In-Class Editorial Practice

 Courtney Ceccarini

The View Point

As homelessness is at an all-time high, Greensboro has begun a plan to combat the issue.

Greensboro’s Affordable Housing Management has set forth to add 16 new apartment units for the homeless or those who are at risk of homelessness. 

The rent for these apartment units are to be aimed for residents making at or below 30% to 50% of Guilford County’s average income.

According to Partners Ending Homelessness, as of February 2022, 426 individuals in Guilford County were reported homeless and 83 of them were living unsheltered. 

Due to these rates, $1.7 million was granted in HOME-ARP funds to help jumpstart the creation of this two story apartment complex with rent between $187 and $869. 

As of now, the average cost to rent an apartment in the Triad area is roughly $1,475 according to Zillow listings. 

While this is a beneficial stride against homelessness for Greensboro, we at The View Point wonder about the longevity of the new apartments. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, The average cost of utilities and maintenance in the United States for an apartment complex is around $520 a month. 

With the majority of rent being lower than that, will the $1.6 million be enough for the apartment to keep its lights on without increasing rent in the future? 

Rent is not the only coverage for an apartment and while it's unnecessary for an increase right now, there is risk for price inflation in the future.