Interactive Resource Center to remain open despite delay in city funding

A Greensboro day center that provides services for the homeless announced Thursday it will continue to remain open despite a delay in city funding.

The Interactive Resource center will continue to maintain its 24/7 operations through Aug. 5. The announcement comes after the Greensboro City Council voted to delay approving $300,000 in funding to the nonprofit at a recent meeting as the organization has faced scrutiny in recent months.

IRC Executive Director Kristina Singleton said in a statement that to stop providing this resource would "be a significant loss for those who rely on our most basic fundamental services."

The IRC began moving to an around-the-clock model earlier this year to assist an increasing number of people without housing. According to the statement, the center served more than 8,500 people over the past year — a 67% increase from the previous year.

But neighbors and business owners have voiced concerns the nonprofit is creating an unsafe environment.

A local petition calling for the city council to continue funding the center garnered over 1,600 signatures in its first three days.

The council is expected to discuss the IRC in a work session on July 25.