Agenda - 12-10-2024; 7-a - Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness

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2 knowledge through staff turnover both internally and with local partners, as well loss of non-local and non-HUD funding, such as the Victims of Crime Act which supported domestic violence and sexual assault programming. Successes As a small Continuum of Care, OCPEH expanded its impact by partnering with other local homeless systems on federal funding opportunities. County government has increased its commitment to address system needs and prioritized funding for two (2) main drivers of inequity in the current system by investing in Permanent Supportive Housing expansion and funding for Bridge Housing for this current year. County and local governments have also supported the expansion of life-saving inclement weather sheltering with plans for greater collaboration and capacity in 2024 and 2025. OCPEH has also leveraged Managed Care Organization (Alliance Health) funding to address a homeless system gap. OCPEH continues to perform well during federal funding competitions, increasing the funding that is available for homeless system services. The Road Ahead North Carolina's decision to expand Medicaid opens new opportunities to provide housing and related supports to more people experiencing homelessness in this community. Homeless system partners will need training and support to be able to utilize these funds (e.g. with Alliance Health's various housing-related programs). OCPEH continues to work with regional partners to identify and recruit providers to Orange County to address system gaps. OCPEH has been increasing engagement with people with direct knowledge of the local homeless system in system design, planning, and assessment, and will continue this focus in the year to come. This includes the recently initiated Technical Assistance through the local HUD office, as well as a collaborative Youth Homeless Systems Initiative grant that is being coordinated by Central Pines Regional Council. This overview of the Partnership's efforts serves as a basis for more in-depth discussion of OCPEH planned for a spring 2025 Board of Commissioners' work session. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this report. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GOAL 3: HOUSING FOR ALL OBJECTIVE 2. Address need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency shelter beds and other low-barrier housing including eviction diversion. OBJECTIVE 3. Invest in permanent supportive housing. OBJECTIVE 4. Prioritize and select County-owned land and/or facilities as part of an overall plan of facilities to create crisis, bridge, low barrier, affordable, and permanent housing. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report and provide any comments or questions to Housing staff. More in-depth discussion of OCPEH is planned for a spring 2025 Board of Commissioners' work session.