DHHS Directive Number II-47

Title:	Delegation of Authority to the Director, Office of Housing and Homelessness
Effective Date:	November 3, 2008
Revision History:	February 15, 2006
Authority:	G.S. 143B-10

Purpose

The purpose of this directive is to delegate, clarify and specifically confirm certain authorities of the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) to the department’s Director of the Office of Housing and Homelessness. The Director shall report to the Secretary through the Senior Advisor. The role of the Director of the Office of Housing and Homelessness is to ensure a unified and evidence-based approach to housing and homeless issues across the department, and to enhance departmental coordination on housing and homeless issues with external entities, including councils, workgroups, media, advocacy groups, local service organizations, other state agencies and the governor’s office.

Policy

As the DHHS Secretary’s housing representative, the Director of the Office of Housing and Homelessness shall lead and guide the divisions and offices of DHHS in the development of policy and strategies to address housing needs for DHHS clients and ensure synchronization of services across division lines, and represent the department in state and federal housing policy and planning initiatives. The Housing Coordinator’s specific responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Organize and chair a DHHS Housing Work Group, and ensure the participation, as deemed appropriate, of designees from all DHHS divisions that address housing and homelessness or serve constituents who would benefit from expanded access to affordable community housing.



2. Provide training and technical assistance to DHHS divisions and offices in housing policy, resources, and grant writing.



3. Provide leadership in the development of linkages between multiple divisions, local resources and developers of low-income housing in the planning, development and expansion of housing opportunities for DHHS consumers.



4. Represent the department and coordinate departmental efforts in housing and homeless policy and planning initiatives, including, but not limited to:
1. The NC Consolidated Plan for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.



2. The NC Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs.

	APPROVED
	Dempsey Benton, Secretary
	Department of Health and Human Services