Commission on Ending Homelessness September 17, 2026

The City of Winston-Salem's Commission on Ending Homelessness met on September 17, 2026, to discuss key issues impacting local homelessness services and funding. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the recent passage of North Carolina Senate Bill 153, which addresses immigration enforcement related to public benefits, including housing assistance. The commission is currently assessing how this legislation will affect funding for rapid rehousing and tenant-based rental assistance programs. Additionally, the group discussed a critical funding shortfall of approximately $150,000 for the upcoming winter shelter season, with only $50,000 currently available. Due to this shortfall, the winter shelter will be limited to operating the White Flag emergency response program, which activates during dangerously cold weather, while other supplemental shelter beds may not be available. The commission explored fundraising efforts and compared local funding approaches to other Continuums of Care, noting that Winston-Salem is unique in not allocating local funds to homelessness services. The meeting also touched on upcoming volunteer opportunities for the statewide Point in Time count and National Homelessness Awareness Week. No formal votes or contract awards were reported during this session.