As temperatures dip in St. Johns County, warmth and refuge come in the form of the Cold Night Shelter program. In an effort to assist those who lack adequate shelter, the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine — known to locals as the pumpkin church, located at 118 King St. — opened its doors yesterday, January 28 at 8:30 p.m. to provide overnight shelter for the homeless and vulnerable. The church's actions remind us of the power of community and human kindness in the face of discomfort and need.
In a social media post shared by St. Johns County, important information about the shelter was disseminated to the public. The post included a note regarding the temporary interruption of their hotline service, which "is currently experiencing technical difficulties and is expected to resume later today." This hiccup in communication underscores the need for direct community engagement and sharing of critical service information. The cold night shelter hotline, for those looking for a warm place or wishing to assist, is (904) 819-4344.
Amidst the dropping temperatures, this announcement comes not just as a bulletin, but as a clarion call for a collective effort. Acknowledging the essential support of volunteers, St. Johns County expressed gratitude: "A special thank you to the volunteers who are working overnight to host our shelter guests." Their contribution is a testament to the shared responsibility felt by members of the community, who come together to uphold the safety and well-being of their most vulnerable neighbors.
The information regarding the shelter's operations and the temporary hotline issue were addressed in a public notice on the official Facebook page of St. Johns County.
