GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced plans to take control of the Greensboro Influx Care Facility, located on the site of the former American Hebrew Academy. Currently, the facility is managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which is finalizing an agreement to transfer operations to FEMA.
A FEMA spokesperson stated that this move is part of a comprehensive effort to assist communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The agency aims to mobilize all available resources and ensure access to various assets for recovery efforts.
On October 4, U.S. Representative Kathy Manning (D-Greensboro) mentioned that the facility could be utilized for victims of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. “The federal government has a contract to use that influx care center,” Manning explained. She noted that the facility was initially intended for unaccompanied minors but has remained unused due to a decrease in arrivals linked to new border policies. Manning emphasized the importance of repurposing the facility for those displaced by the hurricane.
The DHHS issued a statement confirming its commitment to support families affected by the storm. They are collaborating with state and local health authorities to provide necessary public health and medical assistance.
Residents previously expressed concerns about the facility being used for migrant children. However, many now see it as a potential resource for local families in need. Fred Lewis, a local resident, commented, “I think people are extremely understanding and aware… It would probably be more than just a housing option. The community would chip in to ensure these families felt comfortable.”
Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan supports the initiative, stating, “We came up with the idea of using it as a storm center… I believe there would be an outpouring of support for these individuals.”
Other city leaders, including Greensboro City Councilmember Hugh Holston, also endorse the plan. They believe the community should assist North Carolinians affected by the hurricane.
If families do stay at the facility, Guilford County Schools has offered to help with student enrollment, waiving typical paperwork requirements to streamline the process.
The Greensboro Influx Care Facility was established in June 2022 to temporarily house unaccompanied immigrant children. The facility was designed for children aged 13 to 17, with a capacity of up to 800 beds. Although designated operational since March 15, it has not housed any children. A status change in June led to a reduction in staffing as operations were scaled back.
Mayor Vaughan clarified that while the facility will remain unused for now, it must be prepared to resume operations within eight weeks of a need arising, as directed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
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