What's the Truth Behind Greensboro's Homeless Bus Program?

Mayor Nancy Vaughan of Greensboro is refuting claims that the city is evicting homeless individuals and transporting them via bus.

A program assisting homeless individuals in traveling from Greensboro has led to misunderstandings on social media, where some people think the city is making them board buses against their will. However, Vaughan stated this is not true.

It is not uncommon to spot homeless individuals resting on sidewalks, in public gardens, or near the outskirts of the Interactive Resource Center located in central Greensboro. However, some have started opting for an unusual solution: boarding buses heading towards different municipalities as a way to find temporary shelter elsewhere.

“It might simply involve returning to one’s mother, aunt, or closest friend at home. The service provider will then contact this person to confirm their willingness and ability to accommodate the individual,” explained Vaughan.

Vaughan mentioned that the IRC and Downtown Greensboro Inc. assist with organizing these journeys. She stated that such initiatives are utilized nationwide due to their effectiveness.

“It’s both compassionate and prudent,” Vaughan stated. “Should someone find themselves homeless and vulnerable, and we’ve found an individual ready to offer shelter, then DGI or another service agency stepping in as intermediaries deserves recognition.”

Not everyone views it this way. Jason Hicks, a resident of Greensboro who backs the idea, calls for greater openness. His main concerns are around funding sources for the tickets and whether public funds are being used.

“The most effective approach to progress, as I understand it, involves honesty, openness, and responsibility,” Hicks stated. “However, we weren’t observing those elements; rather, the narrative kept changing repeatedly, which means we didn’t have access to the truth. Because the truth ought not to require construction or fabrication in various ways.”

Vaughan mentioned that DGI’s travel funds come from private contributions, whereas the IRC and Greensboro Urban Ministry receive their funding from public taxes.

Another worry shared online suggests that certain individuals have been compelled to abandon their towns; however, Vaughan stated emphatically that this is not occurring.

“I mean, there haven’t been any reports of anyone being forced onto a bus or anyone being abducted to get on one; this simply isn’t occurring,” Vaughan stated.

The IRC mentioned that it collaborated with various organizations such as DGI to orchestrate the initiative. Prior to arranging transportation, they stated that they ensure individuals have access to secure locations and find someone at their destination prepared to assist them.

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