Orange County approves $20,000 bridge fund to help residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal

The Orange County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 approved a budget amendment to transfer up to $20,000 from the county's social justice reserve to the Department of Social Services to extend temporary housing or help establish new housing for residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal.

The move, approved 6-0, is presented by county staff as a short-term "bridge" while state Individual Assistance decisions and federal administrative processes proceed. County Manager Mirren told the board the $20,000 is intended to pay for short-term needs such as application fees, security deposits and essential household items.

Why it matters: County staff and community organizers said displaced residents face immediate needs while individual assistance checks and Small Business Administration services are being processed. Lindsay Shoemaker, director of Social Services, told the board staff have been providing case management for residents in hotel rooms and that the number…