HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-29-2000-5cORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 29, 2000
Action Agenda
Item No. _5--C.
SUBJECT: Resolution of Commendation -Commission for Women Transportation Crisis
Assistance Program ~-
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette Moore, ext 2254
Resolution
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham fi88-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider a resolution commending the Commission for Women Transportation
Crisis Assistance Program.
BACKGROUND: During the FY 1999-2000, the Orange County Commission for Women
(hereinafter the CFW) began to explore the assistance available to low income working families
facing financial disaster due to a temporary health or employment emergency. In their
exploration, the CFW teamed that while there was support for families needing assistance with
food, clothing and shelter, there was little assistance to aid low-income families with necessary
transportation. The need for transportation assistance is attributed to the complexities of car
ownership, maintenance and the lack of adequate public transportation.
Welfare reform efforts across the nation have revealed that transportation is a major barrier in
moving people "from welfare to work." Many states have begun to make efforts to resolve the
transportation problem by focusing on improving public transportation or making affordable
automobiles available to low-income families. In response to the fact that 80% of Work First
participants did not have reliable transportation, Govemor Hunt convened 500 community
leaders from across the state in the Work First Transportation Forum. The Govemor then
directed the North Carolina Department of Transportation to develop a statewide transportation
plan, and various plans were formed in different counties. While most of the plans were
targeted at individuals leaving welfare, some also included aid to the working class poor.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the resolution
commending the Transportation Crisis Assistance Program.
2
RESOLUTION
Commission for Women
Transportation Crisis Assistance Program
Whereas, the Orange County Commission for Women has a long and
distinguished history of concern for and assistance to women and
their families; and,
Whereas, the Commission for Women has initiated the
Transportation Crisis Assistance Program to help. needy, low-income
families purchase affordable transportation; and,
Whereas, according to the Department of Social Services (DSS),
nearly 45 percent of families participating in the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) stated that a lack of
transportation had been an obstacle to getting and keeping a job;
and,
Whereas, DSS reports that of nearly 200 families enrolled in the Work
First Program, more than half do not own a car or have a vehicle in
need of repair; and,
Whereas, the Commission for Women hopes to help 45 families
secure safe, reliable transportation through the Transportation Crisis
Assistance Program;
Therefore, the Board of County Commissioners hereby commends
the Commission for Women on the creation of the Transportation
Crisis Assistance Program and pledges its support to the
Commission for Women'in this effort.
This the 29~' day of June,. 2000.
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair
Orange County
Board of Commissioners