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14 <br /> To better understand the needs of the community, the collaborative recognized <br /> the importance of hearing directly from the residents of the community in regards <br /> to their needs and desires. The collaborative created a community needs <br /> assessment to gather input from residents, hosting several community events <br /> and meeting with residents in person to obtain feedback over the span of 2-3 <br /> months. Some of the major themes included concerns about environmental <br /> hazards, slow maintenance response times, the overall safety of the <br /> neighborhood and lack of resources available to the community. Nearly all <br /> parents expressed a desire for enrichment and academic activities for the <br /> children. Also noted was interest in employment and education support for <br /> adults. <br /> Collaborative members also met with the property managers and maintenance <br /> staff to get information on what they believed to be the community's greatest <br /> needs. The property staff mentioned that mental health support, adult education <br /> and child enrichment activities were all great needs of those within the <br /> community. It was also noted that some residents didn't feel safe being outdoors <br /> due to reported drug activity and violence. The property managers agreed that <br /> working with the collaborative would be beneficial to the community. <br /> As a result of the information gathered from the community assessments, <br /> property managers and agencies of the collaborative who frequently serve the <br /> residents, the OCHD and DSS requested to lease an apartment on the property <br /> to serve as a resource center for the community. County Manager supported and <br /> approved the request. The lease was signed in June 2022 and is currently in <br /> operation. To date activities of the resource center include: <br /> o The elementary school districted for this community is implementing <br /> tutoring and other afterschool enrichment activities for children in need. <br /> o DSS social workers and Health Department staff are available to meet <br /> with clients at least two days a week in person and via appointment to <br /> address needs for those without transportation. <br /> o The resource center has (2) desktop computer and (4) laptops available <br /> for the use of residents during office hours. <br /> o To support adult education and workforce development, Orange Literacy <br /> will begin offering assistance for those in need of one-on-one tutoring in <br /> preparation for enrollment in a GED class or to take the test. <br /> o There is a diaper bank and feminine hygiene products for those in need. <br /> o The local foodbank and thrift store is also partnering with the collaborative <br /> to provide items as needed. <br /> o Local law enforcement utilizes the site to provide a presence that helps <br /> community members feel safer. Police officers are frequently onsite and <br /> engaging with the community for planned events. <br /> The collaborative is working to partner with a local mental health agency to <br /> provide onsite individual therapy sessions and crisis support. The team has been <br /> working with a group of UNC Capstone students to complete a literature review <br /> of affordable housing metrics and programs for communities similar to the <br />