Orange County, in partnership with the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC), is launching the Cold Weather Cots program to provide emergency overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months. The initiative comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service predict temperatures around 30 degrees on Monday, Nov. 10, which meets the criteria for a “White Flag Night.”
The IFC will operate its shelters every night from November through March. Orange County’s own shelters will open on nights when temperatures are forecasted at or below 32 degrees, known as “White Flag Nights.” The IFC Community House for Men at 1315 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, and IFC HomeStart for Women & Families at 2505 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, are available for guests who arrive between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with departures by 8 a.m. Those arriving after 8 p.m. should notify staff ahead of time. Availability can be confirmed by calling 919-929-6380.
Orange County shelters accept walk-ins and serve men, women, and families. They provide cots, blankets, and snacks at two main locations: Orange County Chapel Hill Shelter at 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill; and alternating sites in Hillsborough—Hillsborough Presbyterian Church at 102 W. Tryon St., and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 210 St. Mary’s Road. Residents can call 919-245-2490 to check which Hillsborough location is open each night.
A free weekday dinner is also offered from 5 to 5:45 p.m. at the IFC Commons Community Kitchen located at 110 W. Main St., Carrboro.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions via www.weather.gov/RAH to prepare for cold nights.
“No one should have to sleep outside when temperatures drop below freezing,” said Orange County Housing Director Blake Rosser. “Through this partnership with IFC and the churches, we’re ensuring everyone in our community has a safe, warm place to stay.”
For further information about the Cold Weather Cots program or other housing services, visit www.orangecountync.gov/OCPEH or contact the Orange County Housing Department at 919-245-2490.
In related education news, recent data show that less than half of senior students in Orange County school districts were considered ready for college in math according to ACT results from the 2022-23 school year (source). Similar readiness rates were observed among junior students taking the same test (source).
