K­e­e­p G­a­t­e C­i­t­y H­o­u­s­e­d

Join us in organizing to change Guilford County’s eviction practices

Let’s transform how evictions work in Guilford County

We are organizing in partnership with AFSC North Carolina to fully fund local programs to prevent homelessness and stop evictions. Together, we’ve been consulting with city staff, county officials, service providers, and recruiting community volunteers to have conversations with hundreds of Greensboro residents over the last three months. We are urging city council to expand access to legal resources and rental assistance. 

Last year, about 16,000 Guilford County residents had eviction notices filed against them. Only 10% of those tenants had legal counsel, whereas 90% of the landlords in housing court were represented by attorneys.

In most cases, renters without attorneys—who often owe as little as $200, or are behind on their rent by only a few days—do not know they can appeal their evictions, keeping them housed long enough to repay back rent. They don’t have the basic information that would help them avoid eviction.

By ensuring renters have equal legal representation as landlords, we can significantly decrease eviction rates. For example, UNCG’s TEAM Tenant program provides free legal representation that helps around 30% of tenants avoid eviction in court.

Other cities around the nation realize that eviction prevention is a worthwhile investment. Louisville’s $400,000 investment is motivated by anticipated cost savings. Cleveland invests $3.1 million to collaborate with organizations in offering legal counsel and rental aid.

It’s time for Greensboro and Guilford County to work together to Keep Gate City Housed—we have the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the state, for using our resources to make our neighborhoods safer, more stable and keeping kids in their homes.

We can Keep Gate City Housed by getting City Council to

1. Contribute $440,000 funding to the TEAM Program
2. Contribute $1.5 million to rental assistance for families fighting evictions
3. Support the county in having tenants receive information about the TEAM Program with their court summons

How to Get Involved

Come to the Keep Gate City Housed: City Council Budget Action
Tuesday, June 4
5 – 7:30pm EDT
Sign Up to Attend

Attend a Community Conversation
May 25 or Jun 11
Let us know you’re coming

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