Minutes 09-08-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Audrey Spencer Horsley said a program called Brush of Kindness, run by Habitat for Humanity, typically provides improvements to the exterior of a home. She said the Rebuilding Together program, also run by Habitat, involves more substantial rehabilitation. She said these units are not at risk of going offline. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the programs just mentioned are different from the County's urgent repair and rehab program. Audrey Spencer Horsley said the Rebuilding Together program does similar work. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the funds budgeted by Orange County are included here. Audrey Spencer Horsley said this does not include County funds. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the housing locator position could be explained, and how it is different from Mr. Strowd, who was hired a few years ago. Audrey Spencer Horsley said a normal housing locator usually works in conjunction with a homeless program and goes out to identify housing for hard to place residents. Bonnie Hammersley clarified that Commissioner Jacobs is talking about the scope of services that changed in the 2016-17 budget for Mr. Strowd's focus. Audrey Spencer Horsley said Mr. Strowd's expertise is economic development and working for homeowners, and he is working to increase home ownership numbers. He is currently working with lenders for residents who are ready to be homeowners. Bonnie Hammersley said Mr. Strowd's focus shifted under the County's guidance, and is better using his expertise. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a reason behind the number of 1,000 units over 5 years. Audrey Spencer Horsley said this was determined by looking at how many homes have been brought on line historically countywide with their housing providers, and trying to widen the partnerships. She said the 1,000 units will not be sufficient, but the examination of various factors determined the number. She said the number is 10% of the cost burden. Commissioner Rich asked if Audrey Spencer Horsley could talk about her collaboration with the Towns, and what the future looks like with these partners. Audrey Spencer Horsley said the HOME program is one example of multijurisdictional collaboration. She said the County has already been collaborating with the Towns, but it is hoped that it will be a more formalized partnership. She said one of the challenges has been trying to find places where the housing vouchers will be accepted. She said it is important to involve the elected officials in all jurisdictions. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a way to include the Towns' strategic plans in an overarching strategic plan for the County. Audrey Spencer Horsley said she would like for all jurisdictions to get together, look at the pools of funding, and sew the funding streams together to be used more effectively for affordable housing clients. Bonnie Hammersley said once an action plan is adopted, and with the expanding scope of the HOME consortium, which includes elected officials and staff from all jurisdictions, there will be greater collaboration. She said the strategic affordable housing plan should be reviewed and updated annually, and then reviewed by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Commissioner Dorosin referred to slide number 6, which discusses current and planned units. He said Chapel Hill Public Housing is listed, which is appropriate, but it is different from the other organizations. He said the Section 8 Housing voucher program should be added to this list as well. Audrey Spencer Horsley said this can be done.