As the winter chill descends upon Pinellas County, preparations are in place to provide some respite for those without a place to call home. The Homeless Leadership Alliance has confirmed that cold night shelters will be operating on Monday night, providing a necessary haven from the expected sub-40-degree temperatures. According to their announcement, these shelters will open their doors from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., welcoming guests until they reach capacity, and, often serving a meal alongside a warm spot to rest for the night.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is stepping in to assist with transportation, dangling the offer of free bus rides to individuals heading to these shelters. From 5 p.m. Monday to 7 a.m. the next day, rides to shelter sites are on the house, just let the driver know where you're headed. According to the county's announcement, those in need can catch PSTA Route #19 for St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Tarpon Springs, or Route #52A to reach First United Methodist Church of Clearwater, a place where leashed or contained pets can also seek refuge.
A number of churches and facilities in the area, including the Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park and the Unitarian Universalist Church in St. Petersburg, have opened their doors as part of this initiative. Moreover, for St. Petersburg residents, PSTA offers several routes — such as Route #4A or B for Salvation Army and Route #16, #38 to Allendale Church — ensuring several access points to warmth for those facing the icy bite of the cold night.
While adults find solace in these communal shelters, families with children are not forgotten, they are directed towards separate family shelters, with space contingent on availability. Families in need are urged to contact 2-1-1, First Contact for more information. This outreach is a lifeline in the keen edge of winter, and as the county's notice indicates, the Homeless Leadership Alliance encourages the community to step forward as volunteers to support this and future activations, directing those interested to their website to get involved.
