Emergency shelters in Orange County are provided by Orange County, Inter-Faith Council for Social Service and the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Cold Weather Shelters
Cold Weather Cots is an emergency shelter program run jointly by Orange County and the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service. The program provides shelter for residents living unhoused during the winter.
Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
The IFC shelter locations are open every night November through March.
Orange County
The Orange County shelter location is open on nights when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees. Men, women and families are welcome. Walk-ins are accepted. Cots, blankets and snacks are provided.
Call 919-245-2490 to hear more information.
Starting Dec. 15, no cold weather shelters will be available in Hillsborough. People needing transportation to the county shelter may contact the county's street outreach team at 919-886-3351 by 6 p.m. each day for assistance. Free bus routes also are available for transportation to Chapel Hill.
Emergency Shelters
Orange County officials work with the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross to open emergency shelters in two primary locations:
Shelter Reminders
Before and During Shelter Openings
Shelters require residents to be as informed and prepared as possible.
- If you will need special assistance, call 919-245-2884 to register for assistance before a disaster strikes.
- For emergency transportation, call 919-245-6100.
- Shelter locations may change depending on the emergency.
- Listen to the radio for directions concerning shelter openings.
- Shelters will have food and water but will not have easy access to medications or other personal needs.
- Smoking is not allowed in shelters.
Bring
- Photo identification
- Regularly taken medications
- Insurance information
- Bedding
- Towels
- Comfortable clothing
- Personal radios with headphones
- Games, reading material or other things to pass the time — especially for children
- Specialty items for your personal needs
Do Not Bring
- Weapons
- Illegal drugs
- Candles
- Valuables
Pets, Service Animals and Livestock
Form a plan for your pets to keep them safe during severe weather. See the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' website for information on disaster planning with pets.
Orange County has the following regulations for animals at shelters:
- Service animals for the hearing and visually impaired are allowed in shelters.
- Orange County Animal Services staff will be on hand to board pets in the best manner possible.
- Owners of large animals and livestock should make preparations for their animals. Very limited support for these animals will be provided in a disaster.