How Greensboro Can Tackle Homelessness with the Healthy Opportunities Model

Homelessness in Greensboro is more than a housing issue — it’s a health crisis. In this blog, Nicky Smith explores how the Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program (HOPP) offers a smart, compassionate model to address homelessness by connecting people to housing, food, transportation, and medical respite care. With the right leadership, Greensboro can adopt these proven strategies to create real, lasting change.
Breaking the Housing Crisis: Smart Solutions for Working Families

The Reality on the Ground. Grace Clifford, a local real estate broker, captures the urgency perfectly: homes under $300,000 are disappearing within hours of hitting the market. Families are making offers sight unseen, with inspectors walking through homes because buyers have less than 24 hours to decide. This isn’t a healthy market—it’s a crisis that demands immediate action. As someone who has spent 45 years building businesses and solving complex problems, I understand that effective solutions require leadership that can work with all stakeholders—developers, builders, city planners, and residents—to create real pathways to homeownership.
Too Much, Too Fast — Greensboro Needs Balanced, Not Blanket, Housing Solutions

Greensboro is at a crossroads in its approach to affordable housing. While the recent approval of over $6.5 million for new projects aims to expand access, concerns about equitable development cannot be overlooked. Councilwoman Sharon Hightower highlights the risks of concentrating affordable units in underserved areas without essential services. As we strive for a balanced and intentional growth strategy, it’s crucial to ensure that every neighborhood benefits. Join me, Nicky Smith, in advocating for a Greensboro that prioritizes smart growth and inclusivity, where every resident has a fair shot, regardless of their ZIP code.
Addressing the Growing Homeless Crisis in Greensboro: A Call for Long-Term Solutions

The homeless crisis in Greensboro has reached alarming levels, with a significant rise in individuals without stable housing. As the city grapples with increasing homeless camps and rising healthcare costs, it’s clear that temporary solutions are no longer enough. Greensboro needs bold leadership and a comprehensive, long-term plan that addresses the root causes of homelessness. By learning from successful models in other cities and fostering partnerships with local organizations, we can create a safer, more compassionate community. Join us in exploring actionable strategies to build a better Greensboro for all its residents.
How Greensboro Can Save Money and Become a National Model by Adopting Finland’s Housing First Approach

Homelessness is a complex challenge, but Finland’s groundbreaking Housing First model proves it can be solved. By focusing on permanent housing first and providing tailored support services, Finland has drastically reduced homelessness over the last 16 years. Greensboro has the opportunity to adopt this innovative approach, not only improving lives but also saving money. Imagine transforming existing shelters into permanent housing, reducing the burden on emergency services, and creating a compassionate community. Discover how Greensboro can become a national model in tackling homelessness and lead the way toward a brighter future for all its residents.