Funding

The Interactive Resource Center (IRC) Executive Director in Greensboro has resigned.The IRC said Kristina Singleton stepped down after eight years leading the organization. The move comes as the IRC ended its pilot program in early November that extended hours to 24/7 operations and instead will move to its original mission as a day center. In July, security concerns temporarily postponed the IRC’s funding from the city of Greensboro. “Our shelter system is bursting at the seams,” Singleton said at the time. We are in a humanitarian crisis.The IRC later implemented security upgrades , including adding outside lighting and launching a new digitized check-in software for guests. However, in October a 25-year-old man was shot in the parking lot of the IRC and later died. There was a security guard on site at the time of the shooting. The shooting occurred just weeks after the IRC announced changes to its service following concerns about safety.Singleton said in September, the IRC was also working to secure funding from other sources such as the county, and to expand important services like mental health support and housing initiatives like the pallet homes. The IRC said its experiencing record-breaking demand, serving 8,107 people since, January October 2024. Thats a more than 60% increase from the last year. The numbers are also higher than at any point in the IRCs history, according to the organization. In August, the Greensboro City Council unanimously voted to fund the IRC for another six months to the amount of $463,000 in funding.The IRC has provided day center operations through city funding since 2008. Those who are homeless can use the IRC to take showers, do laundry, charge a phone or meet with a case manager. In recent years, it has also expanded its service to provide a white flag emergency shelter, a summer cooling location and administration of the Doorways Project with the city of Greensboro. Bennita Curtain, the IRCs director of programs since 2023, will now serve as interim executive director after Singleton’s resignation and at the time or record-breaking homelessness. The IRC said Curtain has jump-started a new enrichment and skill development program as part of the centers transition back to a day center by partnering with established agencies. As someone whose career has taken me across several states, Ive had the privilege of working with diverse communities. But theres no place like home, Bennita said. Returning to the Triad has provided a fresh perspective on the unique challenge and opportunities our community faces. Here, we have a powerful passion for social justice and social change something that fuels the work we do at the Interactive Resource Center. Curtain said she looks forward to expanding services at the IRC in the future. RELATED COVERAGE