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.

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