GREENSBORO, N.C. — As the sun sets, our temperatures have been quickly sinking toward freezing.
For the hundreds of people in Greensboro who don't have a warm place to sleep, it could be a dangerous night.
However, there are options as we enter the colder months.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman learned about resources helping keep everyone warm at night.
Those approved to live in these pallet homes are set to move on Nov. 6. In the meantime, several folks are staying at the interactive resource center off East Washington Street.
We spoke to Naije Sidney, who is waiting to hear back if he gets a pallet home or not but he will rest easy Wednesday night knowing he has a warm place to stay.
We all need shelter to survive — especially shelter from freezing temperatures.
These pallet homes provide just that.
“My caseworker signed me up for those last week,” Sidney said.
However, the only way you can secure one of these tiny, temporary homes is through the referral of a case worker. The Interactive Resource Center is still accepting applications.
“That would be beautiful honestly while it's cold, you know but I’m still waiting, so we'll see how that process goes,” Sidney continued.
Yet, for those waiting to move in, or for those living in their cars, there's another solution. The IRC offers 'safe parking' in their lot.
“Some of our folks are staying in their vehicles, and if they need a safe place to park at night, they can come to the IRC for our safe parking program. We have security on site here. They also have access to restrooms at night. It's just a quiet place to be,” Melanie Yokeley, the Interactive Resource Center's Finance Manager said.
Something else going on at the IRC as we fall into freezing temperatures are white flag nights. The IRC opens its doors starting at 8 p.m. on nights that feel like 25 degrees or are at 25 degrees and below for two hours.
The IRC's first white flag night was Tuesday night. They said they usually see 30 nights like this every year.
These services are not excluded to only humans either, people can bring their pets.
“If folks have pets, they can come in. We have a room off to the side for our IRC pet resort where the animals can stay; their owners can check in with them as much as they need to,” Yokeley said.
Although Wednesday night will be freezing cold, several members of the homeless community will receive the gift of warmth.
“I can warm up; I can get situated and I can get comfortable,” Sidney shared.
Last year, the IRC also used vacant hotel rooms to house members of the homeless community.
As of right now, they don't have any formal plans in place to do so this year, but they are always looking to provide more shelter, especially during these winter months.
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