Wilmington’s Warming Shelter sees 80 guests in first night open in new location
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As temperatures dropped into the 20s on Tuesday night, The Warming Shelter opened its doors in downtown Wilmington.
The shelter is operating out of Grace United Methodist Church at the corner of Grace and 4th Streets. Previously, the shelter’s home was at Trinity United Methodist Church but it is undergoing renovations. It opens when the temperature drops below freezing for two or more consecutive nights.
People in need got a cot and blankets to themselves, a hot meal, snacks, coffee, and be able to enjoy movies after the doors opened.
Wendy Bailey, a board member for the warming shelter, says making sure people are safe and warm at the shelter is a passion for her.
“Everybody has a story. It’s not all alcohol and drug-related,” Bailey said. “If people take the time to listen instead of judge, they would really understand it’s not always their fault. Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes.”
People looking for a helping hand lined up outside the church’s doors hours before they opened. One of those people — Frantz Mercer, who fell on hard times and has been living in homelessness for two years.
“I’m just trying to get in from the cold,” Mercer said. “It’s bad out here.”
While Mercer heard about the shelter’s opening from others in his community, Robert Bradley had a chance encounter while getting off the bus at Padgett Station.
“A police officer pulled up, and he had some fliers on him. He was passing them out and gave me one. I told him this must be meant to be because I ran into him,” Bradley said. “I made it here. I walked over here. I’m basically grateful.”
80 people showed up for shelter on Tuesday night. The shelter will open again on Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm.
In a social media post, organizers say they are in immediate need for some items including: canned soda, bottled water, individually wrapped snacks, sweet snacks, and over the counter medications. Donations may be dropped off at Grace UMC at 401 Grace Street between 9 am and 9 pm.
For more information on the shelter and how to volunteer, visit its website.
