The City of Pleasanton contracts with ECHO Housing (Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity, Inc.) to provide housing counseling and fair housing programs and services to Pleasanton residents. ECHO provides services through the Livermore Multi-Service Center, located at 3311 Pacific Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550 (tel. 925-449-7340). The programs and services offered by ECHO are described below:

Fair Housing Counseling and Education

ECHO conducts site investigations in response to reports of housing discrimination complaints, does informational surveys to determine degrees of housing discrimination existing in designated areas, and holds educational seminars for property managers, owners, realtors, and others.

Tenant/Landlord Counseling and Mediation

ECHO's Tenant/Landlord Counseling Program provides information to tenants and landlords on their housing rights and responsibilities.  The primary objective of the program is to build awareness of housing laws and to attempt mediation when appropriate.

Home Equity Conversion Counseling and Education

The Home Equity Conversion program provides information regarding home equity options to seniors, their family members, and/or significant others.  ECHO facilitates the process of applying for Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM) loans which enable seniors to convert the equity in their homes into monthly income.

Shared Housing Counseling and Placement

ECHO's Shared Housing Counseling and Placement program includes referral and matching services, counseling on shared living, supportive services, and referrals.  Staff also provide educational workshops on shared living. 

H.U.D. Mortgage Default Program

The H.U.D. Mortgage Default Program assists families and individuals who are in jeopardy of losing their homes due to foreclosure.  ECHO works with clients to arrange repayment plans and to ensure continued occupancy of their homes.  Counseling for first-time home buyers is also available.

Rental Assistance Program

ECHO's Rental Assistance Program (RAP) assists residents with move-in costs or delinquent rent due to a temporary financial setback.  The program helps by arranging a guaranteed repayment contract between the tenant and the landlord.  Financial assistance is subject to the availability of funds.

Emergency Grant Program

ECHO processes emergency grant applications for Alameda County residents who are eligible and who have three-day notices or need move-in funds.  Financial assistance is subject to the availability of funds.

For information on the housing counseling and fair housing programs and services listed above, contact ECHO Housing at 925-449-7340 or

510-581-9380.