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Minutes 03-27-2025-Joint Meeting w/Carrboro
APPROVED 5/6/25 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CARRBORO TOWN COUNCIL JOINT MEETING March 27, 2025 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a joint meeting with the Carrboro Town Council on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Vice-Chair Hamilton and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) CARRBORO TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell, and Council Members Catherine Fray, Randee Haven-O-Donnell, and Jason Merrill CARRBORO TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Cristobal Palmer and Eliazar Arturo Posada-Orozco Jr. CARRBORO STAFF PRESENT. Town Manager Patrice Toney (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Vice-Chair Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She announced that Chair Bedford will not be present at the meeting, and Commissioner McKee will be arriving late. She invited Mayor Foushee to make comments. Mayor Foushee announced that Council Members Palmer will not be present, and Mayor Pro Tern Nowell is checking with Council Member Posada. Vice-Chair Hamilton and Mayor Foushee welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Carrboro Town Council Members, Orange County Board of Commissioners, and staff introduced themselves. 1. Initial Thoughts on Drakeford Library Complex Activities Jody Smith, Assistant Library Director, began the following presentation: Slide #1 Initial Thoughts on D ra kefo rd Library Complex Activities SHARRON HINTON -ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,DSS JODY SMITH -ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,LIBRARY 2 Slide #2 Southern Branch Library Slide #3 Timeline Monday,January 13:Move-in day. Monday,February 3:Soft opening with reduced operational hours(Monday-Friday). Saturday,February 22:Opened full operational hours with weekends. Friday,March 21:Drakeford Library Complex grand opening. Stats compiled on Monday,March 24(seven weeks of data). 3 Slide #4 Door Count �P, Main Library Southern Branch February 2025 9,879 7,326 17,205 March 2025(TD) 9,307 10,464 19,771 Total 19,186 17,790 36,976 Highlights Daily Averages(February-March) • Main:392(49 operational days) • Southern:414(43 operational days) Drakeford Library Complex Grand Opening:791 Slide#5 New Library Card Registrations Southern Branch February 2025 250 810 1060 March 2025(TD) 170 969 1139 Total W 420 1779 ' 2199 Highlights Daily Averages(February-March) • Main:9 new cards per day • Southern:41 new cards per day In all of 2024,700 new cards were issued at the Carrboro Cybrary. The library courier now runs Monday-Friday. Jody Smith shared that the number of new card registrations surprised even Library staff. 4 Slide#6 Study Room Usage Number of Reservations February 2025 234 107 341 March 2025(TD) 187 160 347 Total 421 267 688 Number of Users Main Library Southern Branch February 2025 392 176 568 March 2025(TD) 275 278 553 Total 667 454 1121 Slide #7 Programming Throughout February and early March,staff surveyed the public to learn about ideal days,times,and subjects.Survey highlights: Top subject areas were"Build Community'and"Get Creative." Arts&Crafts was the most popular program type. o Examples of specific requests:Nature/birdwatching;foreign language discussion groups;film screenings and discussions. First family storytime on March 15(attendance: 18). First baby storytime on March 18(attendance: 14). First youth storytime on March 20(attendance: 42). Adult programming begins in April. Town of Carrboro Recreation, Parks,&Cultural Resources Department has expressed interest in supporting and partnering with us on storytimes and other programs. Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:09 pm. 5 Slide #8 Partnerships Examples of active outside partnerships: — Girl Scout Junior Troop 2375(Chapel Hill) `,4 installed a community food pantry in early March. The Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition(OCCRC)soil exhibit will move from the ' Main Library to the Southern Branch in late 's, April/early May. ! We are excited to work more closely with fellow Drakeford tenants:OC Skills Development/NC Works Career Center,Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department,and Durham Tech. Slide #9 Public Feedback The public has been incredibly supportive and aew patient as we've troubleshot early glitches. 5.0 Lots of comments from residents about how orange County S"hwn Branch appreciative they are to have a library within walking distance. All public feedback submitted via email or paper form receives a direct reply. Positive early reviews. o T=7m ®�� 6 Slide #10 Skills Development/NC Works Career Center Sharon Hinton, Assistant DSS Director, continued the presentation: Slide #11 Employment & Training Services Adult/Dislocated Worker NEXTGen Youth Employment More-Than-A-Job Employment and Training Business/Employer Services Hiring Events/Job Fairs Job Search Resume Assistance Tutoring Sharron Hinton said the Skills Development/NC Works Career Center has a variety of employment and training services available to the public, and staff is proud to have a continuum of services that meet community needs. Sharron Hinton said that the Adult/Dislocated Worker and NEXTGen Youth Employment programs are funded by the Department of Commerce through the division of workforce solutions. She shared that the More-Than-A-Job Employment and Training program specializes in assisting individuals who are receiving FNS benefits. It was previously known as the Food and Nutrition Services Employment and Training program. She said the Center provides assistance to employers and local businesses with respect to recruitment and training, hiring events, and job fairs, and has a resource room available on-site where individuals can come in to do their own job search, receive resume assistance, and even receive some tutoring support. Slide #12 Partner Engagement/Re-Engagement Durham Technical Community College Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Alamance Community College National Caucus and Center on Black Aging(NCBA) UNC Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Orange County Literacy Council Hillsborough-Orange County Chamber of Commerce Triangle Disability Awareness Council The Compass Center Orange County Veterans Services Josh's Hope Vocational Rehabilitation Orange County Local Reentry Council NC Department of Commerce/Division of Workforce Hope Renovations Solutions(DWS) Hargraves Community Center Central Piedmont Community Action Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association(RENA) Orange County Schools Sharron Hinton said this slide highlights the Center's numerous partners throughout the county. She said Durham Tech is also on-site and is a major partner in the career center. She explained that they provide HRD as well as CNA and other services. She said individuals who are seeking a class that's not available at Durham Tech also have access to Alamance Community College. She said the relationship with UNC is through the nursing program. She explained they utilize space at the Center for health assessments for participants and other customers. Finally, she highlighted the partnership with the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, which is a program that provides support to individuals who are 55 and older. 8 Slide #13 Other Available DSS Services Public Assistance Food & Nutrition Services Medicaid Child Care Services DSS Youth Services • LINKS •Second Family Foundation Financial Counseling Sharron Hinton said there is also touchdown space available for other DSS services like Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid or childcare services. She said they also offer other DSS youth services including LINKS and Second Family Foundation, which are both programs that provide assistance to individuals or youth who are engaged in foster care or who have aged out of foster care. She said staff will also provide financial counseling to help individuals with their budget. Slide #14 Opportunities for Synergy Orange County Southern Branch Library Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department Sharron Hinton said this is the first time that the Skills Development Center is not a standalone facility. She said they've already had conversations with Carrboro Recreation and Parks about partnering with their teen center and our youth employment center. She said due to the increased foot traffic at the Library and Recreation and Parks, there will be more people that see the Center and learn about the services they offer. Commissioner Fowler asked if Durham Tech and Alamance Community College have classes lined up in the facility. 9 Sharron Hinton said Durham Tech will have a Certified Nursing Assistant class, Human Resource Development classes, and a GED program there, but is unsure of the schedule at this time. She explained that Alamance Community College will not be onsite, but the Center pays for the tuition for classes there. Commissioner Fowler said she noticed there were meeting rooms and classrooms when she toured the facility. She asked if they will be available to the public and nonprofits. Council Member Fray said they spoke to a member of Carrboro Parks and Recreation staff, and they indicated those spaces will be available for the public to reserve through the Carrboro Parks and Recreation website. Council Member Haven-O'Donnell asked Jody Smith to add the numbers he shared during his presentation to the library's website for the public to see. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners and staff for following through with the new library and highlighted its importance. Council Member Fray said they are glad to see that there will be non-career/work services offered by DSS. They asked if individuals needing assistance with food and nutrition, or childcare could be told to go to the Drakeford Center. Sharron Hinton said yes, there will be staff there on a rotation to provide those services to residents. Council Member Fray said residents and visitors are delighted to have the Drakeford Center. They said the only critical feedback they have heard is related to coming in and out of the library once in the parking deck, so some additional signage would be beneficial. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if financial counseling is available to all residents. Sharron Hinton said it has typically been utilized by participants in DSS programs, but it would not be an issue for other individuals to make an appointment to receive those services as well. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if DSS has a Certified HUD Financial Counselor on staff. Sharron Hinton said the Financial Counselor is not HUD-Certified. Commissioner McKee asked if the Terrace is also available for the public to reserve. Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney said yes. Mayor Foushee expressed Kudos to both boards and staff for getting the Drakeford Complex done. She highlighted the importance of libraries and their community benefits. She relayed a concern about building safety that a resident brought up to her. Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney said internal staff is working together to come up with a security plan. Council Member Fray asked about the plan to replace temporary fencing around the bioswale feature in the front of the building. Alan Dorman, Orange County Asset Management Services Director, indicated that permanent fencing was approved today to go into that area. Commissioner Carter echoed comments from Council Member Fray at the Grand Opening and acknowledged the work of former board members and others that developed and followed through on this project. Council Member Haven-O'Donnell mentioned another concern with the parking deck. She said there is a sharp turn that can be difficult to navigate and asked staff to address that area to avoid a potential accident. Alan Dorman, Orange County Asset Management Services Director, said his staff will look into that along with additional signage. 10 2. County Budget Update — Federal Impacts & Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness Travis Myren made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Orange County Federal Funding Overview March 27, 2025 Joint Meeting with Town of Carrboro Slide #2 Federal Funding • County receives over$20 million in ongoing federal support • Over$235 million in federal benefits are also provided directly to residents and childcare centers that benefit the local economy Department FederalAmount Aging $533,005 Child Support Services $1,480,632 DEAPR $28,651 Emergency Services $3,283 Health $1,014,017 Housing $8,027,923 Social Services $9,334,625 Transportation $212,736 TOTAL $20,634,872 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 11 Travis Myren shared that county staff is on high alert regarding federal funding and the cuts being made to federal agencies that will impact the county's ability to work with federal partners and provide services to residents. He explained that some of the federal funding goes directly to residents through the county departments, and some includes administrative funding that pays for county staff positions. Slide #3 Federal Funding - Aging Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Mobility Grant provides rides for community members and includes a volunteer driver $102,004 Disabilities program.Grant supports staff position as well. Home and Community Care Block Grant-Access Grant provides in-home services,and other support services to remain independent. $201,280 In Home Support Services Grant also supports county positions. Special Programs for the Aging-Title III Part C- Congregate meals provided by caterer five days a week.Grant also supports county $142.156 Nutrition positions. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #4 Federal Funding — Child Support Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Federal Expenditures Child Support Enforcement Funds represent a reimbursement of administrative costs. $1,480,632 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CARC)LINA 12 Slide #5 Federal Funding - Housing Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Provides funding for street outreach,emergency shelter, Emergency Solutions Grant Program homelessness prevention,rapid re-housing assistance,and data $89,688 collection. Provides formula grants to fund the building,buying,and rehabilitation HOME Investment Partnership Program of affordable housing for rentlownership.Funds can also be used for $429,496 rental assistance to low-income people. Funds are used to provide permanent housing,transitional housing, Continuum of Care Program supportive services,data collection,and homelessness prevention. $359,745 Grant also supports county positions that provide these services. Rent subsidies to low-income families.Most of this funding goes Housing Choice Vouchers directly to residents.Funds also supports county positions that provide $7.148,994 these services. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren said the most federal funding flows through Housing and the Department of Social Services. Slide #6 Federal Funding — Social Services Federal GrantorlProgram Title Program Description Food and Nutrition Services(or Food Stamps)for low-income residents to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) purchase food.Funds represent just the administrative cost to the county to $2,216,817 manage this program. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(WIOA) W IOA grant provides workforce training,education and support.Grant also $160,989 supports county positions that provide these services. Medicaid provides low-income individuals and families access to health Medical Assistance-Administration Insurance.Grant Funds represent just the administrative cost to the county to $3,097,462 manage this program. Grant provides in-home services,case management,family planning counseling Social Service Block Grant and guardianship.Grant also supports county positions that provide these $395,866 services. Child Care Development Fund-Administration This grant provides county funding to manage the Child Care Subsidy Program. $276,021 This just represents the administrative costs to the county. ORANGE COUNTY NOR'rH CAROLINA 13 Slide #7 Federal Funding — Social Services Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF)program is designed to help families TANF-Work First Admin and Services with children experiencing low-income achieve economic security and stability.Provides $1,005,157 employment services,child welfare and child-care.Grant also supports county positions. CPS IV-E provides services to address and identify child maltreatment issues in serious risk IV-E CPS of foster care placement.Grant also supports county positions. $97,386 Provides funding for allowable pre-placement administrative activities for eligible children IV-E Foster Care determined to be at imminent risk of removal who,absent effective provision of preventive 1,161,s3s services,would be placed in foster care.Grant also supports county positions. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #8 Federal Funding — Social Services Federal GrantoriProgram Title Program Description LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills,energy crises,weatherization,and Low Income Home Energy Administration $100.,301 minor energy-related home repairs.This grant represents administrative costs of managing the program. The Integrated Care for Kids(InCK)Model is a child-centered local service delivery and state payment model that aims to reduce Integrated Care for Kids Model expenditures and improve the quality of care for children under 21 years $108,179 of age covered by Medicaid through prevention,early identification,and treatment of behavioral and physical health needs. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 14 Slide #9 Federal Funding — Transportation Federal Grantor/Program Title Program Description Federal Expenditures Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit The Formula Grants for Rural Areas program provides capital, Program(5311 Admin) planning,and operating assistance to states to support public $198,035 transportation in rural areas. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Travis Myren said much of the federal money that goes to transit agencies flows through the states, so it doesn't show up on this report. Slide #10 Federal Funding — Social Services • County residents and childcare centers also receive federal funds/benefits directly Program Value Medicaid Benefits $205,454,830 Food and Nutrition Service Benefits $21,986,484 Crisis Intervention Program— Assistance with Heating and Cooling costs $230,278 Low Income Energy Assistance Benefits $520,792 Child Care Subsidy $6,821,392 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Mayor Foushee asked what conversations have been had about the threat of losing this federal funding. 15 Travis Myren said, to the extent possible, the County will provide some of the services at a lower level. He said if the administrative funds are cut in Medicaid or Food and Nutrition Services, there would have to be a reduction in force. Council Member Haven-O'Donnell asked if there is anything the municipalities can do to help with this. Travis Myren said staff can put heads together to think about some partnerships that might serve residents better. Commissioner Fowler thanked Travis Myren for providing this information and said it would be great to have on the website to keep people informed of the potential impacts. Council Member Merrill asked if there is any kind of proactive communication plan for folks that might be directly affected by federal cuts. Travis Myren said right now, programs that may be impacted are being identified, but until there is clear direction, reaching out to individuals may cause more anxiety than it eases. Council Member Fray asked if there are certain points in the year that federal funds are expected that would indicate whether or not a payment will be made. Travis Myren said there is a funding notification that usually goes out this time of year. He said some notices have been received that grant funds are being put on hold. He said that this morning he received a stop work order from DHHS for two grant funded positions that may not be reimbursed effective two days ago. He said there is some uncertainty and there is new information every day. Vice-Chair Hamilton reiterated her petition from at an earlier meeting to have a dashboard on the county website with information on federal cuts and the impact on Orange County residents. She said with this reality, the Board will likely have to prioritize the most vulnerable in the community, and that may mean that other services that are also important may not be able to be provided at the level they are now. Commissioner McKee said he just came from a community meeting about the revaluation and several people voiced their concerns about being able to stay in this community with their property value increases. He said the most vulnerable are those on the lower end of the wealth scale and the increases are going to impact them. He said he would caution playing up federal cuts too much until it becomes fact in order to avoid ramping up concern even more. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked Travis Myren to remind everyone of what the revenue neutral rate is. Travis Myren said the revenue neutral rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as it did this year with our new tax base. He explained that when there are dramatic increases in property value or assessed value, that revenue neutral rate naturally falls. He said the revaluation actually distributes the tax burden among taxpayers based on the value of their home, which is based on sale prices and what one could get in the market if they were to put their home on the market. Commissioner McKee asked what percent increase will for sure see an increase in their tax payment even if the Board adopts the revenue neutral tax rate. Travis Myren said staff can figure that out. Commissioner Carter asked Travis Myren to explain the scope of the county setting tax values vs. the municipalities. Travis Myren said the county approves the county's tax rate as well as the fire district tax rates, and the special district tax for CHCCS. He said each municipality sets its own tax rate based on their budgets. Mayor Pro Tern Nowell asked if there is any opportunity for municipalities to dedicate excess funds to help mitigate some of the impacts of important cuts on residents of the county. He said municipal boards would have to agree, but it is an idea. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she appreciates that thought because they have to think about everything in this environment. 16 Blake Rosser, Housing Director, made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT OCPEH Discussion—2025 Slide #2 Agenda •Terms & Organization Data & Initiatives — 10 year Plan, Gaps Analysis, etc. Governance and MOU Budget n ORANGEGOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #3 Terms &rmr nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 17 Slide #4 AMI—Area Median Income In 2024 in the Durham/Chapel Hill metro area,this is$105,900 for a family of four Low-income 80%of AMI—$94,700 for a family of four;$59,300 for a single person Very low Income 50%of AMI—$52,950 for a family of four;$37,100 for a single person Extremely low income 30%of AMI—$31,750 for a family of four;$22,250 for a single person CoC—Continuum of Care HUD Definition: "A community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency.It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness." OCPEH The CoC for Orange County:Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness HOME Committee Collaborative partnership operated by OCPEH in which area service providers meet twice monthly to discuss clients and refer for services Transitional Housing Temporary housing with supporfive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness,with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing.A client in transitional housing is still considered homeless and not in a farm of permanent housing.An example is IFC's shelter,which can be from 9D days to 1 year. PSH-Permanent Supportive Combines rental assistance with voluntary supportive services to address the needs of chronically homeless Housing people. The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills,and connect people with community-based health care,treatment and employment services. Rapid Rehousing A program offering housing search,move-in and rental assistance along with case management, on a temporary basis(no longer than 2 years). The goal is to quickly re-house someone who recently became unsheltered and transition them to more permanent housing. Housing First A policy that advocates unconditional, permanent housing as quickly as possible to homeless people, and other supportive services afterward(House first,add supportive services later). Rapid Rehousing is an example of a Housing First program. HCV—Housing Choice The modern name for Section 8 rental assistance program serving"very low income"residents Voucher ORANGE COUNTY O HOUSING DEPARTMENT 18 Slide#5 OCPEH Program and Staff Breakdown • o � liJtilAr IUef�rirr �H(,O) using Yara+t 1pline15) 4obbow4t-op. OW"Gwirlr Yxmu Yxmf SOHRAD SOHRAD Street Outreach, � rlw (3.5} Harm Reduction andHISI �'� Deflection r°I � Housing RRH Rapid Rehousing ( h"*00 i�il�eN Aooess(�} SOAR SSYSSDi Outreach, PWSWetMo"1r=@ Access and Recovery G�itM� DNr W t�IriihiYrer IwS�tM�rrSOrY RRH[2.5] icwynAkBridr hr�etlk�ipuSl�ll A � SOAR(1} SOYiiswwiR (lsi�ifur Cold Weather nORANGF (OUNTY Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT 19 Slide #6 Interdepartmental Collaboration F7- Ennerg:7 Services L GI CWC SOHRAD / HCVIFYI Housing Helpline HOME Committee Utility Assistance FYI Foster Youth to CWC Independence CWC Cold Weather Cots SOHRAD Street Outreach, Harm Reduction SOHRAD and Deflection SOAR SOAR SSIISSDI CWC Outreach, Bridge Housing Access and Recovery nORANGECOUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 20 Slide#7 nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#8 Most recent Gaps draft indicated partial progress •Gaps Filled: •Housing Access Coordinator •Homelessness Diversion Funding •Street Outreach •Accessible, housing-focused shelter • Partially Filled: •Rapid Rehousing •Housing Helpline •DV Shelter •Youth Housing Program •Landlord Incentives •Housing Locator nORANGE COUNTY •Bridge Housing Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#9 Remaining Gaps require larger, sustained investments •Remaining Gaps: •Permanent Supportive Housing •Income-based housing •Furniture and Household Goods •Bridge Housing •Crisis Diversion Facility •Integrated Service Center Medical Respite Beds nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 21 Slide #10 Monthly data reports to commence for Leadership Team •OCPEH Manager will begin data reports at April LT meeting, to include: • Contacts by Housing Helpline • Coordinated Entries conducted • Exits from homelessness • In shelter at IFC, IFC Cold Weather, and County Cold Weather • Unique engagements by SOHRAD • Landlords added/lost nORANGE COUNTY © HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #11 Current Initiatives focused on emergency shelter and low-barrier housing •2nd site, or larger volume primary site for county Cold Weather Cots • Satellite cold weather shelter in Hillsborough • Low-Barrier Housing Work Group to identify opportunities for development/acquisition • Integrated Services "Day" Center nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 22 Slide#12 OCPEH - Performance Measures* HouseholdsNumber of . r peopleReturning to homelessness in 1 year: 7%(1 pt. decrease) Number of Nationally:18% Chronically Homeless: 26(8%decrease) Entering Shelter/Homelessness: 40 First time homeless: 274 (Both Highest Ever) Median days homeless: 288(13%decrease) Median time in shelter: 56 0' *All numbers from 2023 Point-In-Time(PIT)Count Danielle Butler OCPEH Manager n ORANGE COUNTY d butier@o angecountync.gov O HOUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said the data from this year's point-in-time count conducted in January will be available soon. Commissioner McKee asked Blake Rosser to speak to what is driving people entering homelessness. Blake Rosser said he can only speak anecdotally, but believes it is due to the end of COVID-era benefits combined with a huge spike in housing prices, both rental and homeowner. Commissioner McKee said if staff could identify the driving factor ahead of time, it might intervention could happen before people become homeless. Blake Rosser said his counterpart in Raleigh spoke about their approach which includes lowering the cost of housing combined with increasing incomes. He said that requires a lot of funding sources that are not accessible here. Slide #13 nORANGE COUNTY �► HOUSING DEPARTMENT 23 Slide #14 Unique Clients Assisted rr-L7rr.-� nount Annually(Approx.) Housing Helpline 2.5 - 3,700 Rapid Rehousing 1.5 $250,000 is Administration 0.2 - Cold Weather Cots - $30,000 so Bridge Housing $95,000 48 Landlord Incentives $20,000 12 Permanent Supportive Housing $150,000 8 • S51/SSDI Outreach,Access,and Recovery 1 - 15 Rapid Rehousing 1 - 10 Street Outreach,Harm Reduction and 4 100 Deflection Housing Helpline 0.5 goo Housing Access Coordinator 1 - 5o Bridge Housing - $148,000 49 Administration 1.625 *OCPf14 consists of contributions from fourOC municipalities broken down in the following proportions: 39.7%-Chopel Hili 39.5%-Oronge County • 14.3%-Carrboro • 6.5%-Hillsborough 24 Slide #15 2025-26 Expansion Request CHAPEL HILL couNry CARRBORO HILLSBOROVGH Percentage Split 1 39.70% 1 39.50% 1 14.30% 6.50% Uescriptlan Total PORTION PORTION PORTION PORTION OCPEH Expansion Budget(Sold indicates request o"tap of Conti," NG Budget) COC Personne 2,625 FTE:1.0 Homeless Programs Manager,.625 Homeless $197 560.71 $111,888.10 $111,324.43 $40,302,25 $18,319.21 Programs Coordinator CoC Operations $54,332.00 $21,569.90 $21,461.14 $7,769AS $3,531.58 Cold Weather CM Personnel,Operations,and Supplies $50 0 0 OO $19,850.00 $19,750.GG $7,15D.00 $3,250.00 (rollover fund) Permanent Supporpve Housing(transferred from county $59,273.29 $23,532.50 $23,412A5 $8,476.09 $3,852.76 funding to offset deduction of HAC 1.0 FTE 50HRAD Persorne 4.0 FTE:1 Clinical Coordinator{C1RD),3 Peer Street Navigator $356,957.34 $141,712.06 $140,998.15 $51,044.90 $23,202.23 (OCPEH) SOHRAD Operations $35,407.00 $14,056.58 $131985.77 $51063.20 $Z,301.45 Increaseto be able to assist with more move-in costs and cover other gaps to facilitate housing clients,such as $10,0M.00 $3,970.00 $3,950-00 $1,430.00 $650.00 application fees Bridge Housing 0 FTE-213 of annual operational costs(OCPEH is currently Operation funding four of the six beds available.Thetwo remaining beds $147,887.00 $58,71114 $58,415.37 $21,147.84 $9,622.66 (Wonderful House) are funded by Alliance). Coordinated Entry The existing CoC grant provides funding for personnel for 2.5 CE Personne staff,Funding is needed to provide salary support for a 0.5 FTE $41,120.00 $16,324.64 $16,242.40 $5,880.16 $2,672.80 CE staff to address the increasing community need. TOTAL EXPANSION $952,537.34 $411,623.9Z $4D9,540.21 Sim z63.92 $57,392.70 BUDGET Additional local(county)investment Landlord Incentives 20,000.0 .0 Housing Access Coordinator,1.0 OAR Caseworker,1.0 RRH Personnel $ 278,931.29 caseworker,1.0 HH&Outreach Coordinator,030 Grants Coordinator ORANGE COUNTY PSH Funding Permanent Supportive Housing 90,726.71 $ TOTAL369,656.00 HOUSING DEPARTMENT COUN INVESTM EN Slide #16 OCPEH Federal Grants 165,416(January-December 2025)-DV 9 FTE Rapid Re-housing Case Manager(DV);Rental CoC Gran Rapid Re-housing grant transfer assistance $ 165,426.00 CoC Graint 191,764(October 2025-September 2026)- _5 FTE:2.5 Coordinated Entry(Housing Helpline) $ 191,764.00 Supportive Service Only:Coordinated Entry Specialists CoC Gran 161,920(November 2025-October 2026)- 3 FTE for RRH Case Manager and Homeless $ 161,920.00 Rapid Re-housing Programs Coordinator;Rental Assistance HOME Grant(TBRA 136,499 FY 24-25-Rapid Re-housingTenant-Based Rental Assistance(TBRA) $ 136,499.00 FSG Annual 39,338(January 2025-December 2025)- Rental Assistance $ 39,338-00 Rapid Re-housing CoC Planning Gran .2 FTE:Homeless Programs Coordinator;Stipends for 50,000.00 50,000(July 2025-June 2026-anticipated)people with lived experience OTAL GRANTS I i $ 744,937.00 202S-26 OCPEH BUDGET $2,087,132.34 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $952,537.34 County Funding("Local Investments-) $389,658.00 Federal Grants("OCPEH Grants") $744,937.00 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET $1,963,545.00 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $868,611.00 ORANGE COUNTY County Funding(-Local Investments") $309,294.00 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Federal Grants("OCPEH Grants") $785,640.00 Council Member Fray asked if the Drakeford Complex is still being considered as a possible location for the cold weather shelter. 25 Blake Rosser said that space was considered, but there are challenges with using that space and he doesn't think it is feasible except in the case of an emergency. He said the preference is to have one standard site. Vice-Chair Hamilton encouraged staff to begin thinking about increasing staffing at cold weather shelters next year, as more people may be in need. Blake Rosser said he thinks the shelters will be in a better position next year because there was a lot of new staff this year and they have already learned a lot about how to improve. Council Member Haven-O'Donnell asked if schools gyms have been considered as a possible site for shelter. Blake Rosser said that is one of the places that first comes to mind for shelter, but unfortunately the schedule of most schools is in conflict with what he would consider to be fair and dignified treatment for clients. He said they would have to get up and out of the gym when it is still dark to be able to clean up for when the kids are coming to school. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a cold weather shelter in Northern Orange County is still being considered. Blake Rosser said yes. He said there are two churches, Hillsborough Presbyterian and Saint Matthews Episcopal that are eager to help out. He said he has done walk throughs at both, and they are on the path to securing a space. Mayor Foushee asked Blake Rosser if he foresees gaining the funding for the partially filled gaps he indicated in his presentation, and if there are any gaps in particular that are priority. Blake Rosser said the short answer is no, but keeping the Housing Helpline would be priority. He said that is basically the front door to the homelessness system. Mayor Foushee asked what types of meetings and partnerships are happening to address homelessness with other entities like the Chambers of Commerce, Downtown Partnership, etc. Blake Rosser said there was a meeting he attended Monday with a lot of community partners. He said they all agreed they need to meet more and make a more concerted effort to address homelessness. Travis Myren said in terms of actually putting people into housing, it is important to build out the rapid rehousing program more with supportive services. Commissioner Fowler recognized all the great work that Housing and their partners have done. She said pre-COVID it felt like there were only gaps, so it is important to recognize the progress and the fact that there might even be progress on those remaining gaps. 26 Slide#17 Orange County • Department 00 W. Tryon Street Hillsborough Homesteadand 2501 • . . . Chapel . . • - Blake Rosser nORANGE CUUNTY Director,OC Housing Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT brosser@orangecountync.gov 3. Affordable Housing (Greene Tract, Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation Assistance, HOME Funds, etc.) Cy Stober, Planning and Inspections Director, explained the three handouts the Clerk passed around, including the Interlocal Agreement, Statement of Work, and the Greene Tract Master Plan. He said he is going to focus on updates that have happened within the past 5 years rather than doing a deep dive. He said along with the 2021 ILA, there was also a Resolution to adopt a concept plan that identified the Headwaters Preserve, the development acreage, and the school site. He said part of the resolution was also to recombine the property to put the Headwater Preserve solely within Orange County ownership, which was accomplished in 2022. He reviewed the contents of the Public Participation and Decision-Making section of the ILA. He said this ILA is in the automatic renewal phase. He said the ILA and the Resolution identify that the Rogers Eubanks neighborhood has been historically impacted disproportionately by the historic use of the property. He said the discussions therein and their voices are prioritized in all decision-making and input to date. He said in 2023, contracts were signed with Gensler and Thomas and Hutton to develop the Master Plan. He said there was a very robust effort to engage the public in the creation of the Master Plan. He said the Master Plan was either endorsed or adopted by all owners in October 2024. He brough their attention to the Guiding Principles adopted with the Master Plan and explained that they are about respecting the historic character and integrating with the surrounding neighborhoods in a compatible way. He said the Master Plan includes a maximum build out potential of 660 housing units on the Greene Tract, including multifamily, single-family, and townhomes. He said the owners have contracted with the Development Finance Initiative of the UNC School of Government, who will look at what subsidization will be necessary to achieve certain affordability targets within the Greene Tract. He said DFI is in the data gathering phase, but he expects to hear more in the coming year. He explained that as owners of the property, the elected boards can set affordability in ways that they can't for properties that are not publicly owned. He indicated that all of the information he shared can be found on the Greene Tract page on the county's website. Vice-Chair Hamilton said the public engagement process for the Greene Tract was one of the best she's ever seen for Orange County. 27 Blake Rosser began the following presentation: Slide #1 nORANGECOUNTY O HOUSING DEPARTMENT Overview of Services — 2025 Slide #2 Affordable Housing Low-income residents pay no more than 30%of income on housing costs(rent/mortgage+utilities) AMI—Area Median Income In 2024 in the Durham/Chapel Hill metro area,this is$105,900 for a family of four Low-income 80%of AMI—$84,700 for a family of four;$59,300 for a single person Very low income 50%of AMI—$52,950 for a family of four;$37,100 for a single person Extremely low income 30%of AMI—$31,750 for a family of four;$22,250 for a single person FM R—Fair Market Rent Calculated annually by HUD,for 2025❑urhamlCH it is$1,637 for a 1BR,$1,872 for 2BR,and$2,334 for 3BR CoC—Continuum of Care HUD Definition:"A community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency.It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness." OCPEH The CoC for Orange County:Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness HOME Committee Collaborative partnership operated by OCPEH in which area service providers meet twice monthly to discuss clients and refer for services Transitional Housing Temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness,with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing.A client in transitional housing is still considered homeless and not in a form of permanent housing.An example is IFC's shelter,which can be from 90 days to 1 year. PSH-Permanent Supportive Combines rental assistance with voluntary supportive services to address the needs of chronically homeless Housing people. The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills,and connect people with community-based health care,treatment and employment services. Rapid Rehousing A program offering housing search,move-in and rental assistance along with case management, on a temporary basis(no longer than 2 years). The goal is to quickly re-house someone who recently became unsheltered and transition them to more permanent housing. Housing First A policy that advocates unconditional, permanent housing as quickly as possible to homeless people, and other supportive services afterward(House first,add supportive services later).Rapid Rehousing is an example of a Housing First program. HCV—Housing Choice The modern name for Section 8 rental assistance program serving"very low income"residents Voucher OCAHC—Orange County A group of area agencies working on affordable housing from all angles:development,acquisition, rehabilitation, Affordable Housing Coalition rental assistance, and homelessness OCHPC—Orange County A group operating out of UNC's Community Practice Lab(CPL)which coordinates repair and rehabilitation Home Preservation Coalition applications from low-income residents and refers them to participating community partners. AHAB—Affordable Housing Volunteer advisory board which advises the Board of County Commissioners on affordable housing priorities for Advisory Board the county. 28 Slide #3 Civil Rights Program(Fair Housing) (0.5) Department Eviction Diversion 2 Emergency Housing Assistance 1 $450,000 Funding Rights Program 2 Housing Choice Voucher 6 $7,000,000 e Client Needs $16, 00 Overview HOME Investment Partnership 0.5 $350,000 HOME-ARP $400,000 Urgent Repair Program{NCHFA) $120,000 Essential Single Family Rehabilitation(NCHFA( $160,000 F. . Longtime Homeowner Assistance $250,000 BondiCIP $2,666,667 Emergency Repair Fund (Fee-funded) Urgent Repair Program 2 $40,000 Administration 2 Housing Helpline 2.5 Rapid Rehousing 1.5 $250,000 Administration 0.2 Cold Weather Cots $30,000 *OCPEH consists of contributions Bridge Housing $95,000 from four OC municipalities broken Landlord Incentives $20,000 down in the following proportions: Permanent Supportive Housing $150,000 39.7%-Chapel Hill SSI/SSDI outreach,Access,and Recovery 1 39.5%-Orange County • 14.3%-Carrboro Rapid Rehousing 1 - 6.5%-Hillsborough Street Outreach,Harm Reduction and Deflection 4 Housing Helpline 0.5 Rapid Rehousing o.s —Administrative personnel includes Housing Access Coordinator 1 Director(partial),Business Officer, Bridge Housing $148,000 Grants Coordinator,and 2 Administration 1.625 Administrative Assistant equivalents Administrative Personnel`* ¢5 29 Slide #4 HOME Investment Partnership 0.5 $350,000 HOME-ARP $400,000 ' Urgent Repair Program(NCHFA) $120,000 Essential Single Family Rehabilitation(NCHFA) $160,000 Longtime Homeowner Assistance $250,000 Bond/CIP $1,666,667 Emergency Repair Fund (Fee-funded) Urgent Repair Program 2 $40,000 Administration 2 nORANGE COUNTY d HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #5 DevelopmentCommunity nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 1 Slide • . Community Development Aaron Rimmler-Cohen HOME Federal Grant.Approximately $400,000 in federal funds disbursed annually to our program, which we then award to applicants for a variety of activities including: • New development of affordable housing • Repair/Acquisition of existing housing • Homebuyer assistance • Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Affordable Housing Bond. Similar to the above process but with local funds...less strings attached. nORANGECOUNTY DevelopmentCommunity , HOUSING DEPARTMENT acohen@orangecountync.gov Slide#7 Community Development Urgent Repair and Single Family Rehabilitation. In collaboration with the Housing Preservation Coalition, uses state and local funds to preserve existing affordable housing, allowing residents to age in place. Longtime Homeowners Assistance. Another preservation strategy: reimbursing longtime homeowners for their increasingly burdensome property taxes Aaron - DevelopmentCommunity 1 ' COUNTY . , , , .. HOUSING 31 Slide#8 Community - - • • HousingMinimum • • - Our • Community Rehabilitation Officer fieldsand investigates concerns • about compliance with local • • • - Affordable Housing Advisory Board. A citizen advisory board that recommends policy to the C • . • of •unty Commissioners about • best to address affordable housing issues in Orange Aaron Rimmler-Cohen nORANGE COUNTY Community Development Manager © HOUSING DEPARTMENT acohen@orangecountync.gov Blake Rosser shared that there have been 6 informal minimum housing code complaints received and resolved this year and 1 formal complaint. Slide #9 Strategic Plan Objectives advanced: • Objective 1: Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to affordable housing stock. • Objective 4: Prioritize and select County-owned land and/or facilities as part of an overall plan of facilities to create crisis, bridge, low barrier, affordable, and permanent housing • Objective 7: Expand resources and invest in housing designed for our aging and disabled residents. • Objective 8: Preserve existing housing stock from disrepair and avoid displacement. n ORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 32 Slide#10 Community • • Performance Number of • repaired • : HOME funds • - • 1 .45 Bond/CIP fundsspent • CourtTrinity (Community LHA applicants assisted • 1 Aaron Rimmler-Cohen nORANGE COUNTY Community Development Manager © HOUSING DEPARTMENT acohen@orangecountync.gov Slide#11 Orange County • Department 11 W. Tryon Street Hillsborough and 2501 Homestead • • . . Chapel Hill Blake Rosser nORANGE COUNTY Director, OC Housing Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT brosser@orangecou ntync.gov Vice-Chair Hamilton asked where the funds that haven't been drawn down yet will be spent. Blake Rosser said once funds are awarded, they must be drawn down within 8 years. He said they have been awarded funding in the past for the downpayment assistance programs with 33 Habitat, which is paid out as invoices are received, and also the tenant-based rental assistance. He said they are reading to draw down around $100,000 for tenant-based rental assistance in the next month, and likely another$100,000 by the end of the fiscal year. Commissioner Fowler asked if the federal HOME ARP money will still available. Blake Rosser said the HUD staff administering those funds are very intent on getting the money to Orange County as quickly as possible. He said things could change quickly, but there is no definitive answer right now. Commissioner McKee asked how quickly staff is able to either approve or disapprove repair requests. Blake Rosser said it can take months for an urgent repair request, but the average time has gone down in the past year. He said they work with the Home Preservation Coalition to triage different requests and prioritize them and then distribute them among the community partners based on which program is best suited for the specific request. He said after that it is just a matter of how many projects are in the queue and how much funding is available. He said he received a question earlier from Commissioner Portie-Ascott and wanted to share that two people have been assisted through Habitat's Homebuyer Assistance Program, and no one has been assisted yet with the Housing Choice Voucher Homebuyer Assistance Program, but staff is in the process of working with one person. 4. Expansion of the Mobile Crisis Team (CARE) Caitlin Fenhagen made the following presentation: Slide #1 34 Slide #2 0 CARE Team CARE • Crisis Assistance, Response and Engagement Team • 2-year pilot program currently serving Town of Chapel Hill. • Partnership between Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill, but goal is to be county-wide after two years. • Provides remote or on-scene immediate mobile response and incident follow-up to behavioral and mental health, substance use, low level criminal offenses &IDD related calls that are non-emergency and do not require a law enforcement or EMS response. Slide#3 0 CARE Team CARE • Team Location • Franklin Street (Formerly Walker's Funeral Home) • Team Supervision Chapel Hill Crisis Unit Supervisor, CHPD Police Chief, Emergency Services Director, EMS Director, CAD Director • Evaluation • UNC School of Government's Criminal Justice Innovation Lab providing technical assistance and will complete an evaluation 35 Slide #4 0 CARE CARE Team • Staff • Mobile team -Crisis Counselor, Peer Support Specialist and Community EMT • Crisis Counselor in the 911 Call Center • Hours of Operation • M-F,8am-4:30pm • Referral Source • Responds remotely or in person to behavioral health related calls routed through 911 that do not require another emergency response • Funding Source • Alliance Healthcare and NC DHHS grant-April 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 Caitlin Fenhagen said a funding request has been submitted for the program for next fiscal year as well, and is awaiting approval. Slide #5 CARE Team Outcomes Data from the start date of May 6,2024—February 28,2025: • The CARE Team responded to 203 calls directly from the 911Call Center. • An additional 220 eligible calls came in during CARE team business hours that met the determinants for dispatching the CARE Team.The CARE team did not respond to these calls because they were either on another call,were erroneously coded as unavailable in CAD,were in training or were unavailable due to other reasons or were called off the response because of a safety concern. • we review these calls and the reasons there was not a CARE response each month. • Total number of unique individuals served by the CARE team is 721. • Total number of events responded to by the CARE Team is 1,288. • Percentage of events that were diverted from an arrest or charge:98% • Percentage of events that resulted in a transport to hospital for medical emergency:2.8% • Percentage of events that resulted in a transport to hospital for behavioral health emergency:3.7% • Number of 911 calls diverted to the 911 Call Center Clinician and did not require a mobile response:14 36 Slide #6 CARE Team • . • • Carrboro is currently hiring a dedicated crisis counselor • Town of Carrboro officials, including Chief Atack, have requested expansion of CARE team to Carrboro and have started meeting with the CARE team supervisors • CARE Team is ready to expand to Carrboro if this new position is dedicated to the Team • Next Steps for Carrboro: hire the Crisis Counselor, meet weekly with the CARE team supervisors, start the position training with the CARE Team, and work with 911 Call Center to establish the CARE Team response determinants for Carrboro Slide #7 f f, 3,A�N3�32N�q 1 , Commissioner Carter said she attended the NCACC's Health and Human Services Committee meeting this past week and there was a whole slide dedicated to the CARE Program that was shared with Commissioners across the state. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the CARE Team will impact the future Crisis Diversion Center. 37 Caitlin Fenhagen said there are things that need to be in place in order to support the Crisis Diversion Facility, and a mobile crisis team is one of them. She said the hope is that this team might be able to work from the Crisis Diversion Facility so they can assist with bringing people there and also being available for folks who might need to be transported once they've completed their stay at the facility. Commissioner Fowler said as a parent of someone on the spectrum, she is appreciative that Orange County is looking at different ways to intervene with crises. She said she thinks regular law enforcement officers should also continue to receive proper training on de-escalation and recognizing mental health problems or IDD and how to respond appropriately. Caitlin Fenhagen said that is very important and law enforcement partners with this team and social workers to ensure training is received. She highlighted the importance and impact of all agencies coming together on this issue. Commissioner McKee extended appreciation for this team and other important services like Resource Court and its success in diverting people from arrest. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked for an example of a success through this program. Caitlin Fenhagen shared a story with those present about a girl struggling with suicidal ideation and how she was successfully taken by the team to receive treatment. 5. Areas for Joint Advocacy (including NCSL 2024-57) and Transportation Safety Projects) Vice-Chair Hamilton invited the person who raised this topic to speak. Council Member Fray said they proposed this topic because the federal funds that are at risk for Carrboro are for transportation improvement projects. They said there may be opportunity for the county and Town to collaborate on this in the future. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would like staff to work together on potential areas for collaboration. Mayor Pro Tern Nowell reiterated Council Member Fray's comments. He also indicated a desire to meet or collaborate with the Board of Commissioners more often on topics of mutual interest, like the Greene Tract. Vice-Chair Hamilton said the Board of Commissioners is meeting-heavy but opportunities for the Council to attend work sessions or other meetings where there are relevant presentations would be welcomed. Adjournment As there were no further items on the agenda to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board