Minutes 02-11-2025-Work Session Meeting

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6 graduating out of the program by making more income than allowed for subsidy. He said they are working on a program to assist wear and tear repairs by offering a subsidy for the landlord. He said the department has almost completely removed local money for the voucher program and for administrative fees. He said the only local money requested is for the landlord incentives. He said they are eager to get into the family self-sufficiency program sponsored by HUD. He said this comes with a savings benefit because the rent subsidy decreases as they earn more money, but the difference goes into a savings account that the participant can receive when they graduate from the program. He said they would like to open the waitlist. He said that the subprogram of the voucher program is getting off the ground and he is optimistic. He said that the inventory is an ongoing concern and the uncertain availability of federal funding. Jane Garrett of the Board of Social Services gave statistics on the number of clients served. She said they continue to partner and support with many agencies to assist clients. She said that for 2025, they have a number of initiatives to focus on. She said those will continue to have difficult placement of children in DSS custody, particularly for children with complex behavioral challenges. She said they will continue to prioritize kinship placement and support and programming that helps keep families intact. She said they are exploring partnerships with other agencies for crisis beds for Orange County children. She said they are moving to one managed care plan for statewide Medicaid coverage for adults and this will be expanded in 2025. She said they will work with UNC, Alliance Healthcare, Orange County affordable housing and emergency services as well as the police departments in local towns. She said DSS implemented a waiting list for working families to receive childcare subsidies and because of the Board of Commissioners approval of funding for this need, there is no current waiting list. She said the will continue to look for ways to engage the community to make sure that everyone that is eligible for funding has access. She said the federal changes will have an impact, but they will do everything possible to mitigate those impacts. Commissioner Fowler thanked the Board of Social Services for their work. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how the Board of Social Services partners with Alliance. Lindsey Shewmaker, Director of Social Services, said for adult protective services, they have been working to get them more integrated. She said they are having Alliance meet with their adult crisis team. She said it is a new process with adult services. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it sounds like things are going well. Lindsey Shewmaker said it is placement assistance most of the time and the relationships will really help in a crisis situation for placement. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what services DSS offers to small businesses. Lindsey Shewmaker said they partner with NC Works to help clients gain employment skills. Chair Bedford said they will get to see the new career center at the Drakeford Library. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked who is eligible to use the career center. Lindsey Shewmaker said anyone who lives in Orange County. Chair Bedford gave an example of some of the assistance provided by the career center. Lindsey Shewmaker said they have a lot of great partnerships in that space. Commissioner McKee left the meeting at 8:58 p.m. 2. Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Discussion The Board discussed the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) budget, data, and major planning documents such as the Governance Charter and municipal MOU.