Agenda 12-09-2025; 12-3 - Information Item - Memorandum - Update on Human Services Work Group

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ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Delaney and Kelly have created a Human Services Matrix and Analysis from the mapping exercise.The Work Group is reviewing the Matrix and Analysis at upcoming meetings and looks forward to applying the information to address gaps, reduce duplication and inefficiencies and improve human service delivery to Orange County residents. In addition to the mapping effort,the Work Group has addressed other priorities to improve collaboration and human services delivery: • An Internal Human Services County Roadshow—Department directors and their public-facing staff feel that they do not sufficiently understand what each department provides in human service work and programming.As a result,the Work Group is organizing a day-long roadshow at the Whitted Building on January 28, 2026,for all county staff that serve our public or have an interest in learning more about county resources. Services, programs, contact and eligibility information will be shared. • Creating and Maintaining a County-Wide Human Services and Resources list—The Work Group discussed the multitude of resource lists that are maintained by departments and community entities.These lists vary in their comprehensiveness and how regularly they are updated. A review of these lists indicates the need for a county-supported, shared, comprehensive and up- to-date listing of available human services and programs provided by county government and by outside entities.The Work Group proposes that a skilled intern could start with the OC Connect online resource and enhance and update the material.This project would take 3-6 months. • The Work Group is recommending a Human Services Public Information position for the Community Relations department for fiscal year 26-27.This position would maintain the Services and Resource list and work with Human Services departments to ensure effective communication to residents about services and events.The position would also work directly with the Human Services departments to update and streamline their websites and increase proactive communication.The expectation is that this position could be created from an existing vacant public information position. • Lessons learned from Chantal recovery work have been a significant conversation for the Work Group. While there was critical response and recovery work led by Emergency Services and supported by many county departments,there were also communication and coordination delays that impacted residents and the community. In October, Kelly and Cait facilitated a listening session with invited volunteer and community agencies that assisted in Chantal recovery. On December 13th, a listening session facilitated by Orange County will be held at the Drakeford with invited residents directly impacted by the storm. The information from these sessions will be compiled in a report that will be shared in January with the Manager and the BOCC. 300 W.Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 1 www.orangecountync.gov 1 919.732.8181