29-01-2025
Discussing solutions to the growing homeless problem in the Triad
PIEDMONT TRIAD, N.C. (WGHP) — , we discussed the nature of the growing issue of homelessness in the Piedmont Triad. Now in Part II, we discuss what is being done to help the homeless.
Dr. Latonya Agard is the director of the . She told FOX8, 'the homelessness problem is a housing problem. We just don't have enough affordable housing.'
PART I: The growing problem of homelessness in the Triad
Our largest cities are trying to provide that housing.
In High Point, new affordable housing is going up on Old Winston Road and they are working with Open Door Ministries to build a new homeless shelter.
The city of Winston-Salem launched 'The Equitable Homeownership Project' and four new houses are already under construction.
Now, city leaders are also rethinking how to use existing buildings.
Shereka Floyd is the city's home program director said, 'We have purchased an apartment building that we working on turning in permanent supportive housing. We are also looking at creative ways to increase affordable housing by looking at conversion and looking at rehabing existing properties that aren't currently in use.'
In Greensboro, the city council voted to expand the Doorway Project which provides temporary pallet homes at Pomona Park during the winter. They also bought and demolished the former Regency Inn. A developer will build affordable housing on the site.
But it can't stop with new housing.
Hugh Holston is a member of the Greensboro City Council and CEO of the Greensboro Housing Coalition.
Holston said 'Just building homes is not going to get us there. For many of our residents, they need additional assistance that's where case management comes in. There may be issues such as employment. There may some mental challenges skills challenges so when you hear about homelessness or unhoused getting into some type of housing. There's a continuum and a process. It's not just building the home and placing the person in the home.'
The Greensboro City Council recently awarded 425,000 dollars to the Greensboro Urban Ministry to provide emergency shelter. Greensboro Urban Ministry has 100 beds and they partnered with local churches to provide more. They're currently sheltering 57 people who also receive an hour each week with a case manager.
Greensboro Urban Ministry's Brian Hahne said, 'I've been thinking of the term shelter first. It's short term. It's not permanent but if we can get folks safely into shelter and connect them with the kind of service support they need, strong case management, workforce development, working on their mental health and substance abuse recovery, then that stability can shift from being in a place of chaos and survival towards sustainability.'
The 2024 Point in Time count found 627 homeless people in Winston-Salem. The city has 350 shelter beds.
In Greensboro and High Point, the 2024 Point in Time count found 665 homeless people.
Hahne says at least 150 more emergency shelter beds are needed in Greensboro.
He said, 'It's going to take resources from the city, the faith community and I actually think from the business community all stakeholders saying hey I think let's get our arms around this together and work on some solutions.'
Dr. Agard says those solutions start with some questions.
She said, 'Who is this community created for? Who are we leaving out? Whose voice have we not heard? How are we taking care of those who need support the most? And being willing to ask hard questions and maybe even ask those questions of ourselves. where do I fit along this continuum and where can I contribute my voice?
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