GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Greensboro City Council is making homelessness a priority. The new budget gives directs more than $800,000 toward preventing and correcting the problem. It goes hand in hand with the city's aim to address soliciting -- namely panhandlers.

• The new budget gives directs more than $800,000 toward preventing and correcting the problem
• Any ordinance the city implements to regulate panhandlers must apply equally to food carts and volunteers raising money
• The city is holding listening sessions to gather public input

However, any ordinance the city implements to regulate panhandlers must apply equally to food carts and volunteers raising money.

"We will look into the best way to regulate because the city has a responsibility for all people," explained Greensboro City Attorney Tom Carruthers. "So we are going to find the proper and legal balance in order to protect the rights of those in need and those who wish to donate but do not wish to have their safety infringed on."

The city is holding listening sessions to gather public input. City council will then hold a meeting July 24, where they will address the soliciting ordinance.

Interactive Resource Center
Friday, June 22, 10 am to noon
Host: Executive Director Michelle Kennedy
407 E. Washington St.

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
Monday, June 25, 2-4 pm
Host: President Walker Sanders
330 S. Greene St., Suite 100

New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Tuesday, June 26, 6:30-8:30 pm
Host: Pastor W.F. Wright
408 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.