Greensboro City Council approves contract for winter sheltering, issues sharp criticism of Interactive Resource Center

The city of Greensboro approved a contract with a faith-based organization to provide overnight shelter for the unhoused this winter while issuing sharp criticism for another local nonprofit's approach to tackling homelessness.

The City Council unanimously approved the $425,000 contract with Greensboro Urban Ministries to expand its Winter House shelter program, which would add nearly 60 beds to the initiative. This is in addition to the 83 beds through the city's Doorway Project, which is overseen by the Interactive Resource Center.

But the IRC received renewed scrutiny from officials at the Monday night meeting due to the shooting and death of a man just outside its doors last week. The center's leadership has said it strives to be accessible for all amid calls for increased and armed security.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan said the goal could have unintended consequences and more measures are needed, otherwise many would not feel comfortable entering its doors.

"We are willing to help however we can financially, but I don't know that we always feel that you're willing to help us when it comes to accountability and safety," she said.

The center has faced criticism since moving to a 24/7 model and as the number of unhoused people swelled to an untenable amount for the nonprofit. IRC leadership announced in October it would scale back its hours.