Agenda - 02-03-2004-7a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

4 For families earning 50% or less than the median monthly income the primary concern is not finding a rental unit but rather affording one. In 2000, the upper level income limit for a low - income family of four was $29,740. For these families renting a three bedroom dwelling unit in the County, or at a minimum, a two bedroom apartment in Chapel Hill the same set of families would have to spend at least 37% of their monthly income. In both instances, these families would have to spend more than 30% of their gross monthly income on rent. US HUD standards define affordable as occurring when a renter spends no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on total housing cost (rent & utilities). Affordable Housing Needs According to the 1990 census, Orange County had the highest percentage of very low- income households with housing problems in North Carolina; 77 percent of residents in this category cited cost burden and overcrowding as major issues. In 2000, the County has approximately 12,280 low- income households with a cost burden and overerowdedness remaining the primary impediments to obtaining affordable housing. Further, according to a 1989 report from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, 1,052 units in Orange County lacked indoor plumbing. The County considers this estimate to be a good approximation of the problem. The lack of affordable housing often times forces renters to live in substandard units. Housing problems were reported in 86 percent of very low- income households, and 97 percent of large families were forced to live in overcrowded, substandard units. The majority these families were also cost burdened. Homeless Needs The numbers of homeless persons in Orange County have increased dramatically. During fiscal year 1998 -1999, the InterFaith Council Community House reported serving 801 individuals, 700 adults and 101 children. Of this number, 535 were African American, 198 were White, and 48 were Hispanic, and 20 of other race and ethnicity. The IFC Community House is the only emergency housing resource for families in Orange County. The greatest increase in the homeless population in Orange County continues to be women, children, and families, frequently victims of domestic violence, Thus, the opening of Project Homestart last year was welcomed into the community. Project Homestart is a transitional housing program for homeless families that provides a structured setting for families to receive support before they live independently. Public and Assisted Housing Needs Orange County's only conventional public housing program consists of 336 units. The majority of Chapel Hill's public housing units are two- and three - bedroom units and is located in Chapel Hill except for one community in Carrboro. The county's Section 8 program, administered by the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department, included 623 vouchers. There are an additional 543 other assisted