Orange County NC Website
55 <br /> models like the Harlem Children's Zone and the Promise Neighborhoods Institute, FSA recognizes <br /> that poverty is a multifaceted issue requiring collaborative solutions.The initiative emphasizes that <br /> transforming the impact of poverty on children and communities necessitates a collective, <br /> comprehensive effort. FSA's mission focuses on building a system that actively involves families, <br /> communities, and institutions in supporting children's healthy development,with particular <br /> attention to education and health. <br /> Staffed by the Orange County Health Department, FSA operates with the support of workgroups <br /> composed of staff from participating advisory council organizations. Initial funding for the initiative <br /> was provided by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners through the Social Justice <br /> Fund, aiming to catalyze efforts to reduce poverty by addressing immediate needs and creating <br /> sustainable, long-term solutions for families. <br /> The FSA's 2019-2022 Strategic Plan outlined three key goals: <br /> 1. Ensuring children are healthy and prepared for school <br /> 2. Supporting the health and academic success of children and youth <br /> 3. Fostering environments where families, neighborhoods, and institutions collaborate to <br /> promote children's healthy development <br /> These goals were pursued through four strategic areas: <br /> • Family Empowerment: Evolving the"navigator" model into a comprehensive family <br /> empowerment approach that brings families together to learn, share strengths, and <br /> collectively navigate systems, ultimately driving systemic change. <br /> • Partnership: Collaborating with cross-sector agencies while centering the voices and <br /> priorities of parents to shift power dynamics, enabling parents to co-create community <br /> programs addressing their needs. <br /> • Systems Change: Engaging community members affected by poverty in leadership and <br /> decision-making roles to dismantle institutionalized racism and systemic barriers <br /> perpetuating inequality. <br /> • Community-Driven Solutions: Emphasizing lasting, community-led solutions responsive to <br /> Local needs and aspirations, ensuring relevance and sustainability. <br /> Through these combined efforts, FSA aims to create a more equitable and supportive environment <br /> for families in Orange County, reducing the cycle of poverty and ensuring that every child has the <br /> opportunity to thrive. <br /> How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs,and policies coordinated with this <br /> affordable housing plan? <br /> The high costs of housing in Orange County remain a significant challenge, particularly for low- <br /> income families. Renter households, in particular,face multiple barriers, including escalating rental <br /> prices, a limited supply of affordable housing, and fierce competition for available units, especially <br /> from university students.This competition exacerbates the difficulty low-income renters face in <br /> 52 <br />