Orange County Government to be closed for Labor Day

Orange County Government will be closed Monday, Sept. 6, in honor of Labor Day. This includes the COVID testing sites at the Whitted Building and Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill.

If you need a COVID-19 test, visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-my-testing-place.

Regular services will resume Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Please note the following exceptions.

Recycling pickup will run as normal on Monday. Please have carts curbside by 7 a.m.
Transportation Services will run the in-county dialysis route only (Carolina Dialysis)
9-1-1 services will be available. Please only call 9-1-1 to report emergencies.

Orange County ready to help residents facing eviction

Orange County residents and families facing eviction can seek assistance through the Orange County Housing Helpline and the Eviction Diversion Program.

The Housing Helpline connects people with eviction diversion, homeless services and other resources. Contact us during business hours at 919-245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov.

“It can be difficult when you are having problems to know where to go for help,” said Housing Director Corey Root. “The Housing Helpline is one-stop shopping for anyone in housing crisis to connect with appropriate funding and resources.”

Since launching in April 2020, the Housing Helpline has served nearly 8,600 households and responded to more than 23,000 calls and 17,000 emails. Calls are answered live in over 200 languages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Voicemails and emails will be responded to during business hours.

Staff can assist with several programs, including the Orange County Eviction Diversion (EDP) program, which provides free legal representation for individuals and families threatened with eviction. Over 1,800 households in Orange County have accessed nearly $7.3 million in rental and utility assistance since March 2020. The EDP has assisted over 240 Orange County Households facing eviction since its creation in July 2020, allowing residents to remain in their home or obtain additional time to find an alternative residence. The EDP can be accessed through the Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 or housinghelp@orangecountync.gov, or directly through the EDP Intake Form.

The Orange County Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program, funded via the Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Carrboro, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County, also continues to assist people with rent, mortgage and utility payments. People can apply online. In person help is available on Tuesdays between 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Southern Human Services Center (2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill). For help over the phone or by email, contact the Housing Helpline.

The recently reopened HOPE Program provides rent and utility assistance for renters who meet income requirements. New HOPE applicants can apply online. Returning HOPE applicants can call (888) 927-5467 to speak with someone about their application.

Orange County Department on Aging Handy Helper Program nominated for 2021 RISE award!

The Orange County Department on Aging's Handy Helper Program has been nominated for a 2021 RISE Community award for the great work it is doing to build a stronger and safer community. Community voting has begun and we need your help to spread the word.

Using the link below, you can read and vote for the Orange County Department on Aging’s Handy Helper Program nomination once per day through 9/17. In addition to being recognized, our Handy Helper Program is also up to win $7,500 in prize money that will be put towards furthering our commitment to building a better community.

Additionally, please share the link below with friends, family and on social media!
https://riseawards.us.launchpad6.com/risecommunityawards/entry/150.

The RISE Awards celebrate those who rise to serve and protect their communities through heroism and dedication. The RISE Community award honors a community program that is working hand-in-hand with their local law enforcement.

Upcoming events at the Senior Centers

New to Medicare? Join our Welcome to Medicare Class
If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare. This free online class from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work. You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options.

Fee: FREE
Date: Wed, Sep 8
Time: 12 - 1:30 pm
Location: Virtual Zoom program
Register by: Calling 919-245-4274, select opt. 2. Leave your name, phone and email address. You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email the day before the class that includes a link to join our Zoom Meeting.

Ethics in Modern Life
This 10-week interactive, online discussion class explores a wide range of ethical issues in the news. We will also discuss two different philosophies of ethics: Utilitarianism, and the rule-based approach of Immanuel Kant. Instructor: Sarah Rosenson. Min 10/Max 15. Phone#/Link Provided after registration.

Register by: Monday, Sept. 8, call 919-968-2070
Fee: $50
Date: Monday, Sept. 13 – Nov 15.
Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Activity # 324105-03
Location: Virtual

Outsmart the Scammers
We'll discuss how to spot certain "red flags" that may indicate a fraudulent encounter, resources you can turn to in the event you or a loved one is targeted, and steps you can take now to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Min 3/Max10. Instructor: Mary-Charles Nassif, CFP®, ChFC®, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Register by: Monday, Sept. 6, call 919-245-2015
Fee: FREE
Date: Monday, Sept. 13
Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Activity # 244027-01
Location: Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough

Let's Talk: Keeping Our Voices Strong
As we age, we may experience changes in our voices. Voice changes can make it harder to communicate effectively. Good news is that Speech Pathologists from Duke can help you understand why your voice may be changing and what you can do to improve it. We provide you with voice exercises to strengthen your voice and maintain healthy communication. Please provide your name and email at registration to receive the webinar link prior to the event.

Register by: Friday, Sept 10, call 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 15
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Activity # 342257-01
Location: Virtual

Orange County Mobile Vaccine Team Available for Home Vaccinations

In an effort to ensure that all community members have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Orange County Mobile Vaccine Team is ready to vaccinate people who are homebound or are otherwise unable to travel to a vaccine clinic.

Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said, “Orange County may lead the state in vaccinations with almost 80% of community members fully vaccinated, but we will not rest until everyone is able to get a vaccine if they want one.”

Landon Weaver, Community Paramedic Coordinator for Orange County Emergency Services, said, “Our mission as community paramedics is to identify people who have fallen between the cracks and come up with solutions so there is equitable vaccine distribution for all.”

The most challenging part of this program is identifying those in need. Community members may make referrals by visiting www.orangecountync.gov/MobileVax or by calling 919-245-6127.

Click here for more information.

Animal Services offers grant program to support animal welfare initiatives in Orange County

Orange County Animal Services is offering The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, a program to support animal welfare initiatives and projects in Orange County, thanks to a generous donation from Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter. This is the sixth year the award has been offered, and it will be awarded for initiatives up to $500. Applications must be received by Friday, Oct 15.

The grant can be used for a wide range of pilot or seed projects or to supplement other programs, projects, and grants which support companion animals, including those animals used in recreation or therapy. It is available to individuals, groups, and organizations and although the recipients do not have to live in Orange County, the funds must be used to aid animal welfare efforts in Orange County. Past recipients include Hope Animal Rescue, Independent Animal Rescue, NC Therapeutic Riding Center, Pet Pals, Trestle Leaf Web Design, and Carolina Boxer Rescue.

The program honors Pat Sanford, former Executive Director of the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APS). Sanford served there for 17 years, where she pushed for spay/neuter to combat the county’s pet overpopulation problem, helped expand the APS twice, and created a wildlife rehabilitation component that would carry on beyond her retirement. After her retirement in 2002, Sanford continued her work for Orange County animals and served on the county’s Animal Services Advisory Board for several years.

Ms. Sanford’s accomplishments are vast and her contributions helped Orange County become one of the leading counties in the state and country for animal placement, recovery, and overall well-being. The grants awarded in her honor will support efforts that exemplify the same dedication and commitment to animal welfare in Orange County. The initial donation will sustain the program for a 10-year period. Additional donations are welcomed to increase the annual award amount and to extend the period in which the grant is awarded.

For more information on the grant, to find the application, and to find out more about giving opportunities for this program, visit http://www.orangecountync.gov/368/Pat-Sanford-Animal-Welfare-Award.

DCHC MPO seeking public feedback on transportation improvements

If you're interested in highway, bicycle, multi-use paths, and transit projects for our region, you're invited to give your feedback on scenarios of our future transportation system.

The Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) is seeking public feedback on the transportation improvements that should be included in the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The 2050 MTP identifies future highway, transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation projects for this region over the next 30 years.

The DCHC MPO is updating the 2050 MTP this fall, and will use the public input received on the Alternatives Analysis to identify where roadway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian, and other transportation investments will be needed in the coming decades.

Residents and other stakeholders are asked to review the Alternatives Analysis at the DCHC MPO website and provide comments by email no later than Wednesday, Sept. 15. And, take a few minutes to complete our SURVEY.

For more information about the 2050 MTP, contact DCHC MPO Principal Planner Andy Henry at (919) 560-4366, ext. 36419 or by email.

Department on Aging Direct Care Worker Award nominations now open!

Since 2015, Orange County Department on Aging and the community group, Senior Health Advocacy and Resource Partners of Orange County (SHARP) have presented SHARP Direct Care Worker Awards each year to honor Direct Care Workers (nurse aides, personal care aides, companion caregivers, etc.) who affect their clients’ lives on a daily basis.

Awards are presented in the following categories: Client Impact, Longevity, Leadership, Going the Extra Mile, and Rising Star. One person will be chosen as the “Direct Care Worker of the Year.”

To be eligible, direct care workers must have served clients in Orange County within the past year. Each person may be nominated in two categories. Nominees must have provided direct care to clients and have at least six consecutive months of service in the past year.

Nominations will remain open through Sept. 24. For more information about the awards or to nominate a direct care worker, please visit us online or contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido at 919-245-4253.

www.orangecountync.gov