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26 <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the racial and ethnic representation of people <br /> experiencing homelessness in Orange County compares to surrounding counties. <br /> Rachel Waltz said the disparity in Orange County mirrors what is seen across the country. <br /> She said Black and African American people make up a larger percentage of the homeless <br /> population in Durham and also make up a larger percentage of the county's population than in <br /> Orange County. She said the percentage is slightly lower in the Balance of State, which makes <br /> up 79 rural counties across North Carolina. She said she has more insight into the Balance of <br /> State and Durham because they use the same database as Orange County. <br /> Chair Bedford asked Rachel Waltz to speak to how the Partnership knows that people <br /> seeking services here are Orange County residents rather than relocating from another county. <br /> Rachel Waltz said 80% of people experiencing homelessness in Orange County reported <br /> an Orange County zip code as the location of their last stable housing. She said because there <br /> isn't same-day emergency shelter in Orange County, many of those people must go to Durham <br /> to seek services. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the shelters in Orange County. <br /> Rachel Waltz described Homestart, a shelter for those who identify as women and <br /> families, and the IFC Emergency shelter which serves male-identified people. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the shelters need to be expanded. <br /> Rachel Waltz said the emergency shelter piece is important to help people service, but <br /> the rapid re-housing approach is also important to get people back into permanent housing as <br /> quickly as possible. <br /> Slide #13 <br /> Partnership w <br /> �' End Homelessness <br />