HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-16-2025; 5-a - Public Hearing on 2024-25 Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER) for the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 16, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 5-a
SUBJECT: Public Hearing on 2024-25 Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER)
for the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
DEPARTMENT: Housing
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Consolidated Annual Performance Blake Rosser, Director, 919-245-2490
Report (CAPER)
Presentation
PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing on the draft Consolidated Annual Performance Report
(CAPER) for the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program.
BACKGROUND: Each year, Orange County reports on activities undertaken with funds from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the HOME Program. This annual
report, called the Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER), documents the progress
towards implementing the priorities and activities identified in the Annual Action Plan. During the
2024 CAPER period (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025), the County had available
approximately $442,802.32 in HOME funds plus $96,636.28 matching funds (contributed by the
Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, as well as the County) totaling $539,438.60 for
eligible housing activities. The County spent$169,165.99 of these available funds on the provision
of tenant-based rental assistance.
Orange County must hold a public hearing to obtain residents' comments and feedback on the
Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER). Members of the public may also submit
comments during the public comment period (September 5 — September 24, 2025) to Aaron
Cohen, Community Development Manager, by email (acohen@orangecountync.gov), by mail
(PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278) or by telephone (919-886-3574).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no financial impacts associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 3: HOUSING FOR ALL
OBJECTIVE 1. Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to
affordable housing stock.
OBJECTIVE 2. Address need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency
shelter beds and other low-barrier housing including eviction diversion.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1) open the public hearing and accept comments on the Consolidated Annual Performance
Evaluation Report (CAPER); and
2) close the public hearing.
No decisions are required. Members of the public may also submit any additional comments to
the County through the methods noted above by September 24, 2025.
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Orange County, North Carolina
HOME Consortium
300 W. Tryon Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
PROGRAM YEAR 2024 CONSOLIDATED
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND
EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
HOME Consortium Members : Orange County,
Town of Carrboro, Town of Chapel Hill, and Town
of Hillsborough
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
TOWN OF
HILLSBOROUGH
NORTH CAROLINA
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Contents
ExecutiveSummary.......................................................................................................................................3
CR-05-Goals and Outcomes ........................................................................................................................7
CR-10- Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted....................................................................11
CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a).......................................................................................12
CR-20-Affordable Housing 91.520(b)....................................................................................................18
CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) ................................20
CR-30- Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(1)...........................................................................................24
CR-35 -Other Actions 91.220(1)-(k); 91.320(i)-(1)....................................................................................26
CR-40- Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230...................................................................................................31
CR-50- HOME 91.520(d).........................................................................................................................32
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Executive Summary
In accordance with the Federal Regulations found in 24 CFR Part 570, Orange County, North Carolina has
prepared this Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the period of July 1,
2024 through June 30, 2025, referred to as Program Year 2024 (or"PY 2024").The CAPER describes the
activities undertaken during this time period for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) under the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME).The
projects/activities and accomplishments described in this CAPER principally benefited low-and
moderate-income households.
The Orange County, North Carolina, HOME Consortium is a Participating Jurisdiction under the U.S.
Department of Housing& Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
Under the HOME Program, local governments can join to form a consortium to receive HOME funding
for affordable housing. The Orange County HOME Consortium is made up of four members: Orange
County,the Town of Carrboro,the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Hillsborough.The Town of
Chapel Hill also receives Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)funding each year.
The following is the overall program narrative based on the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual
Action Plans. This is the CAPER for the fifth year of the 2020-2025 Five Year Consolidated Plan. It
provides information on how the funds received by the County through the HUD programs were used,
including an explanation on the leveraging and matching of funds.
This CAPER period saw a significant increase in overall spending compared with the previous CAPER
period. The last CAPER period, including match funds, saw spending of$169,165.40.This CAPER period
saw spending, including match funds, of$546,854.70.This represents a year-over-year increase in
program spending of 223.3%.
The last CAPER recognized the importance of expediting Orange County's affordable housing project
pipeline.The above figures illustrate that Orange County is on track to accomplish this goal, with even
more projects in the development pipeline for the following (2025) CAPER period.
Funds Available
Orange County had the following grant funds available during Program Year (PY) 2024,the time period
of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.This chart only includes funds received during PY 2024. Any other
prior program year funds that were spent during PY 2024 are not included.
HOME
PY 2024 Entitlement Grant $367,014.00
Program Income $28,306.00
HOME Match $96,636.28
Total Funds Available $491,956.28
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Funds Expended
The funds shown in the following chart were expended during the time period of July 1, 2024 through
June 30, 2025.The only expenditures from Program Year(PY) 2024 funds were for administration; all
other funds expended were prior program year funds that had not been drawn down until this time
period.
HOME Match
PY 2024 $67,524.22 $16,881.06
PY 2023 $102,024.82 $94,939.60
PY 2022 $0 $0
PY 2021 $50,000.00 $88,250.00
PY 2020 $0 $0
PY 2019 $101,788.00 $25,447.00
Total Funds Expended $321,337.04 $225,517.66
Regulatory Caps and Set Asides
Orange County's program administration expenditures were within the regulatory cap for the HOME
programs. This is shown in the table below:
HOME
PY 2024 Entitlement Grant $367,014.00
PY 2024 Program Income $13,306.32
Administrative Cap Percentage 10%
Maximum Allowable Expenditures $36,701.40
Total Administration Expenditure $36,701.40
Administrative Percentage 10%
HOME CHDO Set-Aside
The Consortium expended $0 of its PY 2024 CHDO funds during this CAPER period.
HOME
PY 2024 Entitlement Grant $367,014.00
CHDO Set-Aside Minimum Percentage 15%
Minimum Allowable Set-Aside $49,547
Actual CHDO Set-Aside $49,547
Program Year 2024 HOME Budget
The Orange County HOME Consortium received $367,014.00 in HOME entitlement funds for Program
Year(PY) 2024. The Consortium also received $28,306.00 in HOME program income and Consortium
members collectively provided $96,636.28 in HOME Match.
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The chart below lists the PY 2024 HOME activities that were funded.
Project ID
Number Project Title/Description 2024 HOME Budget 2024 HOME Expenditures
HOME-24-01 CASA—Rental Construction $222,120 $0.00
Orange County Partnership to End
HOME-24-02 Homelessness—Tenant-Based Rental $136,499 $67,524.22
Assistance
HOME-24-03 Administration $36,701.40 $6,752.42
Total $395,320.40 $74,276.64
Orange County spent$67,524.22 of its PY 2024 HOME allocation on direct project costs. During the 2025
CAPER period,the County expended $321,337.04 in Entitlement Funds from prior Program Years, plus
$225,517.66 in local Match.
As shown above, a significant proportion of the funds were spent from previous program years.This is
typical of projects that apply for and are awarded Orange County HOME funds. Organizations typically
apply for HOME funds well in advance of when they need them, so most projects do not begin the
Environmental Review process or enter into Development Agreements until near the end of the
program year in which they applied (e.g., spring or summer of the following year).
This CAPER period saw a significant increase in overall spending compared with the previous CAPER
period.The last CAPER period, including match funds, saw spending of$169,165.40. This CAPER period
saw spending, including match funds, of$546,854.70.This represents a year-over-year increase in
program spending of 223.3%.
Below is an example of a typical timeline for the Orange County HOME Program.
Orange County releases HOME Program application for upcoming year December(prior year)
HUD releases HOME allocations for Participating Jurisdictions and Consortia February/March
Orange County HOME Program applications are due February
The Collaborative reviews HOME applications and creates a funding March/April
recommendation for the elected bodies of each jurisdiction
The Collaborative's funding recommendations go before the elected bodies for April/May
approval
Orange County HOME Program Year(for reporting purposes)officially starts July
(aligned with the County Fiscal Year)
The County may begin conducting Environmental Reviews of HOME Awardees' July*
projects*
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Organizations awarded HOME funds(HOME Awardees) may begin executing July*
HOME Written Agreements with the County(also called Development
Agreements)*
Other HUD-required items(depending on the type of HOME project): Once Environmental Review
Homebuyer Assistance and Development
• Executed HOME Written Agreement between the HOME Awardee and Agreement are complete
homebuyer (often 9-12 months after
• Homebuyer Underwriting start of the program year,
• Homebuyer Counseling depending on the HOME
• Property Appraisal Awardee's project
Rental or Ownership Acquisition timeline)*
• Property Appraisal
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
• Income Verification Forms
• HOME Rental Assistance Agreement
• HOME Rent Reasonableness Certification
• Minimum Habitability Checklist
• HOME Lease Addendum
The County disburses HOME funds to HOME awardees Once the above
requirements are met
*Typically,organizations apply for HOME funds well in advance of when they actually need them,so most projects do not begin
the Environmental Review process or enter into Development Agreements until near the end of the program year in which they
applied(e.g.,spring or summer of the following calendar year)
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CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes
Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan.
91.520(a)
This could be an overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that were proposed and
executed throughout the program year.
This year's CAPER reports on the actions and achievements the HOME Consortium accomplished in
Program Year(PY) 2024.
The 2024 CAPER outlines which activities the County undertook with HOME funds during PY 2024 (July
1, 2024-June 30, 2025). Orange County is the lead entity and administrator for the HOME funds.The
Orange County HOME Consortium received $429,496.00 in HOME entitlement funds for PY 2023;
$13,306.32 in HOME program income; and Consortium members collectively provided $96,636.28 in
HOME Match. In PY 2024,the County budgeted and expended PY 2024 HOME funds to address the
following goals:
• Rental Construction—Budget$222,1201 Expended $0
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance—Budget$136,499 1 Expended $67,524.22
• Grant Administration—Budget$36,7011 Expended $6,752.42
Additionally, the County expended HOME funds from prior Program Years on the following strategies:
HOME Match Strategy
$94,939.60 Rental Construction
PY 2023 $102,024.82 & Homebuyer
Assistance
PY 2022 $0 $0
PY 2021 $50,000.00 $88,250.00 Rental Construction
PY 2020 $0 $0
PY 2019 $101,788.00 $25,447.00 Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance
Total Funds Expended $321,337.04 $225,517.66
Together, these expenditures contributed to an increase in the overall supply of affordable
housing as well as the affordability of the existing housing stock for qualified participants.
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Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted
with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward
meeting goals and objectives. 91.520(g)
See the following page for categories, priority levels,funding sources and amounts,
outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and
percentage completed for each of the grantee's program year goals.
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Goal Category Source Indicator Unit of Expected Actual— Percent Expected Actual— Percent
/ Measure — Strategic Complete — Program Complete
Amount Strategic Plan Program Year
Plan Year
Affordable
Code Enforcement and Housing Housing Code Household
Non-Housing OC Enforcement/Foreclosed Housing 59 0
Revitalization 0.00%
Community Property Care Unit
Development
Affordable
Code Enforcement and Housing
Non-Housing OC Other Other 26 36
Revitalization 138.5%
Community
Development
Non-Housing
Economic Development Community CDBG:$ Jobs created/retained Jobs 0 0
Development
Grant HOME:
Grant Administration Other Other 1 1
Administration $ 100%
Direct Financial
Affordable HOME: Households
Home Buyer Assistance Assistance to 22 19 86% 4 4 100%
Housing $ Assisted
Homebuyers
CDBG:$
Household
Home Ownership Affordable / Homeowner Housing
Housing 16 0
Construction Housing HOME: Added Unit 0.00%
$
Affordable
Household
Housing Rehabilitation Housing Rental units
Housing 0 1 2 0
and Preservation Non-Homeless rehabilitated Unit 0.00%
Special Needs
Affordable
Household
Housing Rehabilitation Housing Homeowner Housing
Housing 0 2
and Preservation Non-Homeless Rehabilitated
Unit
Special Needs
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Non-Housing Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities Households
Infrastructure Community CDBG:$ 0 0
Development for Low/Moderate Assisted
Income Housing Benefit
Affordable
Housing Tenant-based rental
HOME: Households
Rental Assistance Homeless assistance/Rapid 25 35 15 15 100%
Non-Homeless $ Rehousing Assisted 140%
Special Needs
Affordable
Housing HOME: Household
Rental Construction Homeless Rental units constructed Housing 15 0 3 0
Non-Homeless $ Unit 0.00% 0.00%
Special Needs
• Table 1-Accomplishments—Program Year&Strategic Plan to Date
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CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted
Describe the families assisted (including the racial and ethnic status of families assisted).
91.520(a)
HOME
White 4
Black or African American 18
Asian 0
American Indian or American Native 0
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0
Total 22
Hispanic 2
Not Hispanic 20
Table 2—Table of assistance to racial and ethnic populations by source of funds
Narrative
Orange county was able to support a total of 22 families with HOME funds this year.The data collected
shows that we supported 4 White households, 18 Black or African American households during this
CAPER period. Of the 22 families served, 2 identified as Hispanic/Latino.
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CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a)
Identify the resources made available
Source of Funds Source Resources Made Amount Expended
Available During Program Year
CDBG public-federal
HOME public-federal $491,956.28 $67,524.22
Table 3-Resources Made Available
Narrative
Orange County received the following funds during the time period of July 1, 2024 through June 30,
2025:
HOME
PY 2024 Entitlement Grant $367,014.00
Program Income $28,306.00
HOME Match $96,636.28
Total Funds Available $491,956.28
HOME Match received for PY 2024:
• Town of Carrboro: $14,495.44
• Town of Chapel Hill: $37,688.15
• Town of Hillsborough:$4,831.81
• Orange County: $39,620.87
• Total: $96,636.28
HOME Program Income received in PY 2024:
• Community Home Trust(repayment of mortgage for the Landings): $13,306.32
• One-Time HOME Repayment: $14,999.68
• Total: $28,306
Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments
Target Area Planned Actual Narrative Description
Percentage of Percentage of
Allocation Allocation
The County assisted 22 households during
County-wide 100 100 this CAPER period in this Target Area
Table 4—Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments
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Narrative
The allocations and priorities were established through public meetings, stakeholder interviews,
resident surveys, statistical analysis, and a review of prior community development plans. Key elements
of the process included analyzing HUD's latest Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS)
data, which offers detailed insights into housing needs, along with the 2018-2023 American Community
Survey Estimates and the 2020 U.S. Census.This data provided the most current information to evaluate
housing, homelessness, social services, economic development, and other related needs.
The Orange County HOME Consortium, beyond compliance with its Citizen Participation Plan, advertised
and held two Public Hearings and five community meetings that provided residents an opportunity to
discuss the County's HOME Program and affordable housing needs in general.
Public Hearing 1 Input:
One comment was received during the first public hearing:There is a need to protect and expand
Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing which provides valuable affordability to renters across the
Orange County.
Public Hearing 2 Input:
Many comments were received during the second public hearing, detailing the need for both rental
assistance subsidy and repair and rehabilitation support.
Community Input and Feedback:
Orange County held five community engagement and input sessions across the County at community
centers throughout February. Staff engaged over 50 residents through the public input process and
guided conversations around HOME eligible uses, County needs, and resident issues. Additionally,the
County distributed a resident survey to understand the needs and funding priorities of community
members. 133 survey responses were received and 55 people attended in-person community feedback
sessions.
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Leveraging
Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds),
including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any
publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the
needs identified in the plan.
HOME Match
• The Orange County HOME Consortium uses cash as its local match for HOME Funds.
Cash match is contributed from the general funds of each of the four members of the
Consortium (Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough).
This year the local match contribution for the PY 2024 HOME award was $96,636.28.
• The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) also awarded match funding
through the Bond/Capital Improvement Plan process. During the CAPER period
$166,500 of bond funding supported rental construction match.
Other Resources Leveraged
• Orange County was awarded North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Essential Single
Family Rehabilitation Loan Pool (SFRLP) funds to rehabilitate households that are at or
below 80% of AMI. The County received $190,000 in SFRLP 2023 funds.
• Orange County was awarded North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Urgent Repair
Program funds for emergency home repairs and modifications. The County received
$120,000 in URP 2024 funds and also contributed $40,000 in local match.
Fiscal Year Summary—HOME Match
1. Excess match from prior Federal fiscal year $0
2. Match contributed during current Federal fiscal year $96,636.28
3. Total match available for current Federal fiscal year(Line 1 plus Line 2) $225,517.66
4. Match liability for current Federal fiscal year $96,636.60
5. Excess match carried over to next Federal fiscal year(Line 3 minus Line 4) $128,881.06
Table 5—Fiscal Year Summary-HOME Match Report
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HOME MBE/WBE report
Program Income—Enter the program amounts for the reporting period
Balance on hand at Amount received during Total amount expended Amount expended for Balance on hand at end
beginning of reporting reporting period during reporting period TBRA of reporting period
period $ $ $ $
$0 $28,306.00 $0 $0 $28,306.00
Table 6—Program Income
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Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises—Indicate the number and dollar
value of contracts for HOME projects completed during the reporting period
Total Minority Business Enterprises White Non-
Alaskan Asian or Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic
Native or Pacific Hispanic
American Islander
Indian
Contracts
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub-Contracts
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Women Male
Business
Enterprises
Contracts
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0
Number 0 0 0
Sub-Contracts
Number 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0
Table 7-Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises
Minority Owners of Rental Property—Indicate the number of HOME assisted rental property owners
and the total amount of HOME funds in these rental properties assisted
Total Minority Property Owners White Non-
Alaskan Asian or Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic
Native or Pacific Hispanic
American Islander
Indian
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 8—Minority Owners of Rental Property
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Relocation and Real Property Acquisition— Indicate the number of persons displaced, the cost of
relocation payments,the number of parcels acquired, and the cost of acquisition
Parcels Acquired 0 0
Businesses Displaced 0 0
Nonprofit Organizations
Displaced 0 0
Households Temporarily
Relocated, not Displaced 0 0
Households Total Minority Property Enterprises White Non-
Displaced Alaskan Asian or Black Non- Hispanic Hispanic
Native or Pacific Hispanic
American Islander
Indian
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cost 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 9—Relocation and Real Property Acquisition
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CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b)
Evaluation of the jurisdiction's progress in providing affordable housing, including the
number and types of families served, the number of extremely low-income, low-income,
moderate-income, and middle-income persons served.
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of Homeless households to be
provided affordable housing units 15 15
Number of Non-Homeless households to be
provided affordable housing units 0 0
Number of Special-Needs households to be
provided affordable housing units 0 0
Total 15 15
Table 10—Number of Households
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of households supported through
Rental Assistance 15 15
Number of households supported through
The Production of New Units 0 0
Number of households supported through
Rehab of Existing Units 0 0
Number of households supported through
Acquisition of Existing Units 0 0
Total 15 15
Table 11—Number of Households Supported
Discuss the difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting
these goals.
• HOME-24-01—CASA—Rental Construction: Funds will be allocated to CASA to finance the
construction and preconstruction costs for twenty two (22) households that are at or below
eighty percent (80%) area median income. $500,000 was requested and $222,120 was awarded.
No funds were distributed during this time period.
• HOME-24-02—Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness—Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance: Funds will be allocated to the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness to
support individuals experiencing homelessness and earning less than thirty percent (30%) of the
area median income. $67,524.22 was distributed during this time period.
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• HOME-24-03—Administration 2024: Funds were allocated to provide program management
and oversight for the successful administration and leveraging of Federal, State and local funded
programs, including support of collaborative initiatives, research and planning services for
special studies, environmental clearance, fair housing and compliance with all federal, state and
local laws and regulations.
Discuss how these outcomes will impact future annual action plans.
Beyond the above projects,this CAPER period saw a significant increase in overall spending compared
with the previous CAPER period.The last CAPER period, including match funds, saw spending of
$169,165.40.This CAPER period saw spending, including match funds, of$546,854.70.This represents a
year-over-year increase in program spending of 223.3%.
The last CAPER recognized the importance of expediting Orange County's affordable housing project
pipeline.The above figures illustrate that Orange County is on track to accomplish this goal, with even
more projects in the development pipeline for the following (2025) CAPER period.
Moreover,this CAPER period illustrated the importance of simplifying and streamlining HOME
allocations.This strategy, in combination with the process improvements that are currently underway in
response to HUD 2019 and 2023 audits,will accelerate Orange County's developmental pipeline and
maximize use of Orange County's HOME funds.
Include the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons
served by each activity where information on income by family size is required to determine
the eligibility of the activity.
Number of Households Served CDBG Actual HOME Actual
Extremely Low-income 0 22
Low-income 0 6
Moderate-income 0 0
Total 0 22
Table 12—Number of Households Served
Narrative Information
Orange County's HOME funding targets the most vulnerable individuals in our community, expanding
both the supply of affordable housing for this population and the affordability of the existing stock.
Annual HOME investments are an important part of Orange County's Housing-Department-wide
strategy to improve affordability for our lowest-income residents.
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CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c)
Evaluate the jurisdiction's progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending
homelessness through:
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
OCPEH's HOME Committee (no relation to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program) consists of 20
housing and service providers that interact with people who are experiencing chronic and/or particularly
vulnerable homelessness, many of whom have disabilities. Service providers involved include nonprofits,
DSS and other county departments, UNC Hospitals, veterans' organizations, law enforcement, private
attorneys, and more. The Committee meets monthly to collaborate on finding housing and services (e.g.,
medical, mental health, substance use, and legal services)for these people.The CoC uses its
Coordinated Entry system to assess people's needs, score their level of need, and prioritize them for
permanent supportive housing, and conducts a street outreach program to reach people who are living
unsheltered. However, OCPEH has identified street outreach as an area in the County's homeless
services system in need of more funding.
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) coordinates among homeless service
providers, directs grant activities for the Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
annual competition, and administers four direct service programs.The latest Orange County Plan to End
Homelessness was adopted in May of 2019.The plan is structured into eight main objectives with 12
action steps to ensure that homelessness is a rare, brief and one-time experience and to sustain an end
to homelessness in Orange County. The plan is available at: https://www.ocpehnc.com/plan.The
primary breakthrough objective of the plan is to fill homeless system gaps.The most recent Gaps
Analysis was updted in December 2021 and consists of 15 gaps across housing and services. The most
recent Gaps Analysis is available at: https://www.ocpehnc.com/gaps-analysis
The Continuum of Care completes an annual "Point in Time Count" each January to determine the
number of people experiencing homelessness on one night in Orange County.The 2025 Point-In-Time
Count was conducted in January of 2025.This count identified 149 people who experienced
homelessness in Orange County, including 10 veterans.There were 48 people living unsheltered and 101
people in shelters.
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness provides Coordinated Entry via a centralized
access point,the Housing Helpline,which connects residents with housing resources and other services.
The Helpline is accessible by phone (919-245-2655) or e-mail (housinghelp@orangecountync.gov) and
in-person for a total of three days per week at two locations. In order to provide the needed resources
to County residents,the Department and Housing Helpline staff collaborate with other community
service providers, including: the Orange County Departments of Social Services,Aging, Health, and
Criminal Justice Resource Department; Habitat for Humanity; CASA; EmPOWERment; Community Home
Trust; Compass Center; Inter-Faith Council for Social Services; Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center;
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Freedom House; Orange County Rape Crisis Center; UNC Hospitals, Community Empowerment Fund;
and the two County public school districts. Housing Helpline staff direct people to the resources they
need to prevent homelessness,to divert people from homelessness, to emergency housing referrals,
and to permanent housing referrals via case conferencing using a by-name list at the HOME Committee.
Permanent housing referrals are available for veterans programs, including HUD-VASH and SSVF,for
Housing Choice Vouchers and Emergency Housing Vouchers,for Permanent Supportive Housing, and for
Rapid Re-housing.
In the fall of 2020, in partnership with the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department, OCPEH
launched the Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection program.The program connects people
living unsheltered in Orange County with housing and services.The team expanded to four members,
including three peer navigators and a clinical coordinator, in June 2022. SOHRAD uses a relationship-
based model, provide ongoing engagement, response, and case management to people living
unsheltered with the goal of reducing harm and deflecting individuals from criminal justice system
involvement.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
Of the 103 people in shelters or transitional housing programs counted in the 2022 Point-in-Time Count,
63 of those were in emergency shelters and 40 were in transitional housing.
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness reported the following number of beds on in the
2022 Housing Inventory Count:
• Transitional Housing: 52 beds
• Emergency Shelter: 94 beds
• Permanent Supportive Housing: 63 beds
• Rapid Re-Housing: 37 beds
• Other Permanent Housing: 219 beds
Orange County does not have a domestic violence shelter, but the domestic violence service provider,
Compass Center, started an emergency housing program in scattered site apartments in 2020 for three
households.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families and those who are: likely to become homeless after
being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care
facilities, mental health facilities,foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections
programs and institutions); and, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that
address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs
OCPEH works on homelessness prevention and diversion extensively. Flexible homelessness diversion
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funding is available via the Housing Helpline and any households who have less than two weeks of stable
housing or who have been experiencing homelessness for two week or less are guided through a
structured conversation to determine if there are any safe places, other than shelter,that the household
can go. Coupled with the flexible diversion funding, these conversations have led to about 20%of
eligible households being diverted from homelessness.
OCPEH partners with the Local Reentry Council to offer services and housing referrals to people exiting
jail or prison. OCPEH partners with DSS to help youth exiting foster care to connect with resources
available and avoid homelessness. OCPEH partners with UNC Healthcare to find short-and long-term
housing options for people exiting health care settings. OCPEH partners with Freedom House and other
mental health service providers to connect their clients with services and housing. OCPEH partners with
the wide network of human services agencies in Orange County to ensure anyone with housing needs
are connected with emergency and permanent housing referrals as needed.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families,families
with children,veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness,facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again
OCPEH works on many different fronts to increase exits to permanent housing and decrease the length
of time homeless for households in our system, and average and median lengths of time homeless
system-wide. As part of coordinated entry, OCPEH administrates the by-name list and manages regular
case conferencing meetings to ensure people are connected to resources, ensure people do not fall
through the cracks in the human service system, and coordinate permanent housing referrals. OCPEH
prioritizes Permanent Supportive Housing referrals for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
OCPEH coordinates the monthly standing meeting of the Orange County Veterans Experiencing
Homelessness Working Group to review the veteran by-name list. OCPEH also administers a Rapid Re-
Housing Program with State ESG, ESG CV and HOME TBRA funds. Beginning in October 2022,this
program will be expanded with HUD CoC funds. During the veteran and other coordinated entry
processes, OCPEH also connects households to other housing programs available in the community,
including the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher program, veterans programs like SSVF and HUD-VASH,
the Targeting/Key program, and the Transitions to Community Living Initiative and Independent Living
Initiative.The CoC's Plan to End Homelessness and its overall approach to ending and preventing
homelessness is based on the HEARTH Act and Federal Strategic Plan to End Homelessness goals and
strategies.
The CoC partners with UNC Hospitals and the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) Foster
Care division.The CoC has also developed discharge policies with local and regional institutions and
assisted in the creation of the Outreach Court, now known as the Community Resource Court (CRC),
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North Carolina's first specialty court for people experiencing homelessness. In the CRC, people
experiencing homelessness are offered mental health evaluations and treatment plans in lieu of going to
jail for misdemeanor crimes. CRC is a collaboration between the UNC Center for Excellence in
Community Mental Health and the 15B District Court Judge's Office. Defendants are typically referred to
CRC by their attorney or by the district attorney's office, although anyone can make a recommendation
for a referral. Court requirements include monthly attendance at a therapeutic court session and
compliance with recommended mental health or substance use treatment. Upon graduation from the
court,the participant is given some type of legal benefit such as dismissal of criminal charges.
The County, in partnership with the Towns, also administers the Emergency Housing Assistance program
for people who apply directly, come through Coordinated Entry(called the Orange County"Housing
Helpline"), or are referred by service providers and are experiencing housing insecurity.The fund can
assist with pay for rent, mortgage, and utility payments, security and utility deposits, and certain other
one-time expenses to help households at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness become or
remain stably housed.
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CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j)
Actions taken to address the needs of public housing
Public housing in Orange County is provided by the Town of Chapel Hill's Affordable Housing and
Community Connections Department.The Orange County Housing Authority(OCHA), part of the Orange
County Housing Department, provides tenant-based assistance and has been allocated 687 Housing
Choice Vouchers (HCV, commonly known as Section 8), of which 640 are being actively administered.
The 640 vouchers include 20 HUD-VASH Vouchers and four(4) Homeowner Vouchers. OCHA does not
manage any public housing units. OCHA is overseen by a seven (7) member Board.The Orange County
HOME Consortium undertook the following to address the needs of HCV holders:
• In partnership with the Towns and local nonprofits,the County worked to increase the number
of landlords willing to participate in the HCV Program. Orange County Housing Department's
Housing Access Coordinator arranges quarterly landlord workshops to recruit more landlords to
accept vouchers and to help connect voucher holders and other low-income households with
affordable housing options.The County has also established two landlord incentive programs—
a lease-signing bonus and a damages fund—to recruit and retain more landlords.
• The County worked to streamline the design and administration of the housing stabilization
funds (designed to help low-income renters, including HCV holders, secure and maintain stable
housing) offered by the County and each of the Towns. In spring of 2020, a streamlined program
called the Emergency Housing Assistance program was created using funds from the County and
Towns, as well as Coronavirus Relief Funds and other state and federal funding sources.
• OCHA ensured units in which households in the HCV Program live are safe and healthy by
conducting Quality Control inspections on a subset of units.
• The County laid the groundwork to implement a "Move On" program, in which people with
Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers (PSHVs) whose service needs have lowered
considerably and/or who no longer need services are transitioned to HCVs,freeing up PSHVs for
more vulnerable individuals with higher service needs.
Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in
management and participate in homeownership
OCHA does not own any public housing units. However, OCHA has HCV holder involvement on its Board
and encourages HCV holders to become homeowners. Additionally, OCHA has revived its
Homeownership Voucher program,which allows HCV clients to use their subsidy toward mortgage
payments. OCHA staff has sent applications to about a dozen interested clients so far.The Chapel Hill
Office of Housing and Community provides programs and services for public housing residents, as well
as the broader neighborhood and community.These include community clean-ups, neighborhood pop-
ups, a weekly food bank program, a Reading Partners program, National Night Out, senior bingo (in
conjunction with the Hargraves Community Center), an International Potluck, and a 2020 Census
Information Center.
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Actions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs
OCHA is designated as a high-performer. It received a score of 90% in its 2024 SEMAP rating.
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CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j)
Actions taken to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as
barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the
return on residential investment. 91.220 (j); 91.320 (i)
The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing in Orange County, completed in April 2020, recommends a
combination of strategies to address barriers to fair housing, including amending land use policies that
create barriers to affordable housing.The following strategies are discussed in the Al report:
• Seek additional funding for subsidized housing.
• Encourage the development of some subsidized housing outside of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
• Educate landlords, property managers, and other housing providers about fair housing law and
reasonable accommodation, especially as they pertain to persons with disabilities.
• Offer educational courses on mortgage lending and building credit scores that are geared
toward African American and Hispanic borrowers.
• Encourage cooperation and coordination between the affordable housing advisory boards in the
county.
• Explore funding options for a best-practices Rapid Rehousing program to serve homeless
individuals and families in Orange County.
• Identify ways to protect residents of mobile home parks who may be under threat of
displacement.
• Consider areas to strategically up-zone to promote the development of affordable housing.
Much of the county is zoned for low-density residential, which can be more expensive to build upon and
thus inhibits the construction of affordable housing units.The Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro have
enacted Inclusionary Zoning Ordinances to encourage developers to set-aside 15%of new units in
residential developments that have more than five (5) units for people with low-and-moderate incomes.
The Town of Chapel Hill's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance also incentivizes affordable housing by
providing development bonuses including density bonuses and floor area bonuses and waiving certain
development-related fees for the affordable units. In recent years,voters in Orange County and the
Town of Chapel Hill have approved affordable housing bonds to fund the development of new
affordable units. Orange County passed a $5 million bond in 2016 and the Town of Chapel Hill passed a
$10 million bond in 2018 and a $15 million bond in 2024. These measures to increase affordable housing
could be coupled with additional strategies to up-zone land and promote more housing development,
particularly in areas with low transportation costs and access to services.
Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
Despite County and service provider efforts,there remain significant obstacles to meeting underserved
needs.The following are obstacles to meeting these needs in Orange County:
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• The demand created by continued population growth, including growth from the University,
creates a housing shortage.
• A tight rental housing market and escalating rental rates in the urban areas of the County
increases costs for all income levels.
• There is a lack of housing choice for people aging in place.
Furthermore,the COVID-19 pandemic increased housing instability for many County residents due to
business closures and job losses, creating the need for significant scale-up in the County's provision of
emergency rent and utility assistance (through the Emergency Housing Assistance program), housing
resource navigation and referrals (through the Housing Helpline), and non-congregate shelter for people
experiencing homelessness.
Orange County's population is growing, with population growth concentrated mainly in the higher
income household category.This growth has raised the value of housing, both owner-and renter-
occupied, and created a shortage of decent, safe and affordable housing for very low>30%, low>50%,
and moderate >80% income persons. Orange County's highest priority is to address issues of affordable
housing in the County. During this CAPER period,the County used its limited financial resources to
address affordable housing issues and other needs addressed in this plan by funding the projects that
would create more housing opportunities for County residents.
In PY 2024,the Orange County HOME Consortium funded the following activities to increase affordable
housing opportunities, as well as the affordability of existing housing stock:
• HOME-24-01—CASA—Rental Construction
• HOME-24-02—Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness—Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance
Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
In Orange County, evaluations (risk assessments) of lead-based paint in housing units were conducted
on a case-by-case basis and lead abatement was prescribed as needed for dwellings assisted with
rehabilitation funds. In addition, all assisted housing tenants were informed of the hazards of lead-based
paint. The Orange County Health Department provided ongoing consultation to local housing staff.
During this CAPER period, no units were abated for lead based paint in the County using HOME funds.
Actions taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
The latest HUD CHAS data (2014-2019) indicates that 30%of Orange County households (both renters
and home owners) are cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30%of their income on housing.
Of all renters and homeowners in Orange County, about 15%are severely cost burdened, spending
more than half of their income on housing. Cost burden is most prevalent among extremely low-income
households earning 30%or below the area median income.Three-quarters (75%) of all very low income
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households are cost burdened by their housing, with 69%of these very low-income households
spending over half of their income on housing. While extremely low-income households only represent
13%of all households in the county,they constitute 33%of all cost burdened households 60%of all
severely cost burdened households.These statistics demonstrate the urgent and ongoing need for more
affordable housing options in Orange County for low-and moderate-income households.
In PY 2024,the Orange County HOME Consortium funded the following activities to increase affordable
housing opportunities, as well as the affordability of existing housing stock:
• HOME-24-01—CASA—Rental Construction
• HOME-24-02—Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness—Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance
Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
The Orange County Housing Department continued to coordinate activities among public and private
agencies and organizations in the county to ensure the goals established in the latest Five-Year
Consolidated Plan are consistently met and addressed by more than one agency.The Housing
Department continued to facilitate and coordinate the linkages between these public-private
partnerships and developed new partnership opportunities.
The private sector was an important collaborator in the services and programs associated with the Five-
Year Consolidated Plan.The private sector brought additional resources and expertise that was used to
supplement existing services or fill gaps in the system. Lenders, affordable housing developers, business
and economic development organizations, and private service providers offered a variety of assistance
to residents such as health care, small business assistance, home loan programs, and assisted housing,
among others.The County continued to collaborate with local financial institutions, private housing
developers, and local realtors.
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) has thoroughly analyzed the institutional
structure and service delivery system, identified fourteen gaps in the system, and calculated the costs of
filling those gaps. OCPEH has either identified existing programs and partners, or worked to set up the
necessary infrastructure, through which to fill most of these gaps, and some funding has already been
secured. In addition to filling the homeless system gaps, OCPEH also aims to improve existing projects
and processes and improve the quality of homeless service delivery.
Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service
agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
Orange County works with the following agencies to enhance coordination:
• Orange County Housing Authority—Administers and operates the Section 8 Housing Choice
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Voucher Program.
• Social Services Agencies—Administers programs and support services to low-and moderate-
income persons.
• Housing Providers—Rehabilitates and develops affordable housing and provides housing
options for low-and moderate-income households.
• Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness—Coordinates the County's homeless
outreach and prevention effort.
Each year, as part of the HOME application planning process, local agencies and organizations are
invited to submit proposals for HOME funds for eligible activities.These groups participate in the
planning process by attending public hearings, informational meetings, question and answer meetings,
and completing survey forms.
Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the
jurisdictions analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a)
Orange County prepared an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in 2020 to coincide with the
Consortium's FY 2020-2025 Five Year Consolidated Plan. The report identified the following five main
impediments to fair housing:
• A lack of affordable housing has resulted in severe rent burdens among many renters, especially
those with low and moderate incomes.
• African Americans and Hispanics face difficulties receiving conventional mortgage loans.
• Based on the number of fair housing complaints filed, disabled persons face difficulties accessing
fair housing.
• There exists a lack of subsidized rental properties outside the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
• Zoning throughout the county largely restricts the development of denser, more affordable
housing.
Based on the fair housing impediments identified,the Al recommends the following strategies to
address these barriers:
• Seek more funds for subsidized housing. Low-and moderate-income households are
disproportionately rent-burdened, and recently, rents have increased faster than wages.
• Encourage development of some subsidized housing outside of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
• Educate landlords, property managers, and other housing providers about fair housing law and
reasonable accommodation, especially as they pertain to persons with disabilities.
• Offer educational courses on mortgage lending and building credit scores that are geared
toward African American and Hispanic borrowers.
• Encourage cooperation and coordination between the affordable housing advisory boards in the
county.
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• Explore funding options for a best-practices Rapid Rehousing program to serve homeless
individuals and families in Orange County.
• Identify ways to protect residents of mobile home parks who may be under threat of
displacement.
• Consider areas to strategically up-zone to promote the development of affordable housing
Orange County implemented an Eviction Diversion Program in 2021 to assist residents with housing legal
issues and eviction cases.This County Manager's office also handles discrimination and fair housing
complaints for the County, education and outreach, and provides fair housing resources for the
community.
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CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance
of the plan and used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs
involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning
requirements.
Ongoing Monitoring for Rental Housing
Quarterly reports and periodic onsite inspections (at least once every three years) will be required after
the project is completed for the duration of the HOME Affordability Period.
If there are observed deficiencies for any of the inspectable items in the property standards, a follow-up
onsite inspection to verify that deficiencies are corrected must occur within 12 months. Health and
safety deficiencies must be corrected immediately. For properties that have been found to have health
and safety deficiencies, the County will conduct inspections every year for three years; after three years,
if no new health and safety deficiencies have been found,the three-year onsite inspection schedule will
resume.
The property owner must annually certify to the Consortium that each building and all HOME-assisted
units in the project are suitable for occupancy.
The County will monitor projects for compliance with the requirements of the contract documents
including rent and occupancy, maintenance of the property, ongoing financial feasibility of the project,
maintenance and use of reserves, and recordkeeping.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
All housing occupied by tenants receiving HOME tenant-based rental assistance must meet Housing
Quality Standards (HQS).The County staff perform annual onsite inspections of rental housing occupied
by tenants receiving HOME-assisted TBRA to determine compliance with these standards.
Citizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d)
Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to
comment on performance reports.
To be inserted after public consultation.
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CR-50 - HOME 91.520(d)
Provide an assessment of the jurisdiction's affirmative marketing actions for HOME units.
92.351(b)
Orange County HOME Consortium continued to follow its Affirmative Marketing Policies and
Procedures.The Affirmative Marketing Policy is in all of the HOME Subrecipient Agreements and is
applicable to projects that have contained five or more units. Most of the Consortium's HOME projects
that have been developed do not meet this threshold. Orange County HOME Consortium provided all
HOME funded projects and all sub-recipients with the Affirmative Marketing Policy, when applicable.
The marketing of units is the responsibility of the housing provider to undertake in accordance with the
Affirmative Marketing Policy.
Refer to IDIS reports to describe the amount and use of program income for projects,
including the number of projects and owner and tenant characteristics
The HOME Consortium received $28,306.00 in program income this program year.
Describe other actions taken to foster and maintain affordable housing. 91.220(k) (STATES
ONLY: Including the coordination of LIHTC with the development of affordable housing).
91.320(j)
The Orange County HOME Consortium worked in cooperation with the non-profit housing providers to
address the County's affordable housing needs using HOME funds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and
other State and Federal funds. The HOME Consortium funded the following projects to address the
Consortium's housing needs:
• HOME-24-01—CASA—Rental Construction
• HOME-24-02—Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness—Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance
Orange County's population is growing. However,the population growth is mainly in the higher income
household category.This raises the value of both owner-and renter-occupied housing, and creates a
shortage of decent, safe and affordable housing for low-and moderate-income households. HUD CHAS
data on housing cost burden indicates that Orange County is facing an affordability crisis for lower
income persons who cannot afford to live in the southern and eastern parts of the County.Targeting
HOME funds to these projects will help the HOME Consortium reach the top priorities identified in the
2020-2025 Consolidated Plan of providing housing for people experiencing homelessness and providing
housing for low-and moderate-income households.
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ORANGE COUNTY
HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Public Hearing — 2024 CAPER for
HOME Program
September 16, 2025
2024 Consolidated Annual
Performance Report (CAPER) —
Public Hearing
ORANGE CO
36
Orange County HOME Consortium received
almost $492,000 from July 2024 — June 2025
PY 2024 Entitlement Grant $367 ,014. 00
14
Program Income $28, 306 .00
• $96,636 .28
Total Funds Available $491 ,956.28
ORANGE COUNTY
� HOUSING DEPARTMENT
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HOME Consortium awarded funds for two
non-Administrative projects in FY24-25
Project Title/Description 2024 HOME 2024 HOME
-A udgeL Expenditures ,
CASA — Rental $222, 120 $0.00
Construction
O P Tenant-Based $136,499 $67,524.22
AdministrationRental Assistance A_11
$36,701 .40 6,752.42
• $3959320.40 $74,276.64
ORANGE COUNTY
� HOUSING DEPARTMENT
38
HOME spent almost $547,000 in FY24-25,
compared to $137,000 in previous year
Rental Construction &
� $1027024.82 $947939.60 Homebuyer Assistance
� $0 $0
$507000.00 $887250.00 Rental Construction
� $1017788.00 $257447.00 Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance
Total Funds $321 ,337.04 $225,517.66
Expended
ORANGE COUNTY
� HOUSING DEPARTMENT