Orange County NC Website
36 <br /> As emphasized throughout this plan,the demand for affordable housing in Orange County <br /> continues to outpace supply, leaving many low-income and extremely low-income households <br /> struggling to find stable housing. Despite this persistent need,the number of public housing units <br /> and Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) in the county has seen only marginal growth over the past <br /> five years,failing to keep pace with rising housing costs and an increasing number of cost-burdened <br /> households.Additionally,federal relief funding, such as the American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA), is <br /> set to expire in 2026,further limiting financial resources available for affordable housing initiatives. <br /> MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services - 91 .410, 91 .210(c) <br /> Introduction <br /> The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness(OCPEH) serves as the lead entity for Orange <br /> County's Continuum of Care (CoC), playing a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to prevent and <br /> combat homelessness across the county. OCPEH works collaboratively with local governments, <br /> service providers, and community organizations to develop and implement evidence-based <br /> strategies aimed at reducing homelessness and improving housing stability.A key function of <br /> OCPEH is its data collection and analysis efforts, which are essential for tracking progress and <br /> informing policy decisions.The organization conducts and analyzes data from the annual Point-in- <br /> Time(PIT)Count, a federally mandated survey that provides a snapshot of homelessness in the <br /> county.Additionally, OCPEH manages and evaluates data from the Homeless Management <br /> Information System (HMIS),which captures real-time information on individuals and families <br /> receiving homelessness services.These data sources allow OCPEH to monitor the effectiveness of <br /> funded projects, identify service gaps, and optimize resource allocation to ensure that housing <br /> assistance and support services are reaching those most in need. <br /> Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to <br /> the extent those services are used to complement services targeted to people experiencing <br /> homelessness <br /> Orange County provides a comprehensive network of healthcare, behavioral health, and <br /> employment services to support residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness or <br /> financial hardship. Healthcare services are available through UNC Healthcare hospitals in Chapel <br /> Hill and Hillsborough, as well as Piedmont Health Services clinics, including a mobile clinic for <br /> unsheltered residents.The Orange County Health Department offers low-cost medical care,while <br /> the Formerly Incarcerated Transition (FIT) Program connects individuals with chronic illnesses and <br /> a history of incarceration to essential healthcare services. Behavioral health services are provided <br /> through UNC Healthcare, Freedom House Recovery Center, and Alliance Healthcare ensuring <br /> access to mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and crisis support. Survivors of <br /> violence can access free therapy and advocacy through the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and <br /> Compass Center for Women and Families. Employment support is available through the Orange <br /> County Department of Social Services (DSS), Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), and NC <br /> Works Career Center/Job Link in Carrboro, offering job training,vocational programs, resume <br /> assistance, and financial coaching.These agencies collaborate frequently with homeless service <br /> providers through case conferencing and a by-name list system, ensuring that high-need <br /> individuals receive coordinated support. By integrating healthcare, behavioral health, and <br /> 33 <br />