GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro migrant facility could soon become a refuge for people impacted by Hurricane Helene. FEMA is currently assessing the possibility of taking control of the facility, though a timeline for the decision has yet to be determined.
Rep. Kathy Manning said the city has been instrumental in advocating for the proposal. While plans are still being finalized, FEMA is considering two primary options: One option would allow families from western North Carolina to take shelter at the facility. The other would utilize the 100-acre campus as a staging area for relief efforts.
“We know that this is a great facility. It was set up to take kids and we know there’s a lot of need in Western North Carolina,” said Manning, who represents North Carolina's 6th District. “The most important thing is to figure out what’s the best use for this. This won’t be fixed by Christmas, and the most important thing for us to keep in mind is these people are gonna need our help for probably the next year.”
People who live nearby told News 2 they’re happy there are talks to use the campus. Many told us seeing people’s homes washed away and roadways destroyed devastated them and they can’t think about a better way to use the facility.
“It’s absolutely wonderful to help people in a time of need, and we have this beautiful facility—we should share it,” said Donna Steele. “I’ll be one of the first ones down there taking clean blankets and clothes. I’ve already been collecting and sending supplies to people in Asheville through the church. It’s a wonderful thing, and we need to do it.”
FEMA’s plan is still being finalized, and the agency could either use the campus to house families or as a staging area.
“The people west of North Carolina have been devastated. I’ve known people up there who have had to leave their homes. Families have been broken up, and I think it’d be great if there’s nobody in there right now to house these people who need help," Ken Carlyle said.
With bipartisan support for the proposal, the process could move swiftly.
“This already controversial migrant facility has gone unused for years, which is why Rep. Hudson and I have been pushing the Biden Administration to use it instead for Helene recovery efforts,” said Sen. Thom Tillis in a statement to WFMY News 2. “I’m glad they’ve listened, and this facility can now be put to better use by helping North Carolinians in their moment of need.”
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