Orange County NC Website
12 <br /> Each year, as part of the HOME and CDBG application planning process, local agencies and organizations <br /> are invited to submit proposals for HOME and CDBG funds for eligible activities.These groups <br /> participate in the planning process by attending informational meetings, receiving technical assistance <br /> from the Consortium, and attending public hearings.The outreach process facilitates communication <br /> around affordable housing in Orange County and how public and private agencies and organizations can <br /> help address the most urgent needs. <br /> Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of <br /> homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families,families with <br /> children,veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness. <br /> The Orange County HOME Consortium coordinates extensively with the Orange County Partnership to <br /> End Homelessness (OCPEH), which serves as the Continuum of Care (CoC) for Orange County.The four <br /> (4)jurisdictions participating in the Orange County HOME Consortium—Orange County and the Towns <br /> of Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Carrboro—fund OCPEH, sharing costs based on population. Elected <br /> officials from each jurisdiction serve on the CoC board, and staff from the two jurisdictions that have <br /> Public Housing Authorities also have ex officio board seats with full voting privileges. In this way,the <br /> jurisdictions direct all efforts to end homelessness, including funding decisions and policy priorities. <br /> OCPEH staff meet weekly with Orange County Housing and Community Development staff. The two <br /> entities are also co-located in the Orange County Housing and Community Development department. <br /> OCPEH staff meet regularly with all jurisdiction staff and present annually to the four elected boards on <br /> the work of OCPEH. <br /> Starting in 2016, OCPEH created a system map and gaps analysis of homeless services in Orange County, <br /> and has updated this document annually with the latest update issued in 2023. OCPEH staff also serve <br /> with staff from the four jurisdictions on the Orange County Affordable Housing Coalition, a group of <br /> affordable housing developers,funders, advocates, and staff seeking to collaboratively increase <br /> affordable housing units in Orange County. OCPEH staff contribute information and ideas to the <br /> Consolidated Plan and to the Annual Action Plan updates. <br /> OCPEH leads efforts, in conjunction with the HOME Consortium,to end homelessness in Orange County. <br /> OCPEH directs the work of the bi-annual Plan to End Homelessness and ongoing coordination among <br /> service providers through seven monthly standing meetings. In addition to the CoC board, HOME <br /> Consortium members participate regularly in these CoC workgroups, including care coordination using a <br /> by-name list. <br /> OCPEH operates coordinated entry for people in housing crisis by directing people to appropriate <br /> resources including homelessness diversion, shelter/emergency response referrals, and permanent <br /> housing resources. Coordinated entry prioritizes permanent supportive housing for people experiencing <br /> chronic homelessness. OCPEH has a standing monthly meeting with veteran service providers to <br /> Annual Action Plan 10 <br /> FY 2025-2026 <br />