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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> NORTH CAROLINA <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> TO: Board of County Commissioners <br /> FROM: Travis Myren <br /> Cait Fenhagen <br /> DATE: June 3, 2025 <br /> SUBJECT: Update on Manager's Work Group to Address Low-Barrier Housing Needs and Opportunities <br /> In December 2024,the County Manager informed the Board of the formation of a Work Group to <br /> address low-barrier housing needs and opportunities in Orange County. Low-barrier housing is <br /> affordable, accessible housing that supports individuals with significant barriers to housing such as those <br /> who are returning from incarceration, people impacted by criminal justice involvement, individuals who <br /> are unsheltered and individuals facing behavioral health issues who need supportive services to <br /> maintain housing.This type of housing includes, but is not limited to, bridge housing, reentry housing, <br /> permanent supportive housing,transitional housing and permanent homes. <br /> Orange County's Strategic Plan demonstrates the County's commitment to low-barrier housing: <br /> Priority 2: Healthy Community Increase equitable access to care and social safety net programming to <br /> promote the physical, social, and mental well-being of our community. <br /> Objective 1. Improve harm reduction, prevention, and therapeutic interventions for adults and children <br /> experiencing behavioral health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual or developmental <br /> disability. <br /> Objective 3. Provide protective services for our most vulnerable community members with practices <br /> and resources that support reducing risk factors, ensuring safety, and achieving permanency. <br /> Objective S. Provide deflection, diversion, therapeutic interventions, and re-entry support, including <br /> housing for justice-involved children and adults. <br /> Priority 3: Housing for All Promote equitable and accessible housing and address housing disparities <br /> through policies, partnerships, and collaboration to create a thriving community. <br /> Objective 1. Use regular federal and local funds to build and/or acquire new affordable housing. <br /> Objective 2. Address the need and any policy barriers to increase access to emergency shelter beds and <br /> other low-barrier housing, including eviction diversion. <br /> Objective 3. Invest in permanent supportive housing and help residents achieve housing stability. <br /> 300 W.Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 1 www.orangecountync.gov 1 919.732.8181 <br />