Tuesday’s council meeting tackled two subjects, homelessness and hunger.

Revisions to affordable housing in Hayward

With the help of consultants, Hayward’s city council and staff revised the existing Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to make it more efficient and effective.
The ordinance guarantees a percentage of new housing developments be reserved for those in need of affordable housing.

IHO was implemented in 2003 and what it specifies is that “for sale” or rental housing developments with 20 units or more must reserve 15 percent of the total number of units to those who hold an income ranging from moderate to very-low income.

Affordable housing means that no more than 30 percent of a buyer’s household income goes towards home expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities and insurance.

Section 8 is a housing choice voucher program for low-income families; this housing voucher subsidizes the buyer’s rent though it may be difficult to obtain because of its high demand.

A group of consultants, David Rosen & Associates, were hired by the city of Hayward to study the implementation of the ordinance and revise the plan for improvements.

One of the recommendations is to retain 25 percent of the housing fees collected for future use on housing unit repairs or acquisition of existing housing for affordable housing purposes.

The council members unanimously agreed upon the proposed revisions.

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness week

The council declared the National Hunger and Homeless Awareness week be recognized in the city of Hayward, Nov. 15-23.

Food drives will be taking place in Hayward as the holiday’s fast approach and an informational meeting will take place on Nov. 19 at South Hayward Parish.

Betty DeForest, a local activist in the community, stood up during the open public comments to speak on the subject and her message was concise.

“Jobs and shelter are key to ending homelessness, and housing is difficult to obtain in Hayward,” said DeForest. “And without one it is difficult to obtain the other.”