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Ms. McLendon shared that the Marian Cheek Jackson Center has been <br /> helping residents file property tax appeals and has done extensive organizing <br /> around inequitable tax burden faced by Northside, Tin Top and Pine Knolls <br /> residents- all historically African-American communities. Members of the <br /> County tax office were recently invited on a guided tour of these <br /> neighborhoods. <br /> Ms. Meschko asked for members of the AHAB to share information about <br /> volunteering opportunities and ideas for how to get more involved in <br /> affordable housing advocacy in the community. <br /> V. Department of Housing and Community Development (OCHCD) Updates <br /> Interim Director Erika Brandt announced that Corey Root, who has spearheaded <br /> the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) since March <br /> 2016, has been chosen to replace Emila Sutton as the new Director of OCHCD. <br /> Ms. Root's first day will be June 21. <br /> Ms. Brandt shared that the County continues to respond to the housing needs <br /> brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Weekly in-person office hours for the <br /> Housing Helpline and support with Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) <br /> applications have begun at the Southern Human Services Building. On Tuesdays <br /> between 8.30 AM-4.00 PM, County residents in need of housing resources can <br /> receive 1-on-1 assistance in-person at 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill. <br /> Interim Director Brandt shared that the HOPE Program has reopened for <br /> applications to provide rent and utility assistance to income-eligible renter <br /> households impacted by the pandemic. The North Carolina Office of Recovery <br /> and Resiliency (NCORR) is administering this program throughout 88 counties, <br /> including Orange County. Residents in need of rent and utility assistance are <br /> strongly encouraged to apply and can contact the HOPE program at their <br /> dedicated phone number for assistance. <br /> Ms. Brandt shared that as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Orange <br /> County will receive 19 Emergency Housing Vouchers to supplement our current <br /> voucher supply. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is likely waiting <br /> until the fall to make decisions regarding the full allocation of ARP funds. OCHCD <br /> requested $1.3 million in ARP funds to support the EHA program through the <br /> summer. <br /> The County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough are working <br /> on the issue of manufactured home park closures. The Town of Chapel Hill is <br /> spearheading the Manufactured Homes Action Plan to guide a coordinated <br /> response to the issue among the County and Towns. <br /> Page 2 <br />