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49 <br /> Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to,the services listed <br /> above meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness(particularly individuals and <br /> families experiencing chronic homelessness,families with children,veterans and their <br /> families,and unaccompanied youth) <br /> Orange County benefits from a community health clinic within the UNC Hospital System,which <br /> provides essential healthcare services to many low-income and housing-insecure residents. <br /> However, gaps in care remain, particularly in free healthcare access for individuals experiencing or <br /> at risk of homelessness.Additionally,there is a critical need for expanded mental health and <br /> substance use treatment, as well as case management services,to support individuals struggling <br /> with chronic homelessness, addiction, and co-occurring disorders.The Community Empowerment <br /> Fund (CEF) plays a vital role in bridging service gaps by providing relationship-based, client- <br /> centered support in areas such as job readiness,job search assistance, and life skills <br /> development. CEF operates an integrated service center in Chapel Hill,where clients can access <br /> employment support,financial education, and connections to other essential services, helping <br /> individuals build long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Expanding these healthcare and support <br /> services will be essential to addressing the complex needs of Orange County's most vulnerable <br /> residents. <br /> Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for people with service needs <br /> and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to,the services listed <br /> above <br /> The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) serves as a strong and effective <br /> lead agency for the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC), ensuring a coordinated and data- <br /> driven approach to addressing homelessness in the county.Through strategic partnerships and <br /> best-practice models,the CoC has implemented several key initiatives to enhance housing stability <br /> and streamline access to critical services for people experiencing homelessness. <br /> • Coordinated Intake and Assessment:The CoC has implemented a coordinated entry <br /> system for both families and individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring that housing <br /> and services are distributed fairly and efficiently based on need rather than a first-come, <br /> first-served basis. <br /> • Prioritization for Permanent Supportive Housing(PSH):The CoC prioritizes people with <br /> disabilities, chronic health conditions, and long-term homelessness for placement in <br /> permanent supportive housing(PSH) units using the Vulnerability Index-Service <br /> Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool(VI-SPDAT).This ensures that those with the most <br /> urgent and complex housing needs receive assistance first. <br /> • Housing Choice Voucher(HCV) Preference for Vulnerable Populations:The Orange County <br /> Department of Housing and Community Development offers a preference within its <br /> Housing Choice Voucher(HCV) program for certain highly vulnerable subpopulations of <br /> people experiencing homelessness.This targeted approach improves access to long-term <br /> rental assistance for individuals facing the highest barriers to stable housing. <br /> 46 <br />