Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
34 <br /> Orange County must continue investing in lead hazard control programs, home repair initiatives, <br /> and community outreach efforts to ensure that vulnerable residents—especially families with <br /> young children—are protected from lead exposure risks. <br /> Discussion <br /> A significant portion of Orange County's housing stock has been constructed since 2000, resulting <br /> in relatively low rates of physical deterioration and substandard housing conditions compared to <br /> older housing markets. <br /> Although reported cases of lead poisoning in the county remain low, an estimated 4,500 low-and <br /> moderate-income households with children reside in homes that may contain lead-based paint <br /> hazards. However,this figure may underrepresent the true risk, as low-and moderate-income <br /> households are more likely to reside in older housing stock that has not undergone lead mitigation <br /> or modernization efforts. Given that lead-based paint hazards are most prevalent in pre-1978 <br /> homes,targeted lead remediation efforts, education programs, and financial assistance for home <br /> rehabilitation remain essential to reducing health risks for vulnerable families. <br /> MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing - 91 .410, 91 .210(b) <br /> Introduction <br /> Public housing and rental assistance in Orange County are administered by two entities:the Orange <br /> County Housing Authority(OCHA)and the Town of Chapel Hill's Department of Affordable Housing <br /> and Community Connections. Each organization plays a distinct role in providing affordable <br /> housing options for low-income residents. <br /> Orange County Housing Authority(OCHA) <br /> The Orange County Housing Authority(OCHA)oversees approximately 687 Housing Choice <br /> Vouchers(HCVs), commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.All OCHA-managed vouchers are <br /> tenant-based, meaning they are tied to the individual renter rather than a specific housing unit, <br /> allowing greater mobility for voucher holders within the private rental market. <br /> Among these 687 vouchers are included: <br /> • 18 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)-Dedicated to individuals and families experiencing <br /> homelessness or at risk of homelessness. <br /> • 5 Foster Youth to Independence (FYI)Vouchers-Targeted for young adults aging out of <br /> foster care who are at risk of homelessness. <br /> • 41 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing(VASH)Vouchers-Designed to assist homeless <br /> veterans by providing rental subsidies along with case management and support services <br /> through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. <br /> OCHA operates under the oversight of a seven-member Board of Commissioners,which guides <br /> policy decisions and program administration. <br /> 31 <br />