With temperatures on a downward march, Wake County Human Services is reminding all of those living in the County that agencies providing shelter for homeless individuals will implement the "White Flag" system whenever the temperature is projected to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below any time between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., or when there is heavy or steady precipitation and the temperature is projected to be 38 degrees Fahrenheit or below between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The White Flag system will be in effect through March 31, 2009, or until inclement weather ends.

The White Flag sites are the South Wilmington Street Center, 1420 S. Wilmington St.; The Healing Place of Wake County, 1251 Goode Drive; Helen Wright Center for Women, 401 W. Cabarrus St.; Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett St.; and the Salvation Army, 215 S. Person St.

More than 3,300 people, including more than 700 children, are homeless during the course of a year in Wake County. On average 1,000 individuals are homeless each night, and thousands more are doubled-up with other families and at risk of homelessness.

White Flag events are identified by extreme inclement weather and an actual white flag displayed at the shelter facility.

All men seeking shelter should first contact the South Wilmington Street Center for referral. Women without children should contact the Helen Wright Center for Women or The Healing Place of Wake County for Women. Women with or without children may contact the Salvation Army or the Raleigh Rescue Mission.