Wake County Opens White Flag Shelters to Protect People from Cold

City and county officials coordinated with nonprofit and faith partners to open White Flag emergency shelters when temperatures and weather conditions posed danger to people unsheltered. Wake County opened designated sites on November 27 through 29 and December 1 through 3, 2025, to provide warm, supervised space for men, women, and families who needed a safe place to escape the cold.

Men who sought shelter were directed to Church of the Good Shepherd at 121 Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh. Women had access at First Baptist Church, 99 South Salisbury Street, and families were able to use the Salvation Army location at 1863 Capital Boulevard. WRAL maintains an updated guide to White Flag shelters across the Triangle and surrounding regions and offers phone numbers and online links, for example 919 759 5607, for residents to check current status and contact sites directly.

The White Flag system activates when temperatures fall below defined thresholds or when dangerous weather is forecast. Emergency drop in shelters like the Salvation Army operate nightly within set evening and morning hours to receive people without prior registration, and county outreach teams and transportation resources in nearby jurisdictions such as Durham and Cumberland support connections to those sites. The program is funded by the City of Raleigh and Wake County and relies on volunteer labor and donations from community members and partner organizations.

Beyond the immediate lifesaving function, the White Flag activations underscore broader public health and equity issues. Cold weather sheltering reduces hypothermia risk and lessens strain on emergency medical services, but it is a short term patch for people facing housing instability, limited access to health care, and transportation barriers. As winter conditions persist, gaps remain in permanent affordable housing capacity and in services for people with complex health needs.

For residents who want to help or who need shelter, checking the WRAL guide and the listed shelter contact information is the quickest way to learn whether a White Flag night has been declared and where to find resources. Community support through volunteering and donations remains essential while local officials and service providers work on more lasting solutions.