DOVER, Del. - As temperatures soar into the 90s across Delaware, cooling centers are providing neighbors with a safe place to escape the heat and access resources that go beyond air conditioning.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services activated cooling centers statewide this week as a multi-day heat wave settled over the First State. In Kent County, residents can seek relief at locations in Dover and Smyrna.
At the James Williams State Service Center in Dover, visitors can cool off indoors, stay hydrated and connect with support services.
For David, the center serves as a valuable resource during difficult times.
"When I don't have food, I can get refreshments, snacks, things of that nature," he said. "It's resourceful."
Staff say many of the people visiting the center are experiencing homelessness, financial hardship or lack reliable access to air conditioning.
"Right now it's a lot of people out here, they're homeless. They're hot," said Sabrina Mosby, Williams State Service Center administrator. "We always have food and water provided. And with this heat, we want to try to make them as comfortable as possible."
The center offers water, juice, meals and pantry items for those in need. According to staff, the goal is to make sure anyone seeking help feels welcome.
"We don't want nobody to feel like they can't come in and receive help," said Mosby. "We try to give them water, juice, drinks, provide food. We have chicken, we have fish. We have a lot of things in our pantry in order to help the clients as well."
Mosby said the need for assistance continues to grow as many Delawareans face economic challenges.
"We have a deficit. People are really going through it right now and we want them to know that we're here to help them," she said.
In addition to food and beverages, the James Williams State Service Center connects residents with other organizations and agencies that can assist with housing, employment and other needs.
"No matter what the need, this is almost like a one-stop shop," Mosby said. "We have other agencies in here as well."
As the heat wave continues, officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and take advantage of cooling centers if they need a place to cool down.
For many visitors, those centers are providing more than relief from the heat—they're offering support, resources and a sense of community.
For more information regarding locations and times, click here.
