The Orange County government recently selected Corey Root to serve as its next Housing and Community Development Director.

Root has served as the coordinator for the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness since March of 2016 and will replace the outgoing Emila Sutton.

In her previous job, Root partnered with local government elected officials, staff, service providers and advocates to advance affordable housing goals within the county. She also coordinated efforts to develop and implement programs and services for the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless.

The partnership worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep the homeless population safe and with access to critical resources.

Under Root’s leadership the Partnership to End Homelessness also completed a systems map and gaps analysis — working with community partners to fill several major gaps in homeless services.

“Several months ago, her position was put within the Department of Housing and Community Development — which is right there,” Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Renee Price recently said during an interview with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell. “I was thinking, why not make her the director of something or other because I know she’s good.

“I’m thrilled,” Price added. “It was hard to even hold in the news because I think she’s going to do a great job.”

Root’s prior accomplishments should translate well in her new job, as the primary mission of the Housing and Community Development Department is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a dignified living environment.

“I am proud that Orange County now has flexible funding for homelessness diversion, a rapid re-housing team to help people exit homelessness, a street outreach team to help people living unsheltered, and a Housing Helpline to connect folks in housing crisis to services and programs,” Root said. “It is very energizing to work with colleagues in government, nonprofits and with our elected officials who are all committed to increasing access to affordable housing.”

Root will officially begin work in her new role on Monday.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Partnership Serves Homeless Population Amid Pandemic
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, is working hard to provide critical resources for the homeless population amid the pandemic. The OCPEH is a coalition of service providers, local governments, and community members — a group working together towards the goal of ending homelessness in Orange County. The partnership has been around for 12 […]
Orange County Project Connect to Take Place Thursday
As of the last point-in-time count earlier this year, there were 80 people without homes in Orange County. And chances are, those people need the same types of services and resources that people with homes do. That’s what coalition members with the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness were thinking when they created Project Connect. […]
Orange County Working on New System to Help Homeless
How many people in Orange County are homeless as of this year? And, what is being done for those who experience homelessness? These were only a few questions discussed at the Homelessness Orientation at the Seymour Center Tuesday evening. The orientation was led by Corey Root. She’s the Homeless Programs Coordinator for Orange County. She […]
Orange County: Ongoing Flood Recovery Efforts + Uproar Festival Underway
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell for an interview Wednesday, August 6.
Latest Declaration by Gov. Stein Opens More Relief Opportunities for Orange County Flood Victims
Nearly a full month removed from Tropical Depression Chantal's significant rain and subsequent flooding, victims in Orange County and other impacted regions have a new way to seek individual relief.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Seeks Construction Material Thieves, Asks Public to Identify
Robberies of a construction site in Orange County led the sheriff's office to ask the public for help identifying suspects on Tuesday.
Orange County Arts Community Set for Uproar Festival Despite Recent Flood Damage
Orange County's Uproar Festival of Public Art returns on Aug. 1 – and it comes as the arts community recovers from catastrophic flooding.
Orange County: Josh Stein Visits the County, Medicine Pop-Up, Repair Cafe
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 23, discussing county news and events. She talked about Gov. Josh Stein's visit to Orange County to survey damage from Tropical Depression Chantal. She discussed a recent medicine pop-up event, and upcoming repair cafe, the county's participation at the National Association of Counties conference, and more.
Work on I-40 Widening Project Set to Close Lanes, Exit Ramps Overnight in Hillsborough
The ongoing work to widen I-40 in Orange County is set to disrupt overnight traffic patterns for the rest of the week, according to NCDOT.
Durham Tech Announces Contract Extension for President J.B. Buxton Through 2029
Durham Technical Community College President J.B. Buxton received a contract extension ahead of the new academic year, with his tenure now set to run to at least 2029.
›