Day center plans moving forward

We had another meeting yesterday about a proposed homeless day center for Greensboro. The core services list: phones, mail, bathrooms, toiletries, showers, laundry, lockers, quiet room (for resting), and bus passes. There was good discussion and there’s more to be done. But things are moving along…

Frank Mickens from WFMY attended the meeting and interviewed City Council member Dianne Bellamy-Small. You can catch the video at digtriad.com. The news coverage is appreciated, but a couple of thoughts: Nobody that I know calls homeless people “transients” or “vagrants.” That’s just not cool. And 348 West Lee (an abandoned building) has been mentioned as one among a number of possible locations for a day center. I first heard it suggested when a cop friend took me by to look at it. But the current focus is on utilizing existing facilities . I’m not sure where News2 got the idea that 348 West Lee is where it’s happening. I called and left a message for Frank, but so far, I haven’t heard back. I’ve been to a lot of day center meetings, but maybe the Mickens has gotten some inside scoop.

Update: Frank called me back this afternoon. He heard about 348 West Lee as a suggested location from the police officer who took me by there. As far as we know, nobody has talked to the owners of that property, so I wonder what they thought if they were watching the news last night? Surprise! Anyway, it’s just one suggestion among many, including using existing facilities (least expensive) and building a brand-new day center (dreamiest plan! — and most expensive.) So, the conversation continues…