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Bitter cold prompts 24-hour shelter opening in Pulaski

PULASKI, Va. – Bitter temperatures and wind are here in our region for the next few days. In the New River Valley, the temperatures continue to feel like it’s in the single digits, prompting the need for warming shelters.

Pulaski County Emergency Manager Brad Wright said temperatures are extremely dangerous for those not prepared.

“Under these conditions, hypothermia can actually set in within 30 minutes of being out and exposed,” Wright said.

Since it’s so cold outside, many of us do not want to be out here too long, but that is why places like the City of Refuge in Pulaski County have opened up to keep people warm who have nowhere else to go.

“It’s life-threateningly cold,” said Terri Sternberg, a volunteer helping at the warming shelter.

Normally, they only open at night, but have expanded to 24 hours so people will have a safe place to get warm.

“I’d rather see somebody come in here and spend the day then go outside and who knows,” said Blankenship. “When it’s cold temperatures like it is, some bad things can happen.”

He said they saw a big need during the past two storms this winter.

“We’ve seen I think as high as 10 people and one night it was just one,” Blankenship said.

“I would say for this small of a community, it is significant enough for us to not be blind to it,” Sternberg said.

The shelter offers meals, a place to rest, and most importantly, a place to stay warm.

“They lay their head down and you can tell they are at peace because there is no worries,” said Blankenship. “There is people in here that cares for them and wants to help them out. So that peace goes a long way when you lay your head down.”

They are working on finding a more permanent shelter for people in need in the future.


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About the Author
Thomas Mundy headshot

Thomas grew up right here in Roanoke and is a graduate of Salem High School and Virginia Tech.