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For Immediate Release: January 26, 2026

For Media Inquiries:
Kristin Prelipp, Asst. Community Relations Director
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov
(office) 919.245.2322

Orange County, NC — Orange County Government plans to close the public shelter at Smith Middle School at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Shelter staff is coordinating transportation for residents.

Residents who need a warm place during the day are encouraged to visit available public facilities, including:

Addresses and operating hours for these locations are available online. Please note that hours may change due to weather-related closures.

When overnight temperatures are 32 degrees or below, Orange County Cold Weather Shelters will be available to community members in need of shelter. Residents who require transportation to the Orange County Chapel Hill shelter should contact the Street Outreach team by 6:00 p.m. at 919-886-3351 for assistance and availability. Free bus routes are also available for transportation to the Chapel Hill shelter.

The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) Cold Weather Shelters are open every night through March:

Residents should call 919-929-6380 to confirm availability (extension 3000 for men; extension 4000 for women).

Temperatures are expected to be in the teens overnight and around freezing during the day for the remainder of the week. Orange County urges residents to limit exposure to cold and take precautions, including:

Residents should also be aware of the warning signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, and confusion. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move indoors to warm gradually and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions at www.weather.gov/RAH and plan ahead for cold nights.

For more information, visit www.orangecountync.gov or contact the Orange County Housing Department at 919-245-2490. Community members may also call the Orange County Public Information Line at 919-245-6111.