HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-2003-5aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 21, 2003
Action Agenda
Item No. ) -q
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Restoration of Funding to Project Homestart
DEPARTMENT: Housing/Comm. Development PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tara L. Fikes, ext. 2490
Resolution
Letter TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution in support of efforts to restore renewal funding for Project
Homestart, a transitional housing program operated by the Inter-Faith Council.
BACKGROUND: In May 2002, the Orange County Continuum of Care submitted an application
for Homeless Assistance funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
for $1,097,452. Specifically, the application included a request for funds for the following:
Priority #1: $103,296 for Club Nova Permanent Housing
Priority #2: $525,000 for affordable, permanent housing (Purchase-Lease Program)
Priority #3: $366,156 for Project Homestart Transitional Housing
Priority #4: $103,000 for Shelter Plus Care application (non-competitive)
In December 2002, the Continuum was notified of HUD's decision to provide $731,296 in
homeless assistance to the County. This funding award provides money for funding for the
proposed permanent housing projects included in the application, but does not include funding
for the renewal of Project Homestart. Project Homestart is a transitional housing program
designed to assist up to 15 homeless families move toward independent, permanent housing.
Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) operates the program. The lack of HUD funding for
the continued operation of this project could cause the program to end March 31, 2003.
IFC is asking the community to assist in encouraging federal officials to reconsider funding for
Project Homestart. The attached resolution confirms Orange County's intent to assist in
requesting federal assistance in restoring funding to this critical housing program. Additionally,
a copy of a letter requesting assistance is attached as additional information.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the resolution.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approval of the attached
resolution.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Resolution Supporting Restoration Of Funding To Project Homestart And
Pledging To Petition Federal Elected Officials To Assist The Inter-Faith
Council In Their Restoration Efforts
WHEREAS, the Orange County Continuum of Care submitted an application for
Homeless Assistance funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in
May 2002 for $1,097,452 including $366,156 in renewal funding for Project Homestart; and
WHEREAS, Orange County was awarded approximately $731,296 in Homeless
Assistance finding in December 2002; and
WHEREAS, the funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development application does not include funding for the renewal of the Project Homestart
Transitional Housing Program sponsored by the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service; and
WHEREAS, Project Homestart is a transitional housing program designed to assist up to
15 homeless families move toward independent, permanent housing; and
WHEREAS, Project Homestart is a unique program in Orange County and a vital
component of the Homeless Program Continuum of Care;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners supports restoration of funding to Project Homestart and pledges to petition
federal elected officials to assist the Inter-Faith Council in their restoration efforts.
This the 2151 day of ,January, 2003.
MARGARETW DROWN. CHAIR
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- ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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200 SOUTH CAMERON STREET
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
Senator John Edwards January 10, 2003
225 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3201
Dear Senator Edwards:
This correspondence is written regarding the December 2002 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
announcement of Homeless Assistance grant awards. Orange County was awarded $731,296, however, renewal funds for a crucial
transitional housing program, Project Homestart (PHS) were not approved for funding. Project Homestart is a transitional housing
program designed to assist up to 15 homeless families move toward independent, permanent housing. This is a unique program in the
County and a vital component of our Homeless Program continuum. Therefore, denial of renewal funding presents a housing crisis
for our community.
Orange County Government has been an active partner in this housing venture from its inception. The County provided the
land for Project Homestart adjacent to the County's Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. Therefore, as a partner, we are
asking for your assistance to restore funding to this vital and worthwhile project.
Specifically, we are asking your support for a request to reallocate the HUD approved 2002 Homeless Assistance award to
the following configuration.
• $366,156 for Project Homestart Transitional I lousing
• $262,140 for a Leasing Program
• $103,000 for Shelter Plus Care
This reallocation would support both permanent and transitional housing for homeless individuals and families in Orange County and
would help us continue to meet the growing needs of this segment of our population.
Should you need more specific program information about Project Homestart, please contact Chris Moran, Executive
Director of the Inter-Faith Council, the project sponsor, at the address below. Or feel free to contact me directly for more specific
information.
Chris Moran, Executive Director
Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
110 West Main Street
Carrboro, NC 27510
919-967-0643
Thank you for your careful consideration of this request. Please know that Orange County has a strong commitment to
affordable housing for all of its citizens and trust that you will be able to assist us in maintaining this critical transitional housing
program for our community. We look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Margaret W. Brown
Chair
www.co.oran_oe.nc.us
Protecting and preserving - People, Resources, Quality of Life
Orange County, North Carolina - You Count!
(919) 245.2130 • FAX (919) 644.0246