As we enter the coldest months of the year, Greensboro faces a challenge that demands innovative and compassionate solutions: addressing the needs of our homeless population. One opportunity lies just a few miles away at the Sandy Ridge facility, a property owned by the State of North Carolina. Closed in 1998 as a prison, this site is currently used as a parking lot for the Department of Transportation. However, the former prison facility could be easily retrofitted to serve as a safe haven for the homeless. It’s time for Greensboro’s city leadership to engage state officials and repurpose this facility into a place where those experiencing homelessness can find refuge.
This idea isn’t unprecedented. Across the country, closed correctional facilities have been transformed into spaces that provide food, shelter, and support for vulnerable populations. For example, Grace Marketplace in Gainesville, Florida, stands as a shining example of success. Since its inception in 2014, Grace Marketplace has served over 22,000 individuals, facilitated housing for more than 3,200 people, and served over 1.3 million meals. It operates as a low-barrier, one-stop center where essential services such as medical care, mental health counseling, and skills training are provided in a welcoming environment.
Similarly, the Haywood Pathways Center in North Carolina has demonstrated the profound impact of repurposing a closed prison into a multi-faceted facility that serves as a homeless shelter, in-patient recovery center, and transitional housing program. Established in 2014, the Haywood Pathways Center has provided over 23,000 nights of shelter and served more than 100,000 meals. Their community-focused approach, which includes job training and transitional support, has empowered many individuals to achieve stability and independence. These projects show that it’s feasible and incredibly impactful to reuse such facilities for community support.
The Sandy Ridge site has excellent potential. The facility’s existing kitchen could become a hub for meal preparation led by local faith organizations and community volunteers. Even better, the homeless individuals staying at the facility could participate in food preparation, gaining valuable skills to help them transition to stable employment. Imagine a place where people not only find warmth and safety but also discover purpose and the tools to rebuild their lives.
The transformation wouldn’t require significant resources. With funding from federal allocations designated for addressing homelessness—money already available to our city—and additional support from local and private sectors, we can erase the look of a prison and create an inviting environment. Removing the fencing and other elements that give the site a prison-like appearance would not take much money. Still, it would make a significant difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere for homeless individuals. This investment would provide immediate relief during harsh winter months and serve as a long-term strategy to reduce homelessness in Greensboro.
This idea might appear to be unconventional, but in these times, we need to think outside of the box of what is normally accepted. I challenge our current city council leaders to explore this option for the homeless in our city. Specifically, I challenge Trey Davis, our city manager, and his staff to make this project a priority. Trey Davis has stated that his number one priority is Homelessness Solutions—collaborating with local nonprofits and expanding winter shelter options to protect our most vulnerable. Let’s see him act upon this priority by making the Sandy Ridge facility a reality for those who need it most. Greensboro has a history of taking bold steps to support its community—this could be another proud chapter in that story.
This isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about fostering dignity, growth, and community. It’s about showing that Greensboro cares deeply about all its residents, especially the most vulnerable. It’s about proving that collaboration between city and state leadership can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone.
I urge my fellow city leaders to seize this opportunity. Let’s open a dialogue with state officials and bring this vision to life. Together, we can transform the Sandy Ridge facility from a dormant lot into a beacon of hope for our homeless population. The time to act is now.
Other Resources:
Can Closed Prisons Be Repurposed to Mend the Harm They’ve Done?
A former women’s prison in this posh NYC neighborhood is slated to become housing
The Implications of Prison Flipping
Haywood Pathways Center Waynesville, NC
Homeless Support Services – Gainesville, FL
Greensboro Available Federal Funding
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– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council
