|
3
<br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
<br /> PROCLAMATION
<br /> APPRECIATION FOR COLD WEATHER COT COLLABORATION
<br /> WHEREAS, in 2023, Orange County started a Cold Weather Cot program to ensure unhoused
<br /> community members had access to safe and warm overnight shelter when temperatures reached 32
<br /> degrees or below; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Orange County has operated this warming shelter every winter since 2023 at a different,
<br /> but accessible, location in Chapel Hill that is open to anyone in need throughout the County; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill provided the former Chapel Hill Police Department at 828 Martin
<br /> Luther King, Jr. Boulevard for this winter's Cold Weather Cot location and between November and
<br /> March, 217 individuals were served over 56 nights; and
<br /> WHEREAS, Orange County's Housing Department has coordinated and managed the Cold Weather
<br /> Cots program since its start and has seen an increased need and more challenges each year, with an
<br /> average overnight population of 40 guests; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the Cold Weather Cot program would not be possible without the work of Heather Pack
<br /> Aponte, the County's Homeless Programs Coordinator, a dedicated team of temporary overnight
<br /> coordinator staff, the Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection (SOHRAD) staff, other Housing
<br /> department leadership and staff, and from multiple County departments providing support as needed
<br /> including Asset Management Services, Social Services, Health, Aging, and Community Justice
<br /> Resources; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the faith community, including University Baptist Church, University Presbyterian Church,
<br /> First Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Kehilah Congregation, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and
<br /> Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, all provided critical support including the preparation of nightly home-
<br /> cooked meals; and
<br /> WHEREAS, many community groups and individuals, including Triangle Mutual Aid, Alpha Pie/the
<br /> Gathering Place, Community Empowerment Fund, Inter-faith Council for Social Service, and the Chapel
<br /> Hill/Carrboro Mother's Club, all contributed food, supplies and donations that were essential to
<br /> operations; and
<br /> WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has provided generous ongoing support to the Cold Weather Cots
<br /> Program through its Police Department, Crisis Unit and Chapel Hill Transit; and
<br /> WHEREAS, while Orange County is committed to reducing homelessness and increasing low-barrier
<br /> housing opportunities, we also recognize the need to ensure that residents are able to stay safe, warm
<br /> and sheltered when temperatures are dangerously low;
<br /> NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim our
<br /> appreciation and gratitude to all of the County staff, faith groups, community members and
<br /> organizations, and the Town of Chapel Hill for their collaboration and support of the Cold Weather Cots
<br /> Program.
<br /> This the 21 st day of April, 2026.
<br /> Jean Hamilton, Chair
<br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners
<br />
|