The main homeless shelters in Winston-Salem and what they offer
Winston-Salem has two primary emergency shelters: the Greensboro Urban Ministry's Winston-Salem shelter (operated through their regional network) and the Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge. Both provide beds, meals, and basic services, but they operate under different rules and serve different populations.
The Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge accepts single adults and families and typically requires you to arrive in person to check in. Greensboro Urban Ministry operates a shelter that prioritizes families and individuals referred through the city's coordinated entry system. Neither charges a nightly fee, but both have capacity limits and may turn people away on full nights.
Beyond these two, Brenner Children's Hospital and Novant Health can provide emergency shelter for families with children in crisis situations, though this is typically a last-resort medical placement rather than standard shelter intake.
Key Takeaways
- The Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge and Greensboro Urban Ministry operate the main shelter beds in Winston-Salem, with different intake processes and populations served.
- You do not need to call ahead for most shelters — you arrive in person during intake hours, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
- Shelters fill up on cold nights and during winter months, so arriving early increases your chances of getting a bed.
- If you are turned away, the shelter staff can direct you to overflow options or other resources in the area.
- Families with children may have access to different shelter options than single adults, and some programs prioritize people with disabilities or medical needs.
How to get a bed at the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge
The Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge is located on Spruce Street in downtown Winston-Salem. You walk in during intake hours (typically starting around 4 or 5 p.m.) and speak with staff at the front desk. Bring a photo ID if you have one, though staff will not turn you away without it — they will just need to verify your name another way.
You will be asked basic questions: your name, whether you have been to the shelter before, and whether you have any medical conditions staff should know about. If beds are available, you will be assigned one and given a cot, blanket, and access to a bathroom. Breakfast is usually served in the morning before you leave.
The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. On very cold nights or during winter, beds fill quickly. If you arrive and the shelter is full, staff will tell you and may direct you to overflow space or other options that night.
How to get a bed through Greensboro Urban Ministry
Greensboro Urban Ministry's Winston-Salem operations typically work through referral rather than walk-in intake. This means you usually need to contact a case manager, social worker, or the city's coordinated entry system first, rather than showing up at a shelter door.
If you are already working with a social services agency, a homeless outreach team, or a hospital discharge planner, they can refer you. If you are on your own, you can contact the Forsyth County Department of Social Services or call 211 (a free helpline) to be connected to intake. Staff will ask about your situation and may place you in a shelter bed or direct you to other resources.
This system exists to match people with the right shelter or housing program for their situation. It takes longer than walking in, but it can lead to more stable placements than a single night in emergency shelter.
What to bring and what to expect once you are inside
Bring only what you can carry or what fits in a small locker. Most shelters allow a backpack or small bag. You will not be able to keep large items, weapons, drugs, or alcohol in your bed area. Shelters have find storage for valuables, though it is limited — do not bring anything you cannot afford to lose.
Expect a cot or bunk bed in a shared room with other people. You will have access to a bathroom, usually shared. Most shelters provide a meal in the morning and sometimes in the evening. Some offer showers, though not always every night. Lights typically go out around 10 p.m., and you will need to leave by morning (usually 7 or 8 a.m.).
Staff will not allow you to sleep during the day or stay past checkout time. If you need a place to go during the day, ask staff about day centers or libraries in the area. Some shelters have case managers on-site who can help you look for longer-term housing or connect you to other services.
When shelters are full and what to do
On cold nights — typically when the temperature drops below 32 degrees — Winston-Salem activates cold-weather overflow. This means additional beds open up in churches, community centers, or other facilities. These overflow sites operate only during the cold-weather season (usually November through March) and only when temperatures trigger set up.
If the main shelters are full and it is not cold enough for overflow, staff will direct you to other options. These might include a warming center (a place to stay warm but not sleep), a day center, or information about other towns with available beds. Some people end up in 24-hour locations like hospital emergency rooms or police stations, though this is not ideal and staff will try to avoid it.
If you are turned away, ask for a list of other resources. Winston-Salem has outreach teams that work with people sleeping outside, and they can sometimes arrange transportation to a shelter with available beds in a nearby town.
Services available at shelters beyond a bed
Most shelters offer more than just a place to sleep. Case managers can help you look for permanent housing, explore for benefits, or connect with mental health and substance abuse treatment. Some shelters have computers or phones you can use to look for work or contact family.
The Salvation Army's Emergency Lodge often has staff who can help with job training or employment connections. Greensboro Urban Ministry's programs typically include more intensive case management, meaning a staff member works with you on a longer-term plan rather than just getting you through one night.
If you have a mental health condition, disability, or addiction, tell staff when you arrive. They can connect you with specialized programs or treatment options. Some of these services take time to set up, but shelter staff know the local system and can speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Winston-Salem resident to use the shelter?
No. Most emergency shelters do not have residency requirements. You can use the shelter whether you live in Winston-Salem, just arrived in the city, or are passing through. Staff may ask where you are from, but this is for their records, not to turn you away.
What if I have a pet or service animal?
Service animals are allowed in shelters under the law. Pets are usually not permitted in sleeping areas, though some shelters have outdoor space or can help you find temporary pet boarding. Ask staff about your specific situation when you arrive.
Can I stay at the shelter more than one night?
Most emergency shelters are designed for one night at a time. You check in each evening and check out each morning. However, if you are working with a case manager or have been referred through the coordinated entry system, you may be placed in a longer-term shelter program or transitional housing. Ask staff about options beyond emergency shelter.
What happens if I break the shelter rules?
If you violate rules (violence, weapons, drugs, or severe disruption), you can be asked to leave when ready. Most shelters give warnings first, but serious violations result in when ready removal. If you are banned from one shelter, you may still be able to use another shelter or overflow site in the area.
Is the shelter safe?
Shelters have staff present and basic security measures. They are generally safer than sleeping outside, though they are shared spaces with many people. If you have safety concerns about a specific person or situation, tell staff when ready. They can move you to a different area or help you find an alternative.