WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Because of the freezing temperatures Friday, the city of Winston-Salem opened a warming shelter, helping homeless people get relief from the cold. It’s all part of what the city calls a White Flag Night.
The Dwelling on North Broad Street is opening its doors to those who need it most. People lined up outside the center hours before it opened, eager to escape the bitter cold.
"Nobody should be on the street when it's this cold, and like I said, I thank God for this place," said Glenda S., who has been homeless since August.
Between the Dwelling and the women’s-only warming center, the organization said it can shelter around 200 people each night. That’s a significant increase from last year’s 75.
The church’s facilities manager described the effort as life-saving.
“The stress that it takes off of them to not have to fight to survive because that’s literally what it is in these winter months: survival,” said Nick Childress.
Those in need will find more than just warmth at the Dwelling. A hot meal, showers, and fresh coffee are ready for anyone who steps inside.
“Everyone is welcome, no matter what time you come. Check-ins are at eight. Starting at nine o’clock, we will serve soup or whatever food that is for that night. We will serve every two hours,” said Childress.
“For them to be able to come in here and not stress, not be worried about where their next meal is coming from, it’s just so incredible.”
Deanna Weaver, who has been homeless for six months, said the dropping temperatures made her nervous about the months ahead.
"I didn’t think I’d be out here this long. I thought I’d have an apartment by now. I was hoping, but some things happened that set me back a little bit," Weaver said.
“It’s cold out here, you know, and it’s warm in there. I appreciate what the City With Dwellings is doing with that. We call ourselves a family here. City With Dwellings is a family of homeless people, and we all come together here. I’m appreciative.”
The center on North Broad Street is open every night through the end of February. Starting Sunday, it's also opening up a women-only warming center at Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church.
"You can help volunteer or help uh donate, help us do whatever we need to do to keep this going," Childress said. "Whether you wanna help with food or clothing or whatever the case may be, that just gives you a broken down list of any way you would like to help."
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