Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting Summary - July 7, 2026
Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting Summary - July 7, 2026
(Note: The transcript refers to June 25, 2026, but the system specifies July 7, 2026. This summary uses the system date.)
The Social Service Human Relations Board (SHRUB) held a meeting on July 7, 2026. The board approved a revised scope of work for fiscal year 2026-27, received updates from work groups, and discussed community outreach and support for a local school closure. The meeting was led by the chair with staff from Housing and Human Services. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 PM.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes (motion by Samantha Green, seconded by Gerald).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Non-agenda public comments: None.
- Public comment on agenda items:
- Alfina Shofa, a local Alameda resident, praised the awareness efforts for the program and suggested promoting it on the city's Instagram page, noting that information was not currently available there.
- Craig, a resident, commented on his personal housing situation and his efforts to find a permanent location for living/workspace. He also mentioned connecting with others for potential shared spaces and urged a thoughtful approach.
Discussion Items
- 4A: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Scope of Work
- Vice President Samantha Green presented a fourth draft of the scope of work, incorporating changes from previous discussions. Key modifications included:
- On page one: Replacing "primary role" with "one of Shrub's many roles" and adding text on collaboration with city council, city manager, human services, and other entities.
- On page three: Restructuring work groups section to list existing work groups (Road Home, Alamedans United Against Hate, Domestic Violence) and clarify that additional tasks may become the subject of future work groups as determined by the board.
- In the evaluation section: Added a provision for the city to review the board's work with members.
- Board members expressed gratitude for Samantha's leadership and compromise. After discussion, the board voted. One member abstained due to arriving late, but after clarification, all voted in favor. The motion passed unanimously.
- Vice President Samantha Green presented a fourth draft of the scope of work, incorporating changes from previous discussions. Key modifications included:
- 4B: Work Group Reports
- The board shared strengths, areas of improvement, and future opportunities for each work group:
- Road Home (Homelessness): Highlighted dissemination of city homeless policy metrics, including point-in-time counts and narratives. Initiatives like the Alameda Volunteers Award and overdose response trainings were well-received. Members noted opportunities to support service providers, prevent homelessness, and improve outreach to underserved communities.
- Domestic Violence Work Group: Chair noted successful expansion of the task force, now meeting four times a year with guest speakers. Goals for the coming year include collaborating with the task force to support community activities rather than leading them.
- Alamedans United Against Hate: Members discussed building stronger relationships with community organizations to co-create events and activities, reducing SHRUB's direct role and strengthening broader community ties.
- Public comment was reopened after discussion, but no additional comments were made.
- The board shared strengths, areas of improvement, and future opportunities for each work group:
- 5A: Staff Report on Alameda Housing and Human Services
- Shelby Neal provided updates:
- Overdose response training held on June 11 with external partners; final session on July 29.
- In May, HHS released an RFP for a residential rehabilitation program administrator; city council approval of selection scheduled for July 7.
- Staffing changes: Yasmin Obadey promoted to administrative technician; new part-time administrative specialist Thais Ribero hired.
- Pre-applications open until June 26 for three below-market rate waitlist lotteries (very low, low, moderate income categories).
- Shelby Neal provided updates:
- 6: Board Communications
- A member recommended reading the Vision Zero report from March 17, 2026, noting e-bike involvement in crashes and a map of traffic hot spots.
- Gerald raised the issue of Dr. Cindy Acker, founder of Child Unique Montessori School, which is closing due to issues with the Oakland Diocese. Dr. Acker had requested support at a previous meeting. Gerald reported no support materialized and encouraged board members to find solutions or connections to save the school, emphasizing her long community service.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimously approved the revised fiscal year 2026-27 scope of work (item 4A).
- Work group updates and future plans were discussed; no formal votes taken.
- The board expressed intention to explore support for Dr. Cindy Acker's school closure issue.
- Next steps include a retreat in the coming months to revisit work group priorities and structure.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the June 25th, 2026, Social Service Human Relations Board Meeting. This meeting is being recorded. The chat function has been turned off. If members of the public would like to comment on an item, there are multiple options to do so. If attending via Zoom, digitally raise your hand, and Secretary Mana Aon will announce when it is your turn. You will then have the option to unmute yourself and proceed with your public comment. Email your public comment to Secretary Man Aeon at G M-A-N-N-A-H-A-Y-O-N at Alameda C A.gov. Before or during the meeting with your name, the agenda item number and your referencing and your comment. Comments submitted during the meeting before the conclusion of the public comment section will be read into the record. Her email address is also on the meeting's agenda. If you are calling in by phone, please email Ms. Mana Aon as we cannot see you raise your hand. You can also dial star nine to raise your hand, and we will call on you. To provide a public comment in person, please complete a public comment slip with your name and the agenda item number you will be speaking on. You will be called up when it is your turn. Public comments will be limited to three minutes. The public has two opportunities for public comment. First, under agenda item two, public comments. Comments from the audience may address matters not in the agenda, but must deal with matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Social Service Human Relations Board. Second, under each agenda item, there will be an opportunity for public comment on that specific item. Each item follows a format similar to city council meeting. First, after a presentation, we will ask if there are any clarifying questions from shrub members for staff. Second, we will ask if there are any public comments on this agenda item. And then third, after public comments, we will open the item up for board discussion and a vote if recommended. Public speaking can be very stressful for all of us. And we do not want anyone to feel intimidated. Shrub meetings will always be a safe space for people to share their views. As a reminder, the exits are located right here. Chantel Carter. Michelle Buckholz? Samantha Green? Here. And Scott Means here. And from the housing and human services division, we have Simone Falls, Division Manager. Gracia Man, program manager, and Shelby Neal, administrative specialist. Let's move to uh non-agenda public comments. The city welcomes speakers providing public comment, but please be advised. This is a limited public forum. Comments from the audience mean concern matters either on or not on the agenda, but must deal with matters subject to the jurisdiction of the social service and human relations board. Comments will be limited to three minutes. Comments concerning matters on this evening's agenda will be heard when that item is called. If speakers fail to follow these rules, they would be warned. And if they continue to disregard the rules, their opportunity to speak will end. Are there any speakers? We currently have no public comment. Just a friendly reminder for those joining virtually. If you are currently an attendee, your hand must be raised to be able to give public comment. Thank you. Do we have any comments? Motion to approve.
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