Harris, of DayBreak. Ms. Harris <br /> talked about a youth her organization helped and this person is now a successful leader <br /> at the home, at her job, saving money for a car and looking for housing. <br /> Andy Frisch, Kim Cantrell and Karen De Bondono, with Casa de Redwood, said they <br /> have 136 units for local seniors and they are grateful to City of Redwood City for the <br /> funding that allows them to maintain and improve the safety and functioning of their <br /> building. He thanked Council for their support and Karen De Bono, administrator for <br /> Casa de Redwood also added her thanks for the CDBG grant. <br /> Diana Cervantes, Case Manager at Redwood Family House introduced Daniel <br /> Martinez. <br /> David Martinez spoke about how he, his fiancée Esmeralda, and their son have <br /> benefited from the program by providing them with hope and life skills. He spoke about <br /> JOINT CITY COUNCIUSUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD April 28, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 <br />