Orange County Invests in Affordable Housing and Services for Residents in Need

During its Oct. 20 business meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved five actions to strengthen affordable homeownership, rental housing, emergency shelter services, and long-term housing stability for residents across the county.

The actions included reallocating $500,000 in previously awarded affordable housing funds, renewing contracts with the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC), facilitating the transfer of an affordable home in Efland, and advancing CASA’s Homestead Gardens development in Chapel Hill.

As part of the funding action, commissioners approved $325,000 for Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation’s (DHIC) Maddry Meadows project and $175,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s Auman Village development. Maddry Meadows will include 53 units for residents age 55 and older on Homestead Road in Chapel Hill, while Auman Village will provide 75 homeownership units in Hillsborough. Because the $500,000 was allocated through the county’s fiscal year 2023–24 Capital Improvement Plan, the reallocation does not increase county expenditures.

The county also renewed $274,453 for IFC’s shelter services and $150,000 for its permanent supportive housing program for fiscal year 2026–27, totaling $424,453. IFC’s shelters provide beds for up to 52 men and 17 women, along with children. Its permanent supportive housing program helps around 30 households secure and maintain stable housing through rental assistance, housing placement, and ongoing community support. These programs generally serve households earning less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

In another action, the Board formalized a development agreement with CASA for $733,500 in previously awarded county funding for the Homestead Gardens project in Chapel Hill. The development includes a planned 32‑unit apartment building for households earning less than 30% of AMI.

“Stable housing is foundational to residents’ health, well-being and ability to thrive. These actions support people at different points in their housing journey—from accessing shelter and supportive services to finding an affordable place to call home,” said Orange County Housing Director Blake Rosser.

Together, these actions advance the county’s efforts to expand affordable housing options and help residents maintain long-term stability. Residents seeking shelter or housing assistance can contact the Orange County Housing Department at 919‑245‑2655 for information about available services and resources.

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