BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Exciting Progress for Homeless Veterans and Medical Recovery Housing: Nicky Smith Applauds The Servant Center’s Efforts

Shanna Reece, Executive Director of the Servant Center, stands at the organization’s newly acquired facility on Boulevard Street, formerly known as Holden Heights assisted-living. Spanning four stories and 37,000 square feet, the center will feature 21 single-occupancy rooms designed for veterans transitioning out of homelessness, along with 22 specialized beds for individuals requiring respite care during recovery from illness or injury.

New Servant Center Facility Offers Hope: Housing for Homeless Veterans and Respite Care for Those in Recovery

The Servant Center has long been a beacon of hope and resilience in Greensboro, providing critical support for homeless veterans and needy individuals. Now, with the upcoming development of a new housing center, it’s clear that this organization is stepping up to meet even greater challenges head-on. Nicky Smith, Greensboro City Council candidate for District 4, is thrilled to see the Servant Center making strides with support from Guilford County and is excited about the opportunities this project will create for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.

A $500,000 Boost for a Transformative Project

Located at 1915 Boulevard Street, the new center transforms a former nursing home into a state-of-the-art facility offering more than 40 beds. This project aims to serve homeless veterans with disabilities as well as individuals needing medical respite care during recovery from injuries or illnesses.

The Servant Center has already secured substantial funding, including $1.5 million from the City of Greensboro and $1 million from Guilford County, along with federal contributions. However, to complete the final renovation phase, the nonprofit requests an additional $500,000 from Guilford County commissioners, who are set to review the proposal on December 19.

A Space for Recovery, Community, and Dignity

Once renovations are complete in April 2025, the new center will provide housing and a true sanctuary. The facility will feature amenities such as a game room, barber shop and salon, a computer lab, and a large meeting space for classes and counseling sessions. The 22 medical respite beds, staffed with healthcare professionals, will fill a critical gap for those recovering from medical procedures while experiencing homelessness.

The 21 veterans currently housed at the Servant House will also transition to this new facility, ensuring a seamless move to a more comprehensive and accommodating environment.

Tackling Funding Delays with Determination

The path to this milestone hasn’t been without its hurdles. Delays in federal funding temporarily placed the project in jeopardy, but thanks to diligent work from the Servant Center’s leadership, much of the backlog has been resolved. Executive Director Shanna Reece highlighted the challenges nonprofits face when awaiting reimbursement from governmental agencies, but she remains optimistic that these barriers won’t overshadow the project’s transformative potential.

Nicky Smith’s Perspective: A Commitment to Veterans and the Homeless

Nicky Smith has long advocated for initiatives that uplift the underserved in our community. He believes this project exemplifies the power of collaboration between nonprofits, local governments, and community partners.

“This is exactly the kind of progress we need to see,” Smith shared. “Our veterans and homeless individuals in recovery deserve not only a place to stay but a place that restores their dignity and helps them thrive. The Servant Center is making that vision a reality, and I’m excited to see Guilford County stepping in to ensure this incredible project crosses the finish line.”

The Bigger Picture: Supporting Our Community

The Servant Center’s expansion is more than a construction project—it’s a statement about Greensboro’s values and commitment to its residents. This new facility will not only address immediate needs but will also create opportunities for personal growth, recovery, and reintegration into the community.

As we look ahead to April and beyond, there’s much to celebrate and even more work to be done. Nicky Smith is committed to supporting efforts like these, ensuring that every member of our community has the resources they need to succeed.

Stay tuned as this exciting project unfolds, and let’s continue to rally behind the organizations and leaders, making Greensboro a better place for everyone.

Let’s create change that makes a real difference. That’s my commitment to you.

–Nicky Smith
Candidate for City Council District 4