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24 <br /> Currently,there area pproximately 160 individuals on the OCHAwaitlist. However,the waitlist has <br /> remained closed for several years, and no general selections have been made due to the county's <br /> policy of allocating units exclusively through the OCPEH HOME Committee for those with the <br /> highest needs.The greatest demand continues to be for affordable 1-and 2-bedroom units,which <br /> remain in short supply.This shortage highlights the ongoing need for expanded housing options to <br /> accommodate individuals and families seeking stable, affordable living arrangements. <br /> How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large? <br /> The needs of public housing and Housing Choice Voucher(HCV) clients closely mirror those of the <br /> broader population, particularly in the demand for more accessible and affordable housing <br /> options.This need is especially critical in neighborhoods of opportunity,where housing access can <br /> significantly impact economic mobility and quality of life.The OCHA waitlist is composed of 940 <br /> Black individuals, 300 White individuals, 11 American Indian or Pacific Islander(AIPI) individuals, <br /> and 10 Asian individuals currently awaiting housing assistance.This data underscores the pressing <br /> demand for equitable and expanded housing solutions to serve diverse communities <br /> Discussion <br /> Public housing in Orange County is administered by two entities—the Orange County Housing <br /> Authority(Housing Choice Vouchers throughout the county)and the Chapel Hill Office of Housing <br /> and Community(public housing units in Chapel Hill and Carrboro).While waitlist data on <br /> accessibility for OCHA are not available, Chapel Hill reports a need for additional accessible units <br /> on the first floor and additional one-bedroom units to meet their waitlist needs. <br /> The needs of both public housing and HCV families mirror the needs of Orange County's broader <br /> population with respect to the need for more accessible units and more affordable units. <br /> NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment - 91 .405, 91 .205 (c) <br /> Introduction <br /> The 2021 Homeless System Gaps Analysis for Orange County identifies 15 critical gaps in <br /> addressing homelessness,with a focus on housing,temporary housing services, connection <br /> services, and dignity services. Key housing needs include more income-based rental units, rapid re- <br /> housing programs,youth housing, and landlord incentives, as well as support for housing <br /> navigation and furnishings for those exiting homelessness.Temporary housing services require <br /> accessible shelters, medical respite beds, and bridge housing for individuals transitioning from <br /> incarceration. Connection services highlight the need for expanded Housing Helpline staffing, an <br /> integrated service center, and a crisis/diversion facility. Dignity services call for 24-hour bathroom <br /> access and memorial service funding.While three gaps—housing access coordination, diversion <br /> funding, and street outreach—have been filled, significant work remains to meet the growing <br /> demand and ensure homelessness in the county becomes rare, brief, and one-time. <br /> 21 <br />