Originally aired July 21, 2024

Originally aired March 21, 2025

A step forward in tenant support has been announced with Greensboro’s decision to allocate additional funding to the Tenant Education Advocacy Mediation Program (TEAM). Highlighted in a recent article by MyFOX8, this moment marks a significant advancement in the city’s commitment to addressing housing stability and protecting renters from the devastating impact of evictions.

What Is TEAM?

The TEAM program operates through the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Center for Housing and Community Studies in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina. The initiative is designed to provide tenants with essential resources, education, and legal assistance to help them stay in their homes. Services include free legal representation, mediation, support with rental assistance, and referrals to mental health and substance use services or other community organizations.

Currently, TEAM serves an impressive 900 households per quarter in Guilford County, offering a vital lifeline in a process where landlords often have the upper hand. According to Greensboro City Council member Hugh Holston, only about 10% of tenants in eviction proceedings have legal representation, compared to 90% of landlords. TEAM’s work helps level this playing field, and with the city’s support for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the program can now expand its reach.

Closing the Gaps in Housing Support

The city’s budget allocation of $440,000 will allow TEAM to increase its presence from operating at Guilford County Courthouses two days a week to four days a week. This means hundreds more households can receive help when facing eviction. Beyond preventing evictions, TEAM’s services aim to address underlying challenges, breaking the “endless cycle” of housing instability that many low- and middle-income tenants face.

The success of TEAM has been evident in individual stories like Beverly Bailey’s, a Greensboro resident who spent seven years homeless after an eviction. For Bailey, the expanded program would have made a world of difference by connecting her with resources earlier and preventing the long-term impacts of losing her housing.

Bruce Rich, Director of the Center for Housing and Community Studies, said it best, “When a tenant facing eviction is represented by a lawyer, their outcomes are… going to be much better than a tenant without representation trying to navigate the confusing process all by themselves.”

How You Can Support Tenant Advocacy

Making meaningful change in our community requires collective action. Here are three ways you can support tenant advocacy in Greensboro:

1. Volunteer or Support Local Organizations: Groups like TEAM and Greensboro Housing Coalition depend on community members to amplify their work. Whether you donate, volunteer your time, or help spread the word, your involvement matters.
2. Advocate for Housing Justice: Stay informed about policies and initiatives affecting renters in Greensboro. Attend council meetings, talk to your representatives, and urge local leaders to prioritize housing stability.
3. Help Tenants Know Their Rights: Share what you learn about programs like TEAM with neighbors, friends, and family. Access to resources and education can prevent evictions before they happen.

The TEAM program is helping to create a stronger, more equitable Greensboro, where housing stability is not a luxury but a reality for all. To learn more about this vital program and its life-changing work, read the full MyFOX8 article here. Together, we can continue to advocate for and support those who need it most in our community.

The Greensboro City Council recently made a significant decision about how to handle the environmental contamination at Bingham Park, as detailed in an article by the Greensboro News & Record. After much deliberation, the council voted in October 2024, 6-2 to adopt a “cap-and-cover” approach rather than undertaking a full cleanup of the site. While this choice moves the project forward, it leaves many in the community grappling with questions about health, equity, and long-term environmental solutions.

Understanding the Issue

Bingham Park, located off South English Street, has a history of environmental contamination due to its use as an unregulated landfill and trash incineration site from the 1920s to the 1950s. The soil is tainted with heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, posing potential health risks to the surrounding community. For years, residents, community organizations, and city leaders have worked to determine the best way to address this problem.

The council’s decision to pursue the cap-and-cover method, which involves covering the contaminated soil with a geotextile fabric and fresh topsoil, was largely driven by financial considerations. The alternative option of a full cleanup, which would include removing the contaminated soil to a landfill outside Guilford County, carried a price tag between $41 million and $43 million. With only $18 million currently available for the project, the majority of council members felt this less costly method was the only viable option for now.

What This Means for the Community

While the cap-and-cover method addresses immediate health concerns by containing the contamination, it doesn’t resolve the problem at its root. The decision also limits the park’s future use, restricting it to passive recreation like walking trails while barring deeper development, such as playgrounds or other amenities.

The community’s response to the decision has been mixed. Many residents and advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing for a full cleanup to protect public health and ensure environmental justice. Concerns have also been raised about the historical inequities in how resources are allocated to marginalized communities, with some seeing the decision as a Band-Aid on a deep wound.

How to Stay Engaged

This decision underscores the importance of community involvement in advocating for comprehensive, long-term solutions to environmental challenges. Here’s how you can take action today:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Read about the history of Bingham Park and the council’s decision in the full article here. Share what you learn to spark conversations about environmental justice.
2. Advocate for Long-Term Solutions: Reach out to local officials to voice your support for continued efforts to fully remediate the park and address environmental health disparities.
3. Support Local Organizations: Partner with groups like Greensboro Housing Coalition that are committed to creating equitable, healthy, and sustainable communities. By volunteering, donating, or advocating alongside these organizations, you can help ensure every resident has a safe place to live and thrive.

The path forward for Bingham Park is a reminder of the shared responsibility we have to protect our environment and advocate for community health. Together, we can push for a future where decisions are not only practical but also just and inclusive for everyone.

Originally aired July 30, 2024

For over two decades, the Greensboro Housing Coalition has been a vital advocate for fair, safe, and affordable housing. A recent video by ABC45 highlights the Coalition’s continued efforts to support low- and moderate-income residents facing housing challenges. With a strong focus on counseling, education, and advocacy, the Coalition aims to help individuals and families not just secure housing but achieve long-term stability.

The Crisis of Affordable Housing

Housing affordability remains a critical issue in Greensboro, as rising home prices outpace wages. Whether it’s helping renters avoid eviction or guiding homeowners through foreclosure challenges, the Coalition specializes in housing counseling to keep people in their homes. Their mission also reinforces the importance of recognizing connections between housing stability and other essential needs, such as access to jobs, healthcare, and healthy food.

Making a Difference During Difficult Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greensboro Housing Coalition proved itself as a lifeline for the community. By managing a housing hotline and distributing $5.6 million in rental and utility aid, they ensured hundreds of families could avoid homelessness in a time of crisis. This dedication speaks volumes about the impact local organizations can have when equipped with the right resources and supported by a committed community.

How You Can Support This Crucial Work

The work of the Greensboro Housing Coalition thrives on community support, and there are many ways you can make a difference:

1. Volunteer – Whether you have professional skills, time to assist with events, or can pack care kits, your contributions matter.
2. Donate – Financial support helps fund counseling services, housing initiatives, and emergency assistance programs that stabilize lives.
3. Advocate – Speak up for policies that expand access to affordable housing and address broader systemic issues.

The Greensboro Housing Coalition plays a pivotal role in ensuring everyone in our community has access to safe and affordable housing. To learn more about their work and find ways to get involved, visit their website or read the full ABC45 article here. Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind.

Every year, Guilford County takes an important step toward addressing homelessness by conducting the Point in Time (PIT) homeless count. Recently, county leaders and volunteers came together at Jamestown Presbyterian Church to perform the count, as highlighted in an article by ABC45. This effort isn’t just about statistics; it’s about understanding the true scope of homelessness in our community and securing the resources needed to make a difference.

What Is the Point in Time Count?

The PIT count, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, involves identifying and assessing those experiencing homelessness. It gives us a critical snapshot of how many people are unhoused, what challenges they face, and where resources are most urgently needed. Guilford County Commissioner Pat Tillman put it best when he said, “What is measured is what gets done.” Without accurate data, it’s impossible to direct funding and services effectively.

This data is vital for unlocking government funding to support emergency shelters, behavioral health services, and long-term housing solutions. Commissioner Skip Alston emphasized the complexity of the issue, noting that many individuals have skills or trades but face barriers like mental illness, substance use challenges, or addiction that keep them stuck in cycles of homelessness.

Beyond the Numbers

The Point in Time count also has an immediate impact. During the recent count, volunteers handed out winter care kits filled with blankets, toiletries, and other essentials to those in need. This small act of kindness shows how a caring community can come together, even in the simplest ways, to provide relief and hope.

How You Can Help

The PIT count is only one part of the solution. Addressing homelessness requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. Here’s how you can play a role in transforming our community for the better:

1. Volunteer: Give your time to organizations working on homelessness solutions, from helping with counts to assisting in shelters or distributing supplies.
2. Donate: Your financial support helps fund critical services like housing initiatives, job training, and emergency care. Contributions can make a world of difference for a family or individual on the path to stability.
3. Advocate: Push for policies that expand affordable housing and supportive services in Guilford County. Advocate for the kind of systemic changes that can prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps to chip away at the barriers facing those living without a home. The PIT count is a reminder that with dedication and the right resources, we can create a future where no one in our community is left behind.

For more details, check out the full ABC45 article here and consider how you can take action today to support Guilford County’s homeless population. Together, we can make lasting change.

The homelessness crisis in the Piedmont Triad is a challenge that demands urgent attention. According to a recent article from MyFOX8, homelessness in Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem continues to grow, driven by a lack of affordable housing and access to supportive services. Local leaders, nonprofits, and community groups are stepping up to tackle the issue. But lasting change is only possible when we all get involved.

Local Efforts Making an Impact

Affordable housing lies at the heart of the solution. Across the Triad, cities are taking bold steps to address the problem:

• High Point is building new affordable housing and collaborating with Open Door Ministries to establish a homeless shelter.
• Winston-Salem introduced the Equitable Homeownership Project, broke ground on new homes, and is creatively repurposing older buildings into supportive housing.
• Greensboro has expanded its Doorway Project, set up temporary pallet homes, and is redeveloping properties like the former Regency Inn into affordable housing.

But housing alone isn’t enough. Greensboro Housing Coalition’s CEO Hugh Holston reminds us that many homeless individuals need additional support, like job training, mental health resources, and case management, to truly make a fresh start. This holistic approach is essential for sustainable progress.

Why Community Efforts Are Key

Homelessness is a complex, multi-layered issue. Addressing it requires collaboration between city governments, nonprofits, businesses, faith groups, and individuals like you. The article emphasizes how emergency shelters, workforce development programs, and case management play crucial roles in stabilizing lives. However, resources and funding remain a challenge, with Greensboro alone needing at least 150 more emergency shelter beds.

Dr. Latonya Agard of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness poses powerful questions we should all reflect on. Who is our community built for? Who is being left behind? How can we, as individuals, contribute to the solution?

Get Involved

Every one of us can make a difference. Here’s how you can help transform your community:

1. Volunteer Your Time: Whether assembling care packages, helping with events, or lending your professional skills, your efforts can directly support those experiencing homelessness.
2. Donate Financially: Contributions to organizations like Greensboro Housing Coalition enable them to expand programs, provide shelter, and advocate for systemic change.
3. Advocate for Affordable Housing: Speak up for policies that increase affordable housing and support services in your community. Your voice matters.

The road to ending homelessness in the Triad is challenging, but together, we can move closer to a solution. If we work collectively to provide stable housing, supportive services, and equal opportunities, we’ll create a region where everyone can thrive.

For more insight into these ongoing efforts, check out the full Fox8 article here and consider how you can be part of this critical work.

Originally aired on the “Good on Paper” podcast by The Atlantic

Affordable housing is something every family deserves, but for many across North Carolina, rising rent costs have made it harder than ever to find a place to call home. That’s why North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is taking action.

This week, Attorney General Jackson, joined by the U.S. Department of Justice and nine other states, filed a lawsuit against six major landlords accused of using pricing algorithms to inflate rent prices. These landlords, managing over 70,000 units across the state, allegedly worked with RealPage, a software company, to share private rent-related data and coordinate price increases. If true, these actions would violate antitrust laws by artificially pushing rent costs beyond what the competitive market would normally allow.

“North Carolinians are struggling to afford their rent as it is,” Jackson said. “We won’t stand for landlords and real estate companies making the problem worse to line their own pockets.”

This lawsuit is a step toward ensuring fairness in housing and holding landlords accountable for practices that harm residents. At Greensboro Housing Coalition, we believe in the importance of protecting renters and promoting transparency in the housing market. Everyone deserves access to safe, affordable housing without worrying about unfair rent hikes.

Original article: https://myfox8.com/news/politics/nc/north-carolina-attorney-general-suing-6-landlords-accused-of-hiking-rent-rates/