Our White/Red Flag Programs are seasonal programs that offer additional emergency shelter for men, women, and children. It is a unique and incredibly important program in our community. The program started in the winter of 2010.
How/when is White/Red Flag called?
- When the temperatures are going to be below 32 degrees for 3 consecutive hours overnight.
- On any evening following a day when there has been a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Vanderburgh County and temperatures do not cool below 80 degrees for more than 3 consecutive hours overnight.
What happens to allow White/Red flag to happen?
This program happens in the Day Shelter (at night) and UCS staff typically determines whether or not there will be White/Red flag by 12:00 pm. White/Red flag hours are typically from the time when we are able to convert the Day Shelter (by) 7:00 pm – 6:30 am. To set up, we move and stack all of the tables and chairs in the Day Shelter and put mattresses and/or sleep mats on the floor. The reverse is done in the morning to prepare for regular day shelter operations.
Who can utilize White/Red flag?
Everyone is welcome at White/Red flag — men, women, children, drunk or sober are allowed to come in, out of the life-threatening elements, to spend the night in a safe place. This program is a matter of life and death — a matter of compassion and dignity. While all are welcome, standard night shelter rules for behavior apply and disruptive guests may be asked to leave. No outside food or drinks are allowed in the shelter. Restroom services (but no showers) are available.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Pigeon Township Trustee’s Office.
1,558
Bed/nights of additional emergency shelter provided in 2019
34 Individuals
were helped, on average, each night during white/red flag in 2019
White Flag Operational Protocols
