Minutes 05-02-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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21 Allison De Marco, OCPEH Leadership Team Chair, reviewed the background information below: BACKGROUND: The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness was created in 2008 to coordinate funding and activities to end homelessness in Orange County. OCPEH is jointly funded by Orange County (39%) and the Towns of Carrboro (15%), Chapel Hill (41%), and Hillsborough (5%). Corey Root, Homeless Programs Coordinator, said she submitted the business report, Point-In-Time (PIT) count, and the Plan to End Homelessness to the BOCC. She referred to the last page of the information, the Homeless Systems Map (Attachment 4), and said she would like to focus on this page tonight. Corey Root said this map contains a great deal of information. She said there are different paths through the system, depending on a person's need; such as being at risk of homelessness, newly homeless, and long-term homelessness. She said the goal for everyone is to secure permanent housing as quickly as possible. Corey Root highlighted the three areas of the map: Green - at risk of homelessness; Yellow - currently homeless; and Purple - stable housing. She said this map also conveys all of the different players in Orange County that are working to end homelessness. Corey Root said OC Connect is the coordinated entry system and is an initiative that seeks to systemize the way people enter, are assessed, and referred for homeless services. She said this system minimizes the confusion for those in need of services, and this system is in line with federal mandates to address homelessness. Corey Root said the gaps in the system are seen on the map in pink, and these areas are: diversion funding, accessible and housing focused shelter, street outreach, multi-service center - 24 hour bathrooms, landlord partnership initiative, and income based rental units. Corey Root reviewed the options for stable permanent housing. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the therapeutic court, and said this already exists. Corey Root said this is known as outreach court. Commissioner Rich asked if there are resources available to house the homeless when they first come in need of shelter. Corey Root said there are out-of-county shelters. She said there are some hotel/motel vouchers programs, but these are short term and often uncoordinated. She said some people elect to stay outside, but do not want to do this for the rest of their lives; they still seek permanent housing. Commissioner Rich asked if there are agreements with the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) to let people stay on white flag nights. Corey Root said yes. She said IFC has 17 beds for single men on white flag nights, and 2-3 beds for single women. She said white flag nights are when the temperature is forecast to be below 40 degrees, in the months between October and April. Commissioner Rich asked if it is difficult to get people in shelters during this time. Corey Root said this is the second year that white flag nights have existed at the current Community House. She said there are a lot of barriers with the current neighbor plan, and increased communication is being worked on. She said street outreach would help greatly with communication. Commissioner Burroughs asked if there is any information for 2017. Corey Root said the overall number is 127, and she will have a full breakdown of statistics at a later date.