Family Services Launches $500,000 Drive for Bethesda

A fundraising push and a proposed city contribution aim to restore day and evening shelter programs at the Bethesda Center for the Homeless.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Plain red-brick two-story community building with tall windows on a quiet street lined with bare autumn trees and a single bench out front. — Family Services of the Piedmont has launched a $500,000 drive to restore day and evening programs at the Bethesda Center for the Homeless, which closed October 25 amid deficits from 2023 through 2025. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bethesda Center for the Homeless shut down its day and evening shelter programs on October 25 amid financial strain. Family Services of the Piedmont has launched a $500,000 fundraising effort and has gathered commitments covering 60% of that goal.

Why it matters

The center has reported annual deficits from 2023 through 2025, leaving unhoused residents of Winston-Salem with fewer shelter options. The proposed city funding and fundraising effort would allow day and evening operations to resume during the coldest months of the year.

Bethesda's annual deficits totaled nearly $570,000 from 2023 through 2025 against revenue of a little more than $1 million in 2025. The city's current budget allocates $50,200 to the center, while the proposed contribution is $100,000 paid in four monthly installments.

The players

Family Services of the Piedmont

A Winston-Salem nonprofit that leads the fundraising effort to support the Bethesda Center for the Homeless.

Bethesda Center for the Homeless

A Winston-Salem shelter and support facility for unhoused residents that has faced years of financial deficits.

Amanda Burton

The executive director of the Bethesda Center for the Homeless who contributed short-term loans to keep the center operating.

The details

Family Services of the Piedmont is leading the $500,000 fundraising effort, with commitments covering 60% of the goal so far. Executive director Amanda Burton and board members provided $30,500 in short-term loans to keep the center operating.

October 25: Bethesda shut down its day and evening shelter programs.
November 2025: Bethesda stepped away from administering citywide housing programs to focus on emergency shelter and support.
December: Proposed city contribution payments are set to begin.
Monday: The Council Finance Committee will discuss the proposed financial support.

Philanthropy Context

In 2024 the city approved nearly $315,000 to rehabilitate Bethesda's bathroom facilities, a prior public investment in the center. The current $500,000 drive and proposed $100,000 city contribution show the shelter's operating finances now require additional support beyond capital improvements.

Unhoused residents in Winston-Salem may regain access to day and evening shelter programs during the coldest months if the fundraising and city funding succeed. Residents who want to help can monitor the Family Services effort and the city council's decision on the proposed contribution.

The takeaway

Local shelters depend on a mix of public funding, nonprofit fundraising, and short-term loans to stay open. Following council decisions on proposed contributions shows how such gaps are addressed.

What happens next

The Council Finance Committee will discuss the proposed $100,000 city contribution on Monday, and the full council must approve it before payments begin in December.