Agenda - 05-03-2005-5e - Laserfiche WebLink

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/D Homeless Assessment Based on a point-in-time count conducted on January 26, 2005, the total number of homeless people in Orange County was 230, Fifty-nine homeless persons in were in families, including 38 children, Additionally, 70 chronically homeless persons were documented, representing 30% of the entire homeless population, which is well above the national average of 10%. These num- bers, however, do not include people who are doubled up, that is without a legal residence of their own and temporarily staying with another person, A more detailed survey of the homeless in Orange County is planned for the summer of 2005 to capture this information, as well as an- other point-in-time count to determine the number of unsheltered people in the summer. On December 15, 2003, a total of 50 persons were found sleeping outside in Orange County. In addition, there were 12 families with 42 individuals as well as 144 homeless individuals sleeping in transitional or emergency shelters. There were 58 individuals counted who were character- ized as chronically homeless, 41 of whom were unsheltered.. As of this 2003 point-in-time count, there were no less than 236 homeless individuals in Orange County. The resources and services to support the homeless in Orange County are coordinated by the Orange County Continuum of Care, with the Orange Person Chatham (OPC) Area Program serving as the lead agency.. There are prevention, outreach and supportive services available to Orange County homeless to help alleviate their needs. There is also a vision to create a 10 year plan to end chronic homelessness through the support of the Triangle Alliance to Resolve Chronic Homeless (TARCH), Non-Housing Community Development Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill believe that true community revitalization requires a comprehensive set of strategies to ensure success. Rehabilitating or constructing residential structures without improving the physical, social and economic environment in which they are located does not automatically revitalize neighborhoods. The public spaces and infrastructure used to support community development includes public facilities, including neighborhood facilities, parks and numerous health facilities for specialized care and medical research. The area's infrastructure includes water and wastewater treatment facilities that provide sufficient server capacity to all townships. Streets include two major inter- states as well as hundreds of miles of primary and secondary highways. Public services include support to handicapped and substance abuse services, employment training, health services, and transportation for a wide variety of needs. Anti-crime measures and youth programs work in and out of the school system to provide awareness for students and increase public safety. There are three senior centers which pro- vide classes, wellness programs, trips, and lunches for area seniors. Orange County and its Towns also provide small business owners with a variety of information and assistance to pro- mote area economic development. The Orange County and Town of Chapel Hill Planning and Inspections Department implements land use and environmental policies, zoning, building con- struction and standards through a system of regulations to promote stable and quality develop- ment. [$7