Homeless shelters wave white flag on heat

The Durham Rescue Mission launched Operation Cool Shelter this week. When the temperatures reach 95 degrees or a heat index of 100 degrees, the mission is opening its doors to anyone who needs to cool down.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission is putting out a white flag when it hits 96 degrees. The mission has a water station outside its East Hargett Street shelter.

"We have a water ministry outside right now where we keep it out most of the day," said Lauri Para, of the Raleigh Rescue Mission. "Especially during the hottest hours so people can come out. Anyone on the street. That's in need that's feeling dehydrated or just that they need to refresh a bit. They can get some water, get some shade, take a break out of the heat."

The mission is also helping those struggling with heat exhaustion by bringing them indoors and getting them medical attention. They're also trying to shelter as many people as they can during these extreme temperatures.

Khalil Clary and his coworkers got a cup of water as they walked by the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

"It's hot out here," Clary said. "We just got off work."

Clary especially appreciates these services.

Now living in Raleigh and working at a home improvement business, he's been homeless. He lived on the streets and at the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

We need that for people who are out here in the parks," Clary said. "Just sitting there hot. They need to go in buildings have cool air and bottled water. Sometimes I passed out. It was so hot."