Minutes 05-12-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

John Dorward, Executive Director of the Community House in Chapel Hill, reviewed the new Community House, saying care will be provided to the same homeless people. He said Community House will not be an emergency shelter, and will only be able to take in 17 extra people on white flag nights. He added that there are people who do not want to come into housing. John Dorward said the program will be more of an interim program, as opposed to transitional housing. He said the program believes strongly in rapid re-housing. He said there is not a lot of rapid re-housing, and few people get placed within a year. He said more affordable housing options would lead to greater success rates. John Dorward said there has been a waiting list at both shelters for over a year, even at the men's shelter. He said both shelters have been full for ages. He said the new facility will only have two more beds than the older facility; 52 beds instead of 50. John Dorward said having an emergency shelter would be great; however, there is not one. He said as a result, these homeless people will still come into their program. He said if someone comes into the shelter, there is a chance to get that person into their program and eventually into permanent housing. Commissioner Rich asked if there is any way to pursue an emergency shelter for Orange County. Chair McKee asked John Roberts if he would research any options for affordable rental properties, outside of rental control. He said he understands rent control is illegal in North Carolina. Chair McKee said he is not sure that all of the providers in Orange County have been invited to the table to talk about affordable housing. He said this conversation must take place in conjunction with all four Towns and all the providers, from small to large. He said everyone needs to be in the same room, on the same page; and he has seen a lack of coordination in some of the areas. Bonnie Hammersley said collaboration and cooperation is the direction that this conversation is going; and all updates will be shared with the BOCC, as available. She said the new Housing Director has some ideas on how to expedite this process with some resources. She said she will speak further on this topic during budget discussions. Commissioner Jacobs said if there was a bond for affordable housing, it would be a great incentive for all parties to come together to discuss this issue. Commissioner Rich said that the Partnership to End Homelessness does have a seat at the table for all the partners mentioned. She said it is a well attended group from throughout the County. Jamie Rohe said there is a big overlap between homelessness and housing, and the Orange County Affordable Housing Coalition is the body that is bringing everyone together. She said this coalition has been in existence for about two years, and has about 20 stakeholders involved. Chair McKee asked if the Manager would please schedule another update in the fall. Commissioner Price said as development continues in Chapel Hill, more and more wooded areas are being cut down. She said she is aware of many homeless people, who live in the wooded areas, and are now displaced, as the woods are removed. She said this only increases the need for more housing. 2. Potential Revisions to the Existing Public Hearing Process Perdita Holtz, Orange County Planning Department, made the following PowerPoint presentation: