Fayetteville shelter sees increase in demand amid record low temperatures

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Record-breaking cold temperatures in Fayetteville are driving more people to seek warmth, food, and shelter.

That has pushed local facilities to expand services and accommodate a growing population in need.

The city reached a record low of 12 degrees Monday morning, and shelters across Cumberland County reported a sharp rise in demand as freezing temperatures persist. In recent days, The Salvation Army of the Sandhills saw a 12% increase in people seeking refuge from the cold.

"Our shelter numbers are increasing," said Major Jason Hughes, corps officer at The Salvation Army of the Sandhills Shelter.

By The Numbers

Between Jan. 23 and Feb. 1, the warming shelter center served a total population of 601 people.

During that time, staff provided breakfast to 622 people, lunch to 1,128 people and dinner to 1,180 people, reflecting the sustained demand for meals throughout the cold stretch.

Since opening, the white flag shelter has served 324 men, 107 women, and five children.

Combating Food Insecurity

At The Salvation Army of the Sandhills on Alexander Street, staff members begin work as early as 3 a.m. to address food insecurity. The shelter prepares at least 200 meals for lunch or dinner to ensure no one goes without.

"It's always kind of a busy time. We always try to make sure that there's enough food for persons coming through the line if they want seconds to be able to get seconds. So we prepare about 200 meals before lunch or for dinner," Hughes said.

The White Flag Shelter, which opened a month ago, initially averaged about 45 people per night. During the recent cold snap, 93 people visited the warming center before lunchtime on Monday alone.

Hughes said continued operations depend on community partnerships and donations.

"For the clients that we serve, we could always utilize toiletries if it's a deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving razors, shaving cream, shampoo and those types of items, but also to help underwrite the activities," he said.

Transportation to the Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center in Spring Lake and The Salvation Army on Alexander Street has resumed, provided road conditions remain safe.

If you or someone you know needs transportation to a shelter, please call the County Non-Emergency Line at 910-600-7299.