Agenda - 03-03-2015 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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11 1 We, the Leadership Team of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH), 2 support a dedicated funding source for affordable housing in our community. We believe that 3 access to a wide range of housing opportunities, spanning all income levels, strengthens the 4 fabric of our neighborhoods and makes our community stronger. Experience shows that when 5 affordable housing is attained, people put down roots and become connected to their 6 community. 7 8 We also support funding for affordable rental housing for persons who are homeless and those 9 who have disabilities. We have observed directly the impact that access to safe, adequate 10 housing can have for our homeless and /or disabled neighbors: health and well-being can be 11 enhanced significantly by something as simple as having a kitchen in which to cook food, a 12 refrigerator for medications, and a safe place to sleep. Additionally, the access to schools, a 13 strong healthcare systems, faith-based communities, and employment opportunities, helps to 14 move the focus from crisis intervention to a focus on recovery and participation in community 15 life. 16 17 We urge Orange County to consider all options that could provide more affordable housing to 18 our most vulnerable citizens. 19 20 Signed, 21 Mary Jean Seyda, CASA, OCPEH Chair 22 23 Tim Copeland said no one wants to pay more taxes but everyone is willing to pay more 24 taxes if that has to be done. He said the ripple effect of not fully funding the schools will cost far 25 more. He asked the Board to be bold and to fully fund the schools. 26 Tina Smith is the mother two students in the CHCCS. She noted that this room is full; 27 the hallway is full of about 250 people; and the parking lot is also full. She said she spent about 28 five hours calling parents in the community yesterday about this public hearing. She said one 29 call stuck with her. She said that caller said they were leaving the district next year because 30 they felt the public education was no longer worth the value of living here. She said the Board 31 cannot let this be true, and there is nothing more important than exceptional education in 32 Orange County. She said funding schools must be the highest priority. She said the property 33 taxes exist because of the exceptional schools. She asked the Board to be creative to fully fund 34 schools and make a statement about the priority of education in Orange County. 35 Rachel Danner is a student at Chapel Hill High School. She asked the Board to fully 36 fund both school districts. 37 Courtney Limerick's daughter attends the CHCCS. She said funding the budget is a way 38 to show support for their teachers, and she asked the Board to fully fund schools. 39 40 Joyce Kuhn handed out letters regarding support for Pre-Trial Relief Services. 41 Jim Woodall said Pre-Trial Services is a small budget item for the County, but it is 42 essential. He said this program is important everyday in the court system. He said this program 43 allows them to get people out of jail that should not be there, and it saves the County money. 44 He asked the County to look at the letters from the judges and to fund Pre-Trial Services. 45 46 Sarah Black is the Director of the Exchange Club Family Center, who provides child 47 abuse prevention and treatment services in Orange County. She asked the Board to re- 48 consider them for funding through the outside agency funding. She said her organization is 49 addressing issues related to juvenile crime, homelessness, and mental health services in the 50 home. 51