Agenda - 03-23-2000 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Eight ACHIEVE! partner agencies will provide direct services to program participants under the Education and Support Services component of the program: the Women's Center, Community Financial Counseling, Orange County Literacy Council, the Employment Security Commission, Durham Technical Community College, the Orange County Dispute Settlement Center, H.R. Consulting and Orange- Person - Chatham Mental Health Area Program. The first participant orientation session is scheduled for March 23, 2000. The County will employ the services on a independent contractor to serve as full -time case manager providing one -on -one case management to the 25 participant families — assessing needs and assisting participants in accessing program services and community resources. The case manager will establish and maintain a database that tracks family activity and movement to self- sujfciency over the 18 -month program period. Clinical supervision and support from OPC Mental Health will be provided as needed for client requiring their services. The case manager will coordinate with staff from Orange Community Housing Corporation and Habitat for Humanity to insure that families participating in the rental assistance and homeownership components stay on track with their rental obligations and their pursuit of homeownership. The Case Manager will report directly to the Project Administrator. Support Services It is estimated that 35% of the families in Orange County cite transportation as a barrier to self - sufficiency and 51% of families with small children identified childcare as their greatest need. Based on this information, the Orange County TANF Housing Program recognizes the need for support services to families enrolled in the program. In an effort to support the educational elements of the plan funds have been earmarked for transportation, childcare, and participation expenses. These funds are to cover the cost related to the families participation in the Housing Project and not for employment related activities. The Case Manager would administer funds for support services. Rental Assistance The Rental Assistance Program would be administered by the current Orange County Section 8 Program administrator, the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department, utilizing current U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations, with a few enhancements. Specifically, the target population, 20 TANF or TANF eligible families would receive rental assistance for a period of up to 18 months. The Orange Community Housing Corporation, a local housing non - profit will locate the rental units; contact and educate landlords about the TANF Housing Program, negotiate. an 18 month lease; sign the lease, pay a security deposit, and sublease the properties to qualified families participating in the program. Additionally, families will be able to access the educational opportunities provided through the ACHIEVE program. This approach to providing rental assistance seeks to overcome the common barriers encountered by most low - income families during their housing search. Using the non-