BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Balancing Compassion and Accountability: Addressing Greensboro’s Complex Homelessness Challenge

A man sits on the sidewalk on Friendly Avenue wrapped in a sleeping bag in downtown Greensboro in this file photo from 2022. On Tuesday, the Greensboro City Council voted to prohibit camping and sleeping on city sidewalks and other thoroughfares while also banning people from sitting or lying down on those passageways during most hours of the day. WOODY MARSHALL, NEWS & RECORD

From Crisis to Opportunity: Crafting Sustainable Solutions for Homelessness in Greensboro

Homelessness in Greensboro is a multifaceted issue that demands thoughtful, effective solutions—not quick fixes that perpetuate dependency or compromise the safety and vitality of our city. Recent changes to the city code, which prohibit sitting, lying, or camping on public sidewalks and thoroughfares during specific hours, are a step toward addressing concerns raised by business owners and residents. However, these changes alone will not solve Greensboro’s homelessness crisis.

To make meaningful progress, Greensboro’s leadership must balance enforcing boundaries and providing pathways out of homelessness. Our goal should not be to create a homeless-friendly city but to foster one that empowers individuals to move beyond homelessness by addressing the root causes—lack of education, employment opportunities, and stable housing.

 

The Challenges of Homelessness in Greensboro

Downtown businesses and residents have voiced concerns over homelessness’s growing visibility and impact. Reports of harassment, vandalism, public urination, and defecation have escalated, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and better resources. Business owners like Lori Poag have emphasized the toll this issue takes on staff, customers, and the city’s reputation.

Homelessness is not just a public nuisance issue; it is a humanitarian crisis intertwined with public health and safety. The amended ordinance addresses these concerns by limiting when and where individuals can sleep, sit, or camp in public spaces. While this sets boundaries, it does not solve the underlying problems.

 

A Pathway Forward: Empowerment Through Education, Jobs, and Housing

Greensboro must take a proactive approach to break the cycle of homelessness. Here’s how:

  1. Education and Job Training: Providing access to education and job training programs is key to helping individuals gain the skills needed to secure employment. Partnerships with local businesses, community colleges, and workforce development organizations can create opportunities for homeless individuals to transition into productive roles in the community.

  2. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier for many experiencing homelessness. Greensboro must prioritize housing-first strategies, offering stable housing as a foundation for individuals to rebuild their lives. Expanding transitional housing and rental assistance programs is essential.

  3. Behavioral and Mental Health Services: Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with mental health issues or substance abuse. Investing in accessible behavioral health services and addiction recovery programs can address these challenges and help individuals regain stability.

  4. Collaboration with Nonprofits and Faith-Based Organizations: Greensboro has a rich network of nonprofits and faith-based groups already doing important work. The city should amplify these efforts by providing funding, resources, and strategic partnerships to expand their impact.

 

Accountability and Leadership

Greensboro’s leaders must approach this issue with clarity and resolve. Addressing the symptoms of homelessness by regulating behavior in public spaces is not enough. Policies must focus on long-term solutions that empower individuals to transition from homelessness.

Leadership also means setting boundaries to ensure public safety and maintaining the city’s quality of life. Programs initiated by Downtown Greensboro Inc. and the addition of portable restrooms are steps in the right direction. Still, they must be paired with accountability measures that encourage self-sufficiency rather than dependence.

 

The Role of the Community

Addressing homelessness is not solely the city council’s responsibility—it requires a collective effort from the entire community. Residents, businesses, nonprofits, and faith organizations must work together to create a Greensboro where individuals are given the tools to succeed, not just the means to survive.

 

Conclusion

Greensboro is at a crossroads. As we respond to the immediate concerns of downtown businesses and residents, we must also address the deeper, systemic issues driving homelessness. By providing education, job training, housing, and behavioral health resources, Greensboro can become a city where homelessness is not a way of life but a temporary challenge with a clear path forward.

Our city’s leadership must prioritize sustainable solutions that balance compassion with accountability. Only then can Greensboro truly thrive as a safe, inclusive, and prosperous community for all its residents.