GREENSBORO, N.C. — The former Glenwood United Methodist Church on Florida Street will now be home to the Greensboro Housing & Neighborhood Development department.
They'll be moving in next year and it will be the location for a pilot program, a neighborhood hub designed to provide programs and services to local neighborhoods.
"We are located currently on the third floor in a corner of City Hall, which is very difficult for people to come into us for services. So, it was very important to us to a be able to get out into the community," said Cynthia Blue, the Assistant Director for housing strategy for the City of Greensboro.
Blue says that greater access will allow Glenwood residents to easily access a number of resources that can add value to the neighborhood.
"That could be service agencies that provide housing repairs, it could be services for food assistance or medical assistance, anybody who's providing the type of direct community services that the neighborhoods are asking for," said Blue.
Glenwood Neighborhood Association President, Dayna Carr says people have come and gone in Glenwood over the years.
Often times, people that move away come back to the historic neighborhood.
"To have a resource in our community that ensures people still have a way to belong is really important to us," said Carr.
Inflation, skyrocketing rent and home prices have made living in the Glenwood neighborhood a struggle, for many.
"Are we found in the last few years that far fewer of those families are able to come back to Glenwood. They still come and participate in activities here, but they are having to drive across town because they can't afford homes that are here," said Carr.
The City of Greensboro acquired the 2-acre church property for $30,000.
The City also donated four pieces of build-ready property to Habitat for Humanity to build new homes.
The church space will be modified to allow for office space and community center.
Outside, the property will remain unchanged which will allow residents to continue hosting events, farmers markets and activities on the large open field adjacent to the church building.
"We really want and hope that the city's presence here will be an asset in promoting neighborhood leadership. We don't need the city hub to come and save Glenwood, we do want them to be a good resource so that we can do the work we need to do," said Carr.
The City of Greensboro will soon begin renovating the church space and plans to move in next year.