Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston had a goal of ending homelessness in Guilford County before it turned cold in 2023 and that obviously didn’t happen. Then the goal changed to doing it before it turned cold in 2024 –and it’s already getting cold and that admittedly lofty goal obviously isn’t going to get met this year either.
In fact, the situation may be getting worse since the resource center for the homeless in downtown Greensboro has ended its nighttime hours and there are as many homeless in the city as ever who aren’t sure where they will stay on cold winter nights.
In recent weeks, Guilford County government has been assuring citizens that it’s working with faith-based organizations and other community partners to address the issue and it’s too early to tell what will come of that.
However, one thing the county and its partners are doing later this month is holding a massive week-long “awareness” event to focus the spotlight brightly on homelessness and hunger just before winter arrives.
The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is encouraging everyone to “come together to amplify attention to the growing concerns of hunger and homelessness across Guilford County.”
At the Board of Commissioners Thursday, Nov. 7, meeting, the commissioners voted to declare Sunday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 23, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the county – which is a local instantiation of a national campaign that’s sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. The county’s week is meant to demonstrate its commitment to the Guilford County Continuum of Care and that group’s efforts to coordinate housing solutions for people and families currently experiencing homelessness.
Alston said this week that, though the county has a long way to go when it comes to solving the problem, this strong focus of attention on the issue should help move people and organizations in the right direction.
“Guilford County stands firmly in supporting our most vulnerable residents, including those who are facing food insecurity and homelessness,” Alston said this week.
He added that the county is encouraging everyone to participate in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by coming out to the events and also by helping share resources with those who need them the most.
According to Alston, the week will be “a powerful reminder that we can make a difference when we come together as One Guilford.”
Through Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Guilford County Continuum of Care, working with multiple county departments, non-profits and other partners, is going to host a series of events designed to increase awareness and inspire county residents to action.
The week-long event includes things like a county-wide food drive, an awareness expo, and a listing of volunteer opportunities.
Here’s the event schedule for the week…
Food Drive
Monday, Nov. 18 – Friday, Nov. 22
Donations will be accepted at the following locations:
- Guilford County Social Services – Greensboro office, 1203 Maple St., Greensboro
- Guilford County Social Services – High Point office, 325 E Russell Ave., High Point
- NC Cooperative Extension – Guilford County Center, 3309 Burlington Road., Greensboro
Community Outreach Event
Monday, Nov. 18, Noon – 2 p.m.
Location: 201 Fourth St., High Point
You can join the City of High Point’s Community and Neighborhood Development unit to learn about resources available to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Expo
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 2500 Lees Chapel Road, Greensboro
Join Guilford County Schools to learn about resources available to students and families.
Movie Night and Community Discussion
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m.– 8 p.m.
Location: 210 Oakwood St., High Point
Join the Continuum of Care for a free movie night and enjoy complimentary food while there. You can also take part in a community discussion on homelessness. Register ahead of time for this event.
Youth Homelessness 101 Training
Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: 1601 Huffine Mill Rd., Greensboro
Wear green to spread awareness of youth homelessness and join Youth Focus for a free training session to learn about youth homelessness and the local organizations supporting youth in crisis. Registration for this event is already full.
Community Outreach Event
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: 360 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro
Join Tiny House Community Development HOPE Center to learn about resources available to those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Volunteer Day
Friday, Nov. 22
Wear purple to spread awareness of homelessness, and volunteer at local organizations.
If you want to know more about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Guilford County or register for an event, contact the Guilford County Continuum of Care at infoCoC@guilfordcountync.gov.
