(Fox 8) Strengthening Tenant Advocacy in Greensboro

A step forward in tenant support has been announced with Greensboro’s decision to allocate additional funding to the Tenant Education Advocacy Mediation Program (TEAM). Highlighted in a recent article by MyFOX8, this moment marks a significant advancement in the city’s commitment to addressing housing stability and protecting renters from the devastating impact of evictions.

What Is TEAM?

The TEAM program operates through the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Center for Housing and Community Studies in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina. The initiative is designed to provide tenants with essential resources, education, and legal assistance to help them stay in their homes. Services include free legal representation, mediation, support with rental assistance, and referrals to mental health and substance use services or other community organizations.

Currently, TEAM serves an impressive 900 households per quarter in Guilford County, offering a vital lifeline in a process where landlords often have the upper hand. According to Greensboro City Council member Hugh Holston, only about 10% of tenants in eviction proceedings have legal representation, compared to 90% of landlords. TEAM’s work helps level this playing field, and with the city’s support for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the program can now expand its reach.

Closing the Gaps in Housing Support

The city’s budget allocation of $440,000 will allow TEAM to increase its presence from operating at Guilford County Courthouses two days a week to four days a week. This means hundreds more households can receive help when facing eviction. Beyond preventing evictions, TEAM’s services aim to address underlying challenges, breaking the “endless cycle” of housing instability that many low- and middle-income tenants face.

The success of TEAM has been evident in individual stories like Beverly Bailey’s, a Greensboro resident who spent seven years homeless after an eviction. For Bailey, the expanded program would have made a world of difference by connecting her with resources earlier and preventing the long-term impacts of losing her housing.

Bruce Rich, Director of the Center for Housing and Community Studies, said it best, “When a tenant facing eviction is represented by a lawyer, their outcomes are… going to be much better than a tenant without representation trying to navigate the confusing process all by themselves.”

How You Can Support Tenant Advocacy

Making meaningful change in our community requires collective action. Here are three ways you can support tenant advocacy in Greensboro:

1. Volunteer or Support Local Organizations: Groups like TEAM and Greensboro Housing Coalition depend on community members to amplify their work. Whether you donate, volunteer your time, or help spread the word, your involvement matters.
2. Advocate for Housing Justice: Stay informed about policies and initiatives affecting renters in Greensboro. Attend council meetings, talk to your representatives, and urge local leaders to prioritize housing stability.
3. Help Tenants Know Their Rights: Share what you learn about programs like TEAM with neighbors, friends, and family. Access to resources and education can prevent evictions before they happen.

The TEAM program is helping to create a stronger, more equitable Greensboro, where housing stability is not a luxury but a reality for all. To learn more about this vital program and its life-changing work, read the full MyFOX8 article here. Together, we can continue to advocate for and support those who need it most in our community.