Community Foundation Launches Collaborative to Address Unhoused Challenges

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro (CFGG) today announced the formation of the Unhoused Working Group, a comprehensive collaborative to address both immediate needs and long-term solutions for Greensboro’s unhoused population. Tim Rice, CFGG Board Member and former CEO of Cone Health Systems, will chair this public-private partnership.

The Unhoused Working Group brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including nonprofit service providers, faith organizations, private sector leaders, public sector representatives, and importantly, Greensboro residents with lived experience as unhoused individuals. This inclusive approach ensures that solutions are integrated, practical, and informed by real-world experience.

“Our community faces significant challenges in addressing homelessness, and the time for coordinated action is now,” said Tim Rice, Chair of the Unhoused Working Group. “By bringing together key stakeholders and focusing on both immediate needs and systemic solutions, we’re taking an important step toward becoming a true ‘housing first’ community.”

The Working Group began meeting earlier this summer to align priorities to address, which identified several key priorities for immediate action:

• Implementation of winter emergency shelter plans, including support for the City’s Doorways Pallet House program and begin planning for the future
• Engagement with faith communities to expand shelter facilities
• Assessment of existing facilities and identification of gaps in current services
• Work with Guilford County in supporting the development of a strategic plan around the eco-system of the unhoused population including the development of coordinated case management and data tracking systems
• Enhancement of service provider training and community education
• Exploration of sustainable funding models

Guilford County’s unhoused population continues to grow, highlighting the urgency of this initiative. The Working Group will take a data-driven approach to addressing these challenges, focusing on measurable outcomes and evidence-based solutions.

A unique aspect of this initiative is its emphasis on cross-sector collaboration. The Working Group hopes to continue to expand participation to bring all groups to the table to ensure coordinated effort and maximum impact. This includes exploring the potential revival of successful past programs such as the Guilford Interfaith Housing Network.

“We’re committed to developing solutions that are both innovative and sustainable,” added Rice. “This isn’t just about addressing immediate needs – it’s about creating lasting change in how our community approaches housing security.”

For more information about the Unhoused Working Group or how to support this initiative, please contact Brandon Zeigler, Chief Impact Officer, at bzeigler@cfgg.org.