Warming Shelter ILM to open again tonight, in need of volunteers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Warming Shelter ILM is reopening Tuesday night and is expected to remain open through at least Sunday night, which could make this one of the longest stints the shelter has ever been open.

This is not the first time the shelter has opened this winter as it opened in early and mid-December.

The shelter, located in the gym at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, will only open after two consecutive nights when the temperature drops below 30 degrees.

Close to 100 people can be housed at the shelter.

They provide a hot meal, games, and movies for guests to enjoy during the evening.

Pastor Benny Oakes said the shelter’s biggest need will be having enough volunteers to help if it remains open for so long.

“So right now, volunteers have been good,” Oakes said. “We have almost every slot for the time being filled up. However, as we add more days, there’s probably the chance that we’ll need more volunteers and more time slots and really it is a day-to-day thing.”

Steven McAllister was once homeless for more than 6 months and said volunteering at the warming shelter helps him not forget what he went through.

“I was homeless when I first got to Wilmington so I understand, you know, the concept, you know, of this,” McAllister said. “And just the, you know, not forget where I come from so that’s why I give back.”

Pastor Oakes said it would be great if the city and county were able to assist the homeless in any way.

“Yes, I think all of us can be doing more, the city and county certainly among the organizations that need to be leading the way with us. This ministry works so well is that we rely on the community for volunteers, for food, for clothing, for just the support and we would love to see the city and county continue to participate in more ways.”

According to a spokesperson for New Hanover County, the county does not own any facilities that are used as warming shelters.

WWAY reached out to the City of Wilmington about this story but did not hear back.

To donate, volunteer, or learn more about the warming shelter, you can visit their Facebook page.