White Flag Nights Begin

Agencies providing shelter for homeless individuals will implement the "White Flag" (WF) initiative this week based on the cold-weather evening forecast over the next few days. In extremely cold conditions, White Flag sites provide shelter beyond their regular capacity.

The WF sites are the South Wilmington Street Center, 1420 S. Wilmington Street; The Healing Place of Wake County, 1251 Goode Drive; Helen Wright Center for Women, 401 W. Cabarrus Street; and the Salvation Army, 215 S. Person Street. White Flag events are identified by extreme inclement weather and an actual white flag displayed at the facility.

On average in Wake County, more than 1,200 individuals are homeless each night. During winter 2003-04, the number of White Flag beds increased by 172 percent over the previous winter.

All men should first contact the South Wilmington Street Center for referral. Women without children should contact the Helen Wright Center for Women. Women with or without children may also contact the Salvation Army.

White Flag events are called when the temperature is projected to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below any time between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., or when there is heavy or steady precipitation and the temperature is projected to be 38 degrees Fahrenheit or below between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.