CONWAY, Ark. — For three decades, Bethlehem House has been a safe haven for Conway residents experiencing homelessness, helping men, women, and families find stability and rebuild their lives. But the shelter is now facing an uncertain future after losing nearly half of its funding.
Bethlehem House, which provides transitional housing, food, transportation, medical care, mental health services, and addiction recovery support at no cost, lost 40% of its budget this year when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) cut funding for transitional housing programs nationwide. That amounts to a $200,000 shortfall for the nonprofit.
“We are no longer receiving HUD funding,” said Melissa Dyson, director of operations at Bethlehem House. “So that was about a $200,000 cut to our budget, which is huge.”
Affordable housing threatened as Trump halts $1 billion slated for extending life of aging buildings
The loss comes as the shelter celebrates its 30th year of service. Dyson said Bethlehem House has built an 89% success rate for residents who stay at least three months, with many leaving not just with jobs but sustainable careers and financial stability…