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94 <br /> homeless diversion program, and currently diverts about 25%of households presenting for a shelter bed <br /> using a mix of strengths-based guided conversation plus flexible funding. <br /> However,there is a great need for affordable housing units in the county, particularly income-based <br /> rental units that can be accessed by people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.This gap presents a <br /> continuous challenge for connecting people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing. <br /> Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely <br /> low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly <br /> funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, <br /> foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving <br /> assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, <br /> employment, education, or youth needs. <br /> The CoC partners with UNC Hospitals and the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) Foster <br /> Care division, and has developed discharge policies with local and regional institutions.The CoC also <br /> assisted in the creation of the Outreach Court, now known as the Community Resource Court (CRC), <br /> North Carolina's first specialty court for people experiencing homelessness who are offered mental <br /> health evaluations and treatment plans in lieu of going to jail for misdemeanor crimes. CRC is a <br /> collaboration between the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health and the 15B District <br /> Court Judge's Office. Defendants are typically referred to CRC by their attorney or by the district <br /> attorney's office, although anyone is able to make a recommendation for a referral. Court requirements <br /> include monthly attendance to a therapeutic court session and compliance with recommended mental <br /> health or substance use treatment. Upon graduation from the court, the participant is given some type <br /> of legal benefit such as dismissal of criminal charges. <br /> The County also administers a Housing Stabilization Fund for people who self-refer or are referred by <br /> service providers (including IFC, CEF, DSS, and the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department) <br /> and are experiencing housing insecurity.The fund can pay for rent/utility arrears, security/utility <br /> deposits,first month's rent, and certain other one-time expenses to help households at risk of <br /> homelessness become or remain stably housed.The Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough <br /> also offer similar resources. <br /> FFY 2020—2024 Orange County, NC HOME Consortium 91 <br /> Consolidated Plan <br /> OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.06/30/2018) <br />