Agenda - 06-05-2001-8q - Laserfiche WebLink

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.1 ORANGE COUNTY TANF HOUSING PROGRAM Grant period: 1 January 2000 ~- 30 June 2001 Program Activity, to Date (March 2000 to Apri12001~ Rental Subsidy Program Goal: 20 Served: 19 Individual Dev'1 Accounts 5 5 Education & Training Education 124 267 Case Mgt. 20 19 Deposit Assistance 20 13 Program Overview The County was awarded a $312,395 grant from the N.C. Division of Social Services in January 2000. The TANF Filot Housing Program provides a continuum of services to TANF and TANF-eligible families ranging from alleviating homelessness to encouraging home ownership. Participating families must have a dependent child(ren) under 18; be working or in education/ job training a minimum of 20 hours a week; agree to participate in intensive case management and education programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency. Long-term welfare recipients and those facing homelessness through no fault of their own aze given priority in selection. The program is managed by the Social Services and Housing & Community Development departments. Amulti-agency Management Team meets monthly. Review by Program Element 1. Rental Subsidy Program -Goal. 20 families; Served: 19 families. Orange Community Housing Corporation is the Rental Housing Coordinator far the 19 heads of household and 40 children who have been served. The average monthly rent subsidy is $551. On average, participants work 3S hours a week, earn $12,720 a year and have 2 children. OCHC provides property search, rental, and property management services. Gee Associates, Inc. (also program administrator) recruits and screens participants and provides intensive case management. Participants sub-contract with OCHC to reside in affordable rentals secured by the agency for their use. There has been difficulty in locating properties because of the high cost of rentals in southern Orange County, the scarcity of rentals in northern areas, and the reluctance of some landlords to participate in subsidized housing programs. The role of OCHC as the primary lessee has been helpful in ameliorating some of this resistance. 2. Individual Development Accounts - Goal: 5 families; Served: 5, families. The first Individual Development Account Program (IDA) for Orange County with Habitat for Humanity, the Women's Center and Central Cazolina Bank. Five participants in the Habitat Program who were within 18 months of home completion were selected and offered a 2:1 savings match for up to a maximum $2,000 to apply to homeownership. Community Financial Counseling of the Women's Center provides account management. Central Carolina Bank offers no-fee savings and checking accounts for the participants. Of the 5 families, 3 have already moved into. their new Habitat homes with an average savings match award of $1,162. 3. Outreach Education Case Mara ement - Goalieducatian:124, case management 20; Served: education: 267 dupl. count. total of 4$ sessions; case manaeement:l9 Professional caseworkers provided weekly information and referral support to the 19 families in the Rental Subsidy Program. Additionally, a total of 48 workshops, team meetings, or stress management sessions were held. A monthly newsletter titled "HOMEWARD BOUND" was issued to participants and community agencies. 4. Deposit Assistance PrOQram -Goal: 20; Served~9 Provides up to $300 cash assistance toward utility or rental housing deposits. Brief budget counseling is offered to participants. Before receiving an award, they must demonstrate financial ability to afford the housing they seek.