The Greensboro City Council’s recent ordinance prohibiting sitting, resting, and sleeping on sidewalks, in alleys, and building entrances has sparked significant community debate. Aiming to address complaints about property damage, waste, and disruptions, the ordinance has drawn praise and criticism. While some applaud the measure as necessary for maintaining public order and supporting downtown businesses, others express concern about its impact on Greensboro’s growing unhoused population.
Nicky Smith, a candidate for Greensboro City Council District 4, calls for a balanced approach that not only enforces laws but also provides meaningful support to the homeless community. Smith acknowledges the challenges business owners and residents face but emphasizes that enforcement alone is not a solution to homelessness. Instead, he proposes a creative and compassionate use of city resources, including opening the Greensboro Coliseum as a temporary winter shelter.
Smith envisions the Coliseum, one of Greensboro’s largest public facilities, as a refuge for those without shelter during the harsh winter months. “The Coliseum is often idle during the evening hours. Why not use its space to provide warmth and safety to our homeless population?” Smith asks. His proposal includes offering meals prepared in the Coliseum’s kitchens by community volunteers, with food donations coordinated through organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank.
This initiative, Smith argues, could foster a sense of community involvement while addressing immediate needs. “It’s not just about shelter; it’s about dignity. By offering a warm meal and a safe place to sleep, we show that Greensboro is a city that cares for all its residents,” Smith says.
Smith also questions the practicality of enforcing the new ordinance, especially in light of recent directives limiting the Greensboro Police Department’s authority to arrest homeless individuals for nonviolent offenses. “We need clarity on how enforcement will work,” Smith notes. “Without a clear plan and adequate resources, this ordinance risks pushing the unhoused further into the margins without addressing the root causes of homelessness.”
Smith urges the Greensboro City Council and community leaders to look beyond enforcement. “Homelessness is a complex issue tied to housing affordability, mental health, and job access. A law alone won’t solve it,” he says. Smith highlights the need for increased investment in transitional housing, mental health services, and job training programs.
Additionally, he supports measures such as portable restrooms and warming centers, which the city has begun implementing. However, Smith believes these steps must be part of a larger, long-term strategy involving local nonprofits, businesses, and faith-based organizations.
Smith’s approach combines compassion with practicality. By proposing solutions like the Coliseum shelter, he aims to unite the community around a shared goal of reducing homelessness while preserving the vitality of public spaces. “As a city, we can—and must—do better. Smith concludes that this is about humanity and ensuring that Greensboro remains a place where everyone feels they belong,” Smith concludes.
With the city grappling with balancing public order and compassion, Smith’s vision offers a path forward that prioritizes enforcement and empathy. As he continues his campaign for City Council, he invites residents to join him in building a Greensboro that supports all its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.
Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council
