Keep Gate City Housed

Join AFSC North Carolina in organizing to change Guilford County's eviction practices

Image of a woman speaking next to a 'TEAM Tenants' graphic poster

Photo: Hillary Zaken

Let's transform how evictions work in Guilford County

Last year, approximately 16,000 Guilford County residents had eviction notices filed against them. Only 10% of those tenants had legal counsel, whereas 90% of the landlords in housing court were represented by attorneys. In most cases, renters without attorneys—who often owe as little as $200, or are behind on their rent by only a few days—do not know they can appeal their evictions, keeping them housed long enough to repay back rent. They don't have the basic information that would help them avoid eviction.

By ensuring renters have equal legal representation as landlords, we can significantly decrease eviction rates. For instance: A legal resource program (“TEAM”) provided to renters for two days weekly by UNCG students helps around 30% of tenants avoid eviction in court. Investing in eviction prevention has proven cost-effective in various cities: Louisville's $400,000 investment is motivated by anticipated cost savings. Cleveland collaborates with organizations to offer legal counsel and rental aid, costing $3.1 million.

It’s time for Greensboro and Guilford County to work together to Keep Gate City Housed—we have the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the state, for using our resources to make our neighborhoods safer, more stable and keeping kids in their homes.

We can Keep Gate City Housed by getting City Council to:

1. Contribute $440,000 funding to the TEAM Program

2. Contribute $1.5 million to rental assistance for families fighting evictions

3. Support the county in having tenants receive information about the TEAM Program with their court summons

Volunteer

This work cannot be done without you! Whether you're interested in canvassing to get petition signatures, attending eviction court to observe the issues faced by tenants, or taking part in public actions to lift up the impact of evictions—the success of this campaign depends on the people. Join TEAM Tenant!

Events

Join us online or in person for our upcoming Keep Gate City Housed events! Sign up below.

TEAM Tenant Update Call

City Council Action to Fund TEAM

News

Watch previous webinars

"Keep Gate City Housed: A G4A Teach-In and Training" (February 2024): AFSC North Carolina and Guilford for All hosted a virtual teach-in and training to share AFSC’s efforts to transform how evictions impact tenants in Guilford County, NC.

Learn more about AFSC North Carolina.