Guilford County, the city of High Point, and the city of Greensboro have all been adopting programs aimed at reducing homelessness, and Greensboro officials have now added another project to that list.
The City of Greensboro is rolling out a new rental assistance program designed to help some of the city’s most vulnerable residents secure stable housing, with city officials saying that the effort will target those at risk of homelessness.
The initiative, approved by the City Council at its March 17 meeting, is scheduled to begin Monday, June 1, and will run through the fall of 2030. The city is partnering with the Greensboro Housing Authority to administer more than $1.6 million in assistance for low-income households.
Funding for the program comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, along with support from the Nussbaum Housing Partnership.
According to city officials, the program will focus on households earning 30 percent or less of this area’s median income. Assistance will be directed mainly toward individuals and families already on the Continuum of Care rapid re-housing waitlist, as well as those referred by partner agencies, with all referrals coordinated through the housing authority.
Priority will be given to people experiencing homelessness or those fleeing domestic violence.
Eligible households may receive rental assistance for up to 24 months.
“This initiative strengthens our community’s response to homelessness by providing flexible rental assistance and partnering with local providers to ensure households receive the support they need to achieve stability,” Greensboro Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer James Cox said.
City officials say that the program is also intended to reduce the backlog of people waiting for housing help.
“This program will help reduce the waitlist in our community for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” Greensboro Supportive Housing Analyst Charles Gray said. “Together, with our ongoing work to expand affordable housing, it reflects the city’s commitment to providing safe, secure, and dignified housing options for residents who need it most.”
This latest effort is part of a broader housing strategy known as Housing GSO – a 10-year plan adopted by the City Council in 2020 to improve access to affordable housing and upgrade existing housing conditions across Greensboro.
That plan outlines four main goals: expanding affordable rental housing, reinvesting in neighborhoods, increasing access to homeownership and providing supportive housing.
The current phase of Housing GSO includes plans to create a housing loan fund aimed at preserving and developing affordable multi-family housing, with funding strategies mapped out through 2030.
More information is available on the city’s website.
