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29 <br /> for veterans with state ESG money. <br /> Service providers, such as IFC, Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), and Cardinal Innovations (the <br /> LME/MCO for Orange County), provide case management services to clients experiencing homelessness <br /> and can help connect them to housing. Orange County has also seen success in implementing a <br /> homeless diversion program, and currently diverts about 25%of households presenting for a shelter bed <br /> using a mix of strengths-based guided conversation plus flexible funding. <br /> However,there is a great need for affordable housing units in the County, particularly subsidized, <br /> income-based rental units that can be accessed by people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.This <br /> gap presents a continuous challenge for connecting people experiencing homelessness with permanent <br /> housing. <br /> Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely <br /> low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly <br /> funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, <br /> foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving <br /> assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, <br /> employment, education, or youth needs. <br /> The CoC partners with UNC Hospitals and the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) Foster <br /> Care division.The CoC has also developed discharge policies with local and regional institutions and <br /> assisted in the creation of the Outreach Court, now known as the Community Resource Court(CRC), <br /> North Carolina's first specialty court for people experiencing homelessness. In the CRC, people <br /> experiencing homelessness are offered mental health evaluations and treatment plans in lieu of going to <br /> jail for misdemeanor crimes. CRC is a collaboration between the UNC Center for Excellence in <br /> Community Mental Health and the 15B District Court Judge's Office. Defendants are typically referred to <br /> CRC by their attorney or by the district attorney's office, although anyone can make a recommendation <br /> for a referral. Court requirements include monthly attendance at a therapeutic court session and <br /> compliance with recommended mental health or substance use treatment. Upon graduation from the <br /> court,the participant is given some type of legal benefit such as dismissal of criminal charges. <br /> The County, in partnership with the Towns, also administers the Emergency Housing Assistance program <br /> for people who apply directly, come through Coordinated Entry(called the Orange County "Housing <br /> Helpline"), or are referred by service providers and are experiencing housing insecurity.The fund can <br /> assist with pay for rent, mortgage, and utility payments, security and utility deposits, and certain other <br /> one-time expenses to help households at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness become or <br /> remain stably housed. <br /> Annual Action Plan 27 <br /> FY 2025-2026 <br />