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44 <br /> 1 Slide#8 <br /> Questions <br /> •Blake Rosser, Housing Director <br /> •brossergorangecountync.gov <br /> •919-245-2492 <br /> n ORANGECOUNTY <br /> HOUSING DEPARTMENT <br /> 2 <br /> 3 PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> 4 Delores Bailey said she is understanding of the restriction that the HOME-ARP funds are <br /> 5 designated specifically for residents who are experiencing or exiting homelessness, per the federal <br /> 6 definition. However, she said she was disappointed these funds would not be accessible to many families <br /> 7 she assists, who are struggling with monthly rental payments but do not qualify under the federal <br /> 8 homeless definition. She highlighted EMPOWERment's successful role in administering rental assistance <br /> 9 programs during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families with their utility payments. She shared that on <br /> 10 May 4th, a life was lost, and EMPOWERment lost four of its 14 housing units in a tragic house fire on <br /> 11 Fidelity Street in Carrboro.She said on April 1st, residents successfully moved into the Peach Apartments, <br /> 12 marking a significant achievement for the organization. She expressed her continued commitment to <br /> 13 serving families in need and highlighted the urgent necessity for ongoing support to those struggling with <br /> 14 housing stability. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 Commissioner Carter asked how much emergency housing has been reduced. <br /> 17 Blake Rosser said that's been over the course of 5 years. He said at the peak,they spent$8 million, <br /> 18 utilizing ARPA funds. He said once they ran out of federal funds, they had to scale back to what could be <br /> 19 supported with local funds. <br /> 20 Commissioner Carter asked what the award process will be. <br /> 21 Blake Rosser said it will be similar to the HOME process,and will be taken to the HOME Consortium <br /> 22 for recommendations. <br /> 23 Commissioner Carter asked who is serving on the HOME Consortium. <br /> 24 Commissioner Greene listed the members. <br /> 25 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there other funds that could support the populations that <br /> 26 Delores Bailey referenced. She asked if the county was only focusing on one population going forward. <br /> 27 Blake Rosser said this is a one-time amendment for funds awarded in 2021. He said populations <br /> 28 supported by Delores Bailey's non-profit will continuing to be assisted with CIP funds. <br /> 29 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many people will be helped with these funds <br /> 30 Blake Rosser said the funds must be spent by 2030 and will help about 30 families each year. <br /> 31 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if it will be the same 30 families receiving assistance. <br /> 32 Blake Rosser said it will largely be the same, but there may be some transitions off permanent <br /> 33 supportive housing. <br /> 34 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the waitlist is 100 people. <br />