Summer 'White Flag' Initiative Offers Heat Relief to Homeless Individuals

With a daytime heat index expected to be greater than 100 degrees through Friday, the White Flag Network is offering heat relief to homeless persons.

Homeless men may go to the South Wilmington Street Center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. A white flag is currently displayed outside at the center.

Homeless women, with or without children, may go to the Women's Center of Wake County between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during the week. When the Women's Center is closed on the weekend, women and children may go to the Raleigh Rescue Mission between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In addition, women without children may go to the Helen Wright Center for Women from 4 to 9 p.m. each day to get out of the heat.

The White Flag Network is a group of Raleigh agencies that have collaborated to allow homeless people entrance into their buildings during the daytime, under certain conditions. This year marks the White Flag Network's fifth summer. The network also has a winter version.

If you would like to help with this program, please consider donating bottled water, juice or other non-alcoholic beverages to the Raleigh Rescue Mission, the Helen Wright Center for Women, or the Women's Center of Wake County Inc.

'WHITE FLAG' SITE INFORMATION:

Men only:
South Wilmington Street Center
Wake County Human Services
1420 S. Wilmington St.
Raleigh, N.C. 27603
919-857-9428

Women and Children:
Women's Center of Wake County Inc.
128 E. Hargett St., Suite 10
Raleigh, N.C. 27601
919-829-3711

Raleigh Rescue Mission
314 E. Hargett St.
Raleigh, N.C. 27601
919-828-9014

Women without Children:
Helen Wright Center for Women
The Urban Ministries of Wake County
401 W. Cabarrus St.
Raleigh, N.C. 27601
919-833-1748