Hillsborough County residents facing cold temperatures Thursday and Friday night can seek refuge in local cold weather shelters. Shelters open when the NWS forecasts temperatures at or below 40°F, including wind chill, for at least two hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., as reported on the Hillsborough County website.
Due to high demand during this cold spell, residents without adequate heating are encouraged to first seek help from friends or family. Hillsborough County, with local organizations, will provide shelter for adults in need. Shelters open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, but may close early if full.
Available shelters include Hyde Park United Methodist Church’s Harnish Center (Thursday only), Tampa Bay Mission of Hope, Amazing Love Ministries, and others. Families with children can receive motel vouchers from Metropolitan Ministries on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required by calling (813) 209-1176 until 5 p.m. today or while vouchers last.
For more information on cold-weather shelters, including the Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park, Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries in Plant City, and The Portico (open Friday only), residents can visit the Hillsborough County website. The shelters are part of an ongoing partnership between the county and local faith organizations to provide essential services during extreme cold.
