AHAB Minutes 101221 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Eichel and Chair Sykes voiced concern about recent property tax increases in the Town of Hillsborough and inquired if the towns were doing anything to address property taxes. Ms. Root noted that she is not aware of any similar programs at the Town level. Orange County was awarded nearly $1.4 million in HOME-ARP funds. Funding can be used through September 2030, which allows time to identify and fund larger capital projects. The Orange County HOME Consortium will need to amend their FY2021-2022 Annual Action Plan to describe housing needs, qualifying population in the County, and proposed uses for the HOME-ARP funds. Chair Sykes asked more clarification around which supportive services are eligible for funding through HOME-ARP. Ms. Dewees explained that this is a broad term defined in Federal Notices. Eligible costs include child care, education services, employment assistance and job training, food, housing search and counseling services, legal services, life skills training, mental health services, financial assistance, case management, etc. The Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program has served over 1,883 households since March 2020. Staff continue to work with the Eviction Diversion Program and expedite applications for people with an imminent court date. There is free legal assistance available for residents with an eviction case or who are facing the threat of eviction. Since the eviction moratorium ended, court cases have not dramatically increased, but have held steady. The EDP program is seeing more filings for people with small amounts due. EmPOWERment, Inc. held two virtual listening sessions in June 2021 to garner feedback on the EHA program. Most applicants had a positive experience and constructive feedback was noted and implemented when possible. Staff continue to disseminate information to the public about EHA. Revised flyers have been posted that set clear expectations about the application process and timeline. e. Orange County Housing Authority Update (See slide deck attached) Ms. Root reported that the Housing Authority has 643 vouchers, 551 of which are under lease. She noted that finding affordable units is difficult and there are recipients with vouchers in hand, some for over a year, that have not secured housing. The Housing Authority has been able to offer extensions due to COVID. The Housing Access Coordinator position and the Landlord Incentive Program continue to assist voucher holders in securing housing. The County will receive 19 additional Emergency Housing Vouchers for individuals experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. Emergency Housing Vouchers are a component of ARPA funding that provide more vouchers all across the U.S. The vouchers are similar to tradition Housing Choice Vouchers, but also come with a $3500 service fee for flexible housing costs, including furniture.