South Guilford News

Beginning Wednesday, January 17, the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) will begin the first phase of transitioning its services to being accessible 24/7 to better address issues of homelessness in the community. This phase includes opening Monday through Friday from 8 pm to 8 am. The program, called the IRC Drop-in Center, provides individuals experiencing homelessness with a network of services in one location.

Earlier this year, City Council allocated IRC funding to support the 24/7 service expansion. When fully operational, the program will provide:

• A safe and sanitary space for people to be out of the elements, eliminating temperature requirements for emergency shelter.
• Increased access to fundamental services such as restrooms, showers, laundry services, storage lockers, and phones into evening and overnight hours.
• Evening case management connecting center guests to mainstream benefits, and increased likelihood of housing program success.

“This expansion of services is a response to an unmet, basic need,” said Michelle Kennedy, director of the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department. “A 24-hour, seven-day a week drop-in center is critical safe space for people experiencing homelessness and needing a respite from freezing cold, oppressive heat, and nights on the street.”

“Access to resources that address the most basic human needs are critical to the safety and survival of our community,” said Kristina Singleton, IRC executive director. “While this is a bold departure from our day center service model, this program allows us to fill a gap in resources. Fundamental needs like restrooms aren’t bound by specific hours of the day and access to them shouldn’t be either.”

“Over the past year, the City has implemented safe parking, pallet shelters and now funding to support 24/7 services to people experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “This program will expand service access to hundreds of individuals in our community in need.”

IRC donations are welcome and include goods and supplies. Visit the IRC's donation page for details. Learn more about the IRC, located at 407 E. Washington St.

The City also finances and contracts with the IRC to administer onsite services to Greensboro’s Doorway Project and Safe Parking Program.

Original source can be found here.