Cumberland County Opens Emergency Warming Centers, White Flag Shelters As Temps Drop

As freezing temperatures hit the area, Cumberland County Emergency Services has opened warming centers and White Flag shelters effective January 6. These locations will remain open during specific hours across several sites.

The county has converted eight facilities - including libraries, recreation centers, and government buildings - into warm spaces for shelter. Main locations include the Social Services building on Ramsey Street, along with the Public Health building's first floor.

When evening comes and temperatures drop below freezing, True Vine Ministries on Morganton Road becomes the primary shelter for homeless individuals. They open their doors when temperatures become dangerously low.

People can stay warm during the day at the Franklin Street FAST station's lobby or the Fayetteville Cares center on South King Street. A full list of warming centers and White Flag Shelters is below.

Check county websites and social media for updates.

WARMING CENTERS

When conditions warrant, Cumberland County, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville, will open government facilities as warming centers during regular business hours for residents who do not have access to heat and need a place to get out of the cold.

Cumberland County Department of Social Services Auxiliary Lobby

Location: 1225 Ramsey St.

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Masks or face coverings are encouraged for those with preexisting conditions.

Cumberland County Department of Public Health First Floor Lobby

Location: 1235 Ramsey St.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

*Masks or face coverings are required in some areas and immediately following a COVID-19 infection or close contact. Citizens with preexisting conditions are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering.

Cumberland County Public Libraries

Location: All eight Cumberland County Public Library locations will be open as warming centers.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Headquarters Library, Cliffdale, North Regional, and Hope Mills branches are also open Sundays, 2 - 6 p.m. To find your local library, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/library.

Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation - Recreation Center Lobbies

Location: Recreation center locations, contact information and programming schedules are posted at fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/.

Hours: Recreation center hours, contact information and programming schedules are posted at fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/.

Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) Lobby

Location: 505 Franklin St.

Hours: Operating hours for FAST are posted at fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/transit/about-fast/operating-hours-schedules.

Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center

Location: 128 South King St., Fayetteville

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Learn more by visiting faycares.org.

WHITE FLAG SHELTERS

Additionally, Cumberland County partners with local providers to establish White Flag Shelters, which provide overnight, temporary, emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness during severe cold weather. Cumberland County Emergency Services closely monitors weather conditions and coordinates with Cumberland County Community Development and community partners as they make White Flag Shelter determinations and preparations. When freezing temperatures are reported by the National Weather Service, the following White Flag Shelters will open:

True Vine Ministries (J Center)

Location: 5315 Morganton Rd., Fayetteville

Hours: 6 p.m. – 7 a.m. *Intake begins at 5:45 p.m.

Transportation to the J Center will be provided from the Cumberland County Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Ln., Fayetteville, and the Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center at 128 S. King St. Patrons will be picked up from the designated locations between 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. and will be returned to those locations between 7 - 8:45 a.m. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. For more information about the J Center, go to truevinenc.com/white-flag-shelter.

Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center

Location: 111 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake

Hours: 6 p.m. – 8 a.m. *Intake from 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Transportation will be provided to and from the Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center at 128 S. King St. Pick-up time is 6 p.m. and return time is 6:30 a.m. Dinner and breakfast will be provided. For more information about Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center, call 910-494-2715 or email treyct5@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army of the Sandhills Region

Location: 245 Alexander St., Fayetteville

Hours: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. *Intake from 6:30 to 9 p.m.