Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> Jan Feb Mar Apr <br /> Amount Households Amount Households Amount Households Amount Households <br /> Security Deposit $1,850.00 3 $1,360.00 1 $1,750.00 2 <br /> Rent $7,243.98 5 $6,838.59 4 $4,469.35 4 $35,776.32 45 <br /> Utilities $562.49 4 $1,369.68 5 $215.00 1 $323.55 2 <br /> Hotel Stay $1,241.00 1 1 $1,999.18 2 $3,114.72* 2 <br /> TOTAL $9,656.47 12 $10,809.27 11 $8,433.53 9 $36,099.87 47 <br /> *Estimate; credit card statement has not yet been received <br /> Note: Since May 1 and the drafting of this memo on May 12, 2020, OCHCD has received and approved <br /> applications for 12 households, totaling$7,676 <br /> Staff is requesting the following: <br /> 1. An allocation of Social Justice Reserve funds to finance the Eviction Diversion Program — <br /> Funds would be allocated to pay for the Eviction Diversion Program and additional funds <br /> for the Risk Mitigation and Housing Displacement Fund so that rental and mortgage <br /> arrears can continue to be paid to prevent eviction and foreclosure, among other <br /> emergency housing assistance, and Legal Aid of North Carolina and temporary staffing to <br /> assist with mediation of Housing Helpline calls prior to residents reaching court <br /> proceedings. <br /> 2. Authorization to seek funding from the Towns, and donations from community residents <br /> and businesses to fund this Program — While the Towns have their own emergency <br /> housing assistance funds that are streamlined with the County's emergency housing <br /> assistance fund to follow the same referral and application process, additional funds will <br /> be requested specifically to provide support to the Eviction Diversion Program. Donations <br /> from the private sector as well as from community residents could also help bolster <br /> existing resources and services provided through this program. <br /> County staff is currently solidifying the details of this program. However, on June 1, 2020 when <br /> the Courts open, staff would like to have the resources in place to get started assisting people. <br /> Currently, there are about 20 evictions pending. OCHCD has already reached out to the tenants <br /> and landlords to try and avoid those evictions. Staff is receiving more calls each day, and with <br /> this program, the County can begin to allay some County residents' fears of eviction. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: Budget Amendment #9-A provides for the appropriation of $200,000 in <br /> available Social Justice Reserve funds in the following manner: <br /> • Fifty-Five Thousand dollars ($55,000) for Legal Aid of North Carolina to provide a full time <br /> staff attorney and case management services; <br /> • One Hundred Thirty Thousand dollars ($130,000) for the Risk Mitigation and Housing <br /> Displacement Fund, and <br /> • Fifteen Thousand dollars ($15,000) for temporary staffing. <br /> With this appropriation, there would be no more available funds remaining in the Social Justice <br /> Reserve for FY 2019-20. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or <br />