Unseasonable heat drives demand at Wilmington shelter

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Unseasonably hot temperatures pushed more people indoors across the Cape Fear region Friday, as local shelters reported an increase in demand for relief from the heat.

In Wilmington, where temperatures approached 90 degrees, the Good Shepherd Center expected about 100 people to seek shelter.

Executive Director Katrina Knight said the organization is providing a cool place to stay, along with water and food, to help people experiencing homelessness cope with the conditions.

“Our folks do a lot of walking, they do a lot of waiting for public transportation sometimes there is a good period of time out in the elements as they go to work or their appointments so we are just really emphasizing safety,” Knight said.

Knight said the center is encouraging those without stable housing to stay hydrated and take breaks indoors after extended periods in the heat.