U.S. Considers Greensboro Site To House Unaccompanied Minors

Federal officials are considering a former Greensboro private school as a transitional housing site for unaccompanied refugee minors. 

 Guilford County officials have confirmed that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is looking at a Greensboro location as a possible shelter for refugee children.  

County Board Chairman Skip Alston says HHS officials are considering the now-vacant American Hebrew Academy as a potential site.

City leaders say the Academy could easily transition into a self-contained youth facility for unaccompanied minors who are waiting to be reunited with their families or guardians. Alston says in a news release that the site would not be a permanent home for the children.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan says the program could bring between 600 and 800 new jobs to the region, including teachers, interpreters, social workers, and facility caretakers.

Security and medical needs would be provided by the federal government. The program would come without cost to the city or county.

City officials say they anticipate a decision will be reached in the next few months.