White Flag events — when an emergency shelter is required to be open to anyone who is homeless and needs a warm place to stay — will soon be declared when the temperature or wind chill hits 32°. The former threshold was 15°.
The City of Owensboro and Daviess County Fiscal Court announced Wednesday they both agreed to amend their current White Flag agreement. The change will not go into effect until both agencies pass the amendment at their respective meetings. The City meets again on November 21; the County meets on December 7.
Once approved, White Flag events will be declared when the National Weather Service forecasts any temperature or wind chill at or below 32° during the overnight period from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The Daniel Pitino Shelter will continue to serve as the designated White Flag shelter during the season — which will end March 31, 2024. There White Flag participants will be offered meals by shelter workers.
The Owensboro Transit System will also provide free bus transportation to participants heading to the Pitino Shelter Monday-Friday. Individuals needing transportation on the weekends or after the final bus run can contact the Daniel Pitino Shelter at 270-688-9000.
The change to the temperature threshold comes after advocates spoke out at the most recent City Commission meeting. Read more about the previous policy and how advocates help spark the change here.
To prepare for the change, Pitino Shelter Executive Director Harry Pedigo previously said they are looking to hire staff members dedicated to facilitating the 14-hour shift.
