Interactive Resource Center to host conversation on the rise of working homeless individuals

The Interactive Resource Center, or IRC, is bringing journalist Brian Goldstone to Greensboro to discuss the rise of the working homeless.

Goldstone's new book, There Is No Place For Us: Working and Homeless in America, looks at five working families who find themselves living in cars.

IRC Interim Executive Director Bennita Curtain says it's a situation that's becoming increasingly familiar for individuals at the day center.

"I will be honest, it's sometimes a little bit of a reality check for our people, that once they get a job, they think, you know, in some ways, they got the golden ticket. 'I have a job. I'm not going to end up in this situation again,'" she says. "And they quickly find out that housing is expensive, unless you can share that cost burden with someone, you're not going to be able to get a place on your own."

The IRC hosted its safe parking program from late 2022 to 2024. It provided a place for people to park and sleep in their vehicles overnight.

According to the center, 50% of individuals and families who utilized the program were employed.

Curtain says she hopes the discussion can inspire community solutions.

"I really do think for people who are searching, who are even taking the time to read this book, that will help them understand our work even more, and that really our role here as a resource is to provide humanity and dignity," she says.

The IRC will host a conversation with Goldstone on the rise of the working homeless on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church on West Friendly Avenue.