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� 3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> NORTH CAROLINA <br /> Beginning in February, the Work Group has met monthly with the Manager.There have been four 90- <br /> minute meetings with very good attendance from the members.These meetings have involved <br /> presentations from experts in the field of low-barrier housing, including Everett McElveen, CASA's CEO, <br /> and Emila Sutton,the City of Raleigh's Housing and Neighborhoods Director. Sutton and McElveen <br /> shared examples of low-barrier housing efforts in Wake and Durham Counties and emphasized that <br /> permanent housing with supportive services, both single-site and scattered, has the most promise for <br /> long-term success. <br /> In addition,there has been group discussion about potential properties and land in Orange County that <br /> could present opportunities for low-barrier housing. These opportunities include a 12-acre forfeiture <br /> property in Cedar Grove now owned by Orange County,two former group homes in Carrboro that are <br /> vacant and under HUD designation, units at CASA Orange County properties that could serve low-barrier <br /> needs as well as land owned by churches that are interested in providing affordable housing.There is an <br /> exciting opportunity the Work Group has discussed to work with the Town of Chapel Hill's Master <br /> Leasing Program,which previously had been operating under the Community Home Trust(CHT), but was <br /> not serving low-barrier individuals. CHT is no longer administering the program, but Chapel Hill has <br /> available funding for it to continue and expand to serve low-barrier individuals if a new property <br /> manager and supports can be identified. Finally, Orange County has identified land banking funds in the <br /> CIP that could be available for capital needs such as purchasing, construction or renovations for low- <br /> barrier housing needs. <br /> The Work Group will continue to discuss, meet and pursue all short-term and long-term low-barrier <br /> housing opportunities. As recommendations for action are developed, they will be forwarded to the <br /> Manager.The Manager looks forward to updating the Commissioners on the progress of this work group <br /> in the months ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. <br /> 300 W.Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 1 www.orangecountync.gov 1 919.732.8181 <br />