Durham Rescue Mission offers cool shelter during heat

When the temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, or the heat index gets 100 degrees or above, the Durham Rescue Mission opens its doors to all who might be at risk of heat exposure.

Heat exhaustion, heatstroke and death are possible during heat waves, including the one expected this week. 

At 12:30 p.m. Monday, residents of the Durham Rescue Mission will go into the community to plead with homeless people to come to the mission for shelter from the life-threatening weather conditions.

“If you are homeless, please come to Durham Rescue Mission, 1201 E. Main St. for safe, cool shelter, plenty of fluids and food and to escape the black asphalt that compounds this hot sticky weather," said Ernie Mills, executive director of the Mission.

"Operation Cool Shelter" is not only for homeless people living on the streets, but also for anyone who has no air conditioning.

The Mission is opening its doors for any needy person in the community who needs to get relief from the heat. The cool lobby is open to all and Mission officials will be providing water to everyone.

The Durham Rescue Mission is Durham’s oldest and largest shelter providing long-term shelter, counseling and vocational training to an average of 165 men, women and children each day, 365 days a year.