About Us
The first strategy that the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness has implemented is to "establish an assertive street outreach program that targets unsheltered homeless people at natural gathering places in Orange County". In April 2007, the Inter-faith Council partnered with Housing for New Hope in Durham to begin a street outreach program in Orange County. One street outreach worker began immediately building relationships with those in need in our community. The street outreach team grew to include two formerly homeless individuals known as Peer Specialists who bring a unique perspective to outreach work. In the last year, the outreach team made contact with 358 homeless individuals with 50 enrolling in the PATH program to receive services. Of those, 11 are now in stabilized housing!
In July 2008, Housing for New Hope added a Housing Support Specialist component to the PATH program in Orange County. Now clients who are getting off the streets and into apartments have the community support to remain in a structured and stable environment.
Real Change from Spare Change's goal is to raise those desperately needed funds to continue to provide for a team of outreach workers who will be meeting with homeless clients daily to get them the services they need and want.