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Chair Sykes noted that COVID has resulted in more people becoming disabled and <br /> asked if there are plans for addressing the issue of affordable housing for disabled <br /> residents. Ms. Root noted that the department has not yet addressed the issue but <br /> will connect with DSS and other partners to start the conversation. <br /> f. Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Update (see <br /> slide deck attached) <br /> OCPEH work falls in three areas: Coordination, funding, direct service. Direct <br /> Service started April 2020: Housing Helpline, Housing Help Rapid Re-housing <br /> (helping to recruit landlords), Housing Access & Preservation, & Street Outreach, <br /> Harm Reduction and Deflection (SOHRAD). <br /> The Housing Helpline has seen a steady increase in call and email volume. On <br /> average for this year have served 551 households each month. <br /> Ms. Salvi inquired about the relationship between increased direct service <br /> interactions and the creation of the Housing Helpline and whether increased direct <br /> service interaction could be attributed solely to COVID-related housing issues, or if <br /> the Housing Helpline could also contribute to this increase. Since the Housing <br /> Helpline went live right before the pandemic begin in March 2020 and widespread <br /> rental assistance was not available before COVID, it is difficult to assess this metric. <br /> Of note, the vast majority of callers are experiencing COVID-related housing <br /> problems and vast majority need emergency rental assistance. <br /> On the topic of furniture of people exiting homelessness, Ms. McLendon suggested <br /> having someone from the Furniture Project present to the board. Ms. Root noted that <br /> while the Furniture Project is a great resource in the community, they are not able to <br /> serve all who reach out to them. <br /> Through the HOME committee, Orange County prioritizes clients according to need. <br /> To date, there have been 116 households exited to housing in 2021 . <br /> For perspective, 87 families exited to housing in 2020. <br /> Ms. Root commended the many programs in Orange County that work together to <br /> make this possible. <br /> Adjournment —The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM. <br /> Submitted by Maria Dewees, Community Development Specialist <br />