10A NCAC 97A .0101. FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The functions and responsibilities of the Office of Economic Opportunity, hereinafter referred to as Office include:

(1)           to maintain a continuing review of existing programs and unmet needs for the poor in the State of North Carolina, and periodically make recommendations for improvements in and additions to North Carolina's programs for the low‑income citizens to the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, hereinafter referred to as the Department, to the Governor, and to the General Assembly, as appropriate;

(2)           to study, collect, maintain, publish, and disseminate factual data and pertinent information relative to all aspects of poverty;

(3)           to stimulate, inform, educate, and assist local organizations (public and private) and the community at large about poverty, including needs, resources, and opportunities, and about the role low‑income people themselves can play in improving conditions for the poor;

(4)           to give priority to mobilization and coordination of anti‑poverty resources, particularly at the state level;

(5)           to act as special advocate for the poor in state government by such activities as:  working for representation of the poor in state government, and assessing state poverty programs and administrative procedures;

(6)           to provide a broad range of technical assistance and training to the staff and governing bodies of grant recipients;

(7)           to serve as the agency through which various public and private organizations concerned with poverty can exchange information, coordinate programs, and be encouraged and assisted to engage in joint endeavors;

(8)           to provide advice, information, and technical assistance to North Carolina state government departments and agencies, to non‑governmental organizations, and to local organizations which may be considering the inauguration of services, programs, or facilities for the poor, or which can be stimulated to take such action;

(9)           to identify research needs, encourage research, and assist in obtaining funds for research and demonstration projects;

(10)         to establish, or help to establish, demonstration programs or services for the poor;

(11)         to assist in the development and operation of programs aimed at addressing the unmet needs of poor persons;

(12)         to plan and administer the Community Services Block Grant in conformance with federal and state regulations; and

(13)         to administer special state allocations or other funds for the poor assigned to the Office by the state.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143‑323(d); 143B‑10; 143B‑277;

Eff. March 2, 1979;

Amended Eff. December 1, 1983.