When temperatures approach triple digits, most people retreat inside to soak up the air conditioning.

Many people don't have that luxury though, and it can be brutal both indoors and out.

It's been a tough two weeks for the Smithfield Rescue Mission; they lost their air conditioning and don't have the funding to get everything fixed.

Over the years, the air conditioning units have slowly broken down, but Paul and Margie Olsen, directors of the group, were hoping they could get through one summer on them.

"We've used them about as long as we could. We've patched them up a number of times, and I think they're finally just about dead," said Margie Olsen.

Things have improved, however slightly, over the last couple days, though.

"It's at least bearable in there right now," said Paul Olsen.

One of the residents scrounged up a couple window units, and they've borrowed another from a neighbor -- but it's really only comfortable if you're sitting directly in front of one.

The Olsens have basically abandoned their office area, because it's in a separate building, and all the air conditioning is being used in the living quarters.

Before those window units, though, it was brutal.

"It'd be so hot you'd have to get up and come outside and sit, because it's cooler outside than it was in the sleeping quarters," said Allen Tompkins, who's been staying at the mission for a few weeks now.

Their biggest problem is finding a permanent fix.

"What we have right now doesn't do it too well," said Margie Olsen.

One repairman said a fully functional, up-to-code air conditioning system would cost about $15,000, which is a lot more than the rescue mission can afford.

The rescue mission has seven men that they're helping out right now, and have turned at least two more away for the time being because they don't want to take anyone else in until things get worked out.

If you'd like to help out, you can contact the Olsens at (919) 934-9257 or check their website at www.smithfieldrescuemission.org.