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6 <br /> Nancy Coston said that JOCCA has weatherization money now and she can look into <br /> this. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he is interested in the veterans issue and it looks as if <br /> there will be a steady stream of veterans coming back to the country and he wants to continue <br /> to make the statement in Orange County that it is a priority. He does not want to diminish the <br /> commitment to veterans. <br /> Nancy Coston said that the emergency assistance in general is in the safety net and she <br /> is looking at the policy for this. She would welcome feedback in this area. <br /> Chair Foushee asked Nancy Coston to talk about the waiting list for childcare subsidies <br /> because less than 16 months ago there were no children on the waiting list, and now there are <br /> 283 children on the waiting list. <br /> Nancy Coston said that DSS received $4.7 million for this, but there are 273 children on <br /> the list now. There are also Smart Start funds. The waiting list is first come-first served. The <br /> people on the waiting list are full-time employed parents and are income-eligible, which is about <br /> 200% of the federal poverty level. She will continue to try to serve as many as she can. <br /> Orange County has the highest market rate for childcare in North Carolina. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs made reference to bullet 5 on the last page and asked if low- <br /> income areas were targeted for letting people know about the services that are offered through <br /> DSS. Nancy Coston said that this has not been done as much as needed. This is why <br /> outreach is in the proposed next action plan and steps. <br /> 5. Closing Remarks <br /> Joe Robbins said that DSS has a strong relationship with their Friends group. He said <br /> that the DSS Board is very proud of Nancy Coston because she was appointed by <br /> Representative Joe Hackney to be on a State board to review social services. <br /> Chair Foushee thanked the Friends of DSS for the contributions during the holidays. <br /> Sharron Hinton said that the Orange County Toy Chest had an enormous amount of <br /> people for the week, around 1,600. This was a very successful event and over 2,000 toys were <br /> given out. <br /> Discussion ensued on obtaining private subsidies for childcare services. <br /> Chair Foushee said that Commissioner Nelson and Commissioner Gordon expressed <br /> regrets for not being able to attend. <br /> The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 PM. <br /> Valerie Foushee, Chair <br /> Donna S. Baker, CMC <br /> Clerk to the Board <br /> 6 <br />