Sophia Sousa

News Writer

As inflation continues to rise, rent and housing prices are increasing all over the U.S. A report by Ben Briscoe for WFMY news says Zillow listings report that the median monthly rent in Greensboro is currently $1,475. While this is lower than the statewide average of $1,830, it is still higher than many can afford. Despite these rising home and rent prices, community leaders want to keep the Glenwood area affordable for current and future residents. 

The neighborhood of Glenwood is an under-resourced community, and over 40% of residents live below the poverty level. According to a report by Fox 8 WGHP, a “neighborhood hub” will open in the former Glenwood United Methodist Church in 2024 to offer programs such as providing food, medical care, or housing assistance to residents. Dayna Carr, the president of the Greater Glenwood Neighborhood Association, believes that residents have been moving away due to the increased price and says that having these resources in the community will ensure people still have a way to belong.

On Feb. 21, 2023, the Greensboro City Council unanimously voted to acquire the former church for $30,000. When the council approved the purchase of the church, senior pastor Morris Brown said, “Christ United Methodist has a long history with Glenwood and surrounding communities and is thankful they can continue that service through the production of affordable homes as part of this transaction.”

Over the next year, as Daniel Crews informed the public, this former church will be renovated and become a location where individuals in the surrounding neighborhood can be provided services and programs. In 2024, the “neighborhood hub,” located at 1417 Glenwood Ave, will open to the neighborhood and community.

Cynthia Blue, the assistant director for housing strategy for Greensboro, discussed challenges related to the Greensboro Housing & Neighborhood Development office location. “We are located currently on the third floor in a corner of City Hall, which is difficult for people to come into us for services. So, it was very important to us to be able to get out into the community.” According to Blue, being relocated to the Glenwood United Methodist Church will allow residents to easily access the office’s resources and create a community among residents. 

According to a report by Alliyah Sims and Dolan Reynolds, the United Methodist Church benefited the neighborhood as they served people struggling with faith and food. Community leaders hope their work will enhance what church leaders already offer the community. Having the hub in the neighborhood will help residents get the help and resources they need as home and rent prices increase. 

The hub will partner with nonprofits and neighborhood organizations in hopes that residents currently living there will ask for the help they need. Habitat for Humanity is one of the partnerships that will assist residents with affordable housing. The City of Greensboro pledged to offer four obtainable, buildable city lots to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro. The homes that Habitat for Humanity constructs will be marketed to purchasers earning less than 80% of the area’s average salary. These affordable homes will help residents pay their bills and feel a sense of community with support from neighborhood leaders. 

Public leaders are also optimistic that the people who moved away may return to the historic neighborhood. Community leaders and organizations are excited about the upcoming plans to renovate the church and begin moving offices into the new space. They and many others anxiously await the opening to see how they can help their community. Blue says, “Come and engage with us. We’re really excited about the space the center offers to us here in the heart of the Glenwood community.”